Climate

Floridians are in for higher-than-usual temperatures this summer.

Why it matters: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's climate outlook for June through August indicates Florida will be a hotter and more precarious place to be during the summer.

Conservation groups and some state lawmakers are warning that the Florida Legislature's recent move to block seasonal fertilizer bans could hamper local efforts to improve water quality. 

Why it matters: The state's waterbodies are already grappling with red tide, a toxic algae bloom known to devastate marine life and repel tourists.

Eco-friendly waste programs are being overhauled across Pinellas County to help residents go green successfully.

Driving the news: St. Petersburg recently announced the return of its backyard composting program, which now requires an in-person workshop.

Air quality in Tampa Bay, as measured by fine particle pollution, has worsened since 2015.

Why it matters: Fine particles, generated from fossil fuel burning and other sources, can enter our bodies when we breathe, making their way to the lungs or bloodstream and causing myriad health problems.

Earth Day is Saturday, and there are plenty of ways to be a good citizen and celebrate in Tampa Bay this weekend.

Ecofest: Check out live music, food trucks and informational booths. You can also meet with local vendors with green living products, organic farmers and gardeners with fresh produce, alternative health practitioners, renewable energy specialists, and a variety of green businesses.

National Geographic photographer Carlton Ward Jr. is debuting his documentary "Path of the Panther" this week on streaming channels to boost awareness about the endangered Florida panther and how the Florida Wildlife Corridor can help.

Why it matters: The Florida panther is an "umbrella species," he told Axios Today. "[If] you protect the land you need to save one panther, you end up saving habitat for so many other species of wildlife that depend on that same land."