Florida Matters: Fighting Invasive Species (July 17, 2009)

On Television

United States - Cuba Relations

This week we meet up with some of Florida’s Cuban Americans to discuss our state's history with Cuba and our strained relationship, that continues today. We also talk embargo with some early exiles of the Castro revolution. We hear from Roberto Quiros, a Tampa man who escaped Cuba in 1994 by raft as he shares the drama of his experience.

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On the Radio

Fighting Invasive Species

Burmese pythons are getting plenty of attention lately. Congress is considering a federal ban on importing the snakes and moving them across state lines, and there has been talk of hunting the snakes down. Florida has many non-native plants, pests and animals that aren't as threatening to humans but still cause harm. This week, learn about some of those species and efforts to limit their impact.

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Program Schedule

Radio - Tuesday at 6:30 PM | Sunday at 7:30 AM on WUSF 89.7 Friday at 7:00 PM on WSMR 89.1

Radio Guests

Kristina Serbesoff-KingCo-chair of the Florida Invasive Species Partnership and Invasive Species Program Manager at the Nature Conservancy

Capt. Jeff FobbMiami-Dade Fire Rescue Dept.

Mike BodleSenior Scientist at the South Florida Water Management District

Scott HardinExotic Species Coordinator at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Audio extras

Capt. Jeff Fobb explains that most species of pythons aren't the huge 20-foot snakes often mentioned. (0:57)

Kristina Serbesoff-King describes a couple of invasive insects that she says are becoming problematic right now. (0:59

Listen to our guests’ thoughts about the proposed federal controls on exotic animals like pythons. (3:25)

TV: Related Links

La Gaceta

Cuban Sandwich Recipe

Radio: Related Links

Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health

Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants - University of Florida

Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Nonnative Species Information

Florida Invasive Species Partnership

Florida’s Invasive Species Working Group

Global Invasive Species Database

Regulations for Nonnative Species and Wildlife Kept as Pets in Florida

Resources from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Watch video of the training Capt. Jeff Fobb provides to wildlife officials: WPTV - West Palm Beach

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Florida Matters

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State.