Environment

Monday, June 1, 2026

2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Opens With Florida Facing Elevated Storm Risk

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially began June 1, with forecasters noting current atmospheric conditions are suppressing early tropical development. Florida has been identified as the state at highest risk of a named storm passing within 50 miles, and both FPL and Duke Energy have announced preparations to handle potential outages. In an average season, the Atlantic Basin produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes, with the first name on this year’s list being Arthur.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun · WUFT News

Levy County secures $2M grant to restore oyster reef at Cedar Key

Levy County commissioners obtained a $2 million RESTORE Act grant — federal funds established after the 2010 BP oil spill — to rebuild Corrigan’s Reef near Cedar Key. The Cedar Key Oystermen’s Association, whose president noted that back-to-back hurricanes Idalia and Helene in 2023 and 2024 slowed recovery, is leading the restoration effort. Oyster populations along Florida’s coast have been declining, with major storms accelerating the damage to underwater habitat.

Sources: WCJB TV20

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