Max Chesnes
@maxchesnes.bsky.social
Environment reporter, Tampa Bay Times
Instagram 📸 MaxChesnes
Instagram 📸 MaxChesnes
The Trump administration wants to open up the eastern Gulf to oil drilling, pushing closer to Florida shores.
The pushback is swift, with Gov. DeSantis urging the feds to reconsider
thttps://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2025/11/20/oil-drilling-florida-gulf/
The pushback is swift, with Gov. DeSantis urging the feds to reconsider
thttps://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2025/11/20/oil-drilling-florida-gulf/
Trump administration proposes pushing offshore oil drilling closer to Florida shores
The plan ignited immediate pushback from Florida politicians and the coastal communities they represent.
www.tampabay.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:10 AM
The Trump administration wants to open up the eastern Gulf to oil drilling, pushing closer to Florida shores.
The pushback is swift, with Gov. DeSantis urging the feds to reconsider
thttps://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2025/11/20/oil-drilling-florida-gulf/
The pushback is swift, with Gov. DeSantis urging the feds to reconsider
thttps://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2025/11/20/oil-drilling-florida-gulf/
Earlier this summer, Floridians felt blindsided by a rushed proposal to trade away 600 acres of pristine wilderness preserve in St. Johns
Now, a Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill for more transparency around possible sales of conservation lands
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Now, a Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill for more transparency around possible sales of conservation lands
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
After ‘alarming’ Guana land swap idea, Florida lawmaker files bill for more transparency
The measure would give the public more advanced notice when conservation land is being proposed for a sale or swap.
www.tampabay.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Earlier this summer, Floridians felt blindsided by a rushed proposal to trade away 600 acres of pristine wilderness preserve in St. Johns
Now, a Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill for more transparency around possible sales of conservation lands
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Now, a Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill for more transparency around possible sales of conservation lands
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Reposted by Max Chesnes
Many thanks to the journalism of @maxchesnes.bsky.social and the Tampa Bay Times.
October 17, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Many thanks to the journalism of @maxchesnes.bsky.social and the Tampa Bay Times.
Reposted by Max Chesnes
I dug a bit into Cabot’s dealings with the Florida gov over state parkland last year. What I read should be a warning to Nova Scotians. In short, secrecy, money and contempt for the public. The post was to inform my local community on fb, but here it is with links: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/37x8c...
www.dropbox.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:12 PM
I dug a bit into Cabot’s dealings with the Florida gov over state parkland last year. What I read should be a warning to Nova Scotians. In short, secrecy, money and contempt for the public. The post was to inform my local community on fb, but here it is with links: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/37x8c...
NEW: I’ve interviewed more than a dozen longtime Florida conservation experts, including former regulators who combined have worked under 5 governors
All shared concerns with me about the state’s recent purchase of a 4-acre property for $83 million. More:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
All shared concerns with me about the state’s recent purchase of a 4-acre property for $83 million. More:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
‘A sham’: Florida’s longtime conservation experts question pricey 4-acre Destin purchase
When Florida is in urgent need of more conservation land, why were four waterfront acres made the top priority?
www.tampabay.com
October 10, 2025 at 4:13 PM
NEW: I’ve interviewed more than a dozen longtime Florida conservation experts, including former regulators who combined have worked under 5 governors
All shared concerns with me about the state’s recent purchase of a 4-acre property for $83 million. More:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
All shared concerns with me about the state’s recent purchase of a 4-acre property for $83 million. More:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Dr. Jane Goodall was not just a force of nature. She was a fearless and unrelenting champion of it.
I had the honor of interviewing Jane in 2023 and 2024. Our conversations were optimistic and future-focused.
They always centered on one thing: hope.
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
I had the honor of interviewing Jane in 2023 and 2024. Our conversations were optimistic and future-focused.
They always centered on one thing: hope.
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Jane Goodall had a message for Floridians: Work together for nature
The Tampa Bay Times sat down with Dr. Jane Goodall in 2023 and 2024. Her message was always centered on hope.
www.tampabay.com
October 1, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Dr. Jane Goodall was not just a force of nature. She was a fearless and unrelenting champion of it.
I had the honor of interviewing Jane in 2023 and 2024. Our conversations were optimistic and future-focused.
They always centered on one thing: hope.
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
I had the honor of interviewing Jane in 2023 and 2024. Our conversations were optimistic and future-focused.
They always centered on one thing: hope.
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
NEW: Despite concerns from conservationists and Republican officials, FL leaders just voted to approve a fast-tracked deal to pay a campaign donor $83 million for his companies’ 4 acres of Destin land
“Let’s just say I have concerns,” said CFO Ingoglia
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
“Let’s just say I have concerns,” said CFO Ingoglia
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
DeSantis, top Florida officials vote to buy 4 acres for $83M, despite concerns
But one member of the Cabinet objected to the purchase.
www.tampabay.com
September 30, 2025 at 7:36 PM
NEW: Despite concerns from conservationists and Republican officials, FL leaders just voted to approve a fast-tracked deal to pay a campaign donor $83 million for his companies’ 4 acres of Destin land
“Let’s just say I have concerns,” said CFO Ingoglia
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
“Let’s just say I have concerns,” said CFO Ingoglia
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
🚨 In today’s Tampa Bay Times: The Florida Cabinet votes Tuesday to buy 4 acres of Destin land for a steep price tag: $83M
The land
•is not on the state’s conservation priority list
•is owned by a large campaign donor
Read more here:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
The land
•is not on the state’s conservation priority list
•is owned by a large campaign donor
Read more here:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
September 27, 2025 at 1:47 PM
🚨 In today’s Tampa Bay Times: The Florida Cabinet votes Tuesday to buy 4 acres of Destin land for a steep price tag: $83M
The land
•is not on the state’s conservation priority list
•is owned by a large campaign donor
Read more here:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
The land
•is not on the state’s conservation priority list
•is owned by a large campaign donor
Read more here:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Florida’s wildlife agency gave a license to a company to capture a manta ray — a federally designated threatened species — for Sea World in Abu Dhabi.
After a video of its capture went viral, a bipartisan collation of lawmakers is calling for a change:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
After a video of its capture went viral, a bipartisan collation of lawmakers is calling for a change:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
After viral video of giant manta ray capture, bipartisan Florida lawmakers want change
The state wildlife agency allowing the capture of a threatened species is “inconsistent with Florida’s own legacy of marine conservation,” the lawmakers wrote.
www.tampabay.com
September 4, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Florida’s wildlife agency gave a license to a company to capture a manta ray — a federally designated threatened species — for Sea World in Abu Dhabi.
After a video of its capture went viral, a bipartisan collation of lawmakers is calling for a change:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
After a video of its capture went viral, a bipartisan collation of lawmakers is calling for a change:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Reposted by Max Chesnes
Less than four months after #Florida’s state lands director abruptly resigned amid a controversy about the state trading away a wildlife preserve, her replacement is also stepping down. www.tampabay.com/news/environ... via @maxchesnes.bsky.social
Florida director of state lands resigns months after predecessor
The departure marks more turmoil after a year of public lands controversy.
www.tampabay.com
August 21, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Less than four months after #Florida’s state lands director abruptly resigned amid a controversy about the state trading away a wildlife preserve, her replacement is also stepping down. www.tampabay.com/news/environ... via @maxchesnes.bsky.social
Reposted by Max Chesnes
Popular #Florida campground to close because of hurricane damage & there's talk of selling the land, much to the horror of its many fans. www.tampabay.com/news/environ... via @maxchesnes.bsky.social
Chassahowitzka River campground to close, could be sold
The campground north of Tampa Bay is owned by a state water agency.
www.tampabay.com
August 16, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Popular #Florida campground to close because of hurricane damage & there's talk of selling the land, much to the horror of its many fans. www.tampabay.com/news/environ... via @maxchesnes.bsky.social
State water managers are considering selling the 40-acre Chassahowitzka River campground, a popular destination for Floridians who want access to winding the spring-fed river
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Chassahowitzka River campground to close, could be sold
The campground north of Tampa Bay is owned by a state water agency.
www.tampabay.com
August 16, 2025 at 2:10 PM
State water managers are considering selling the 40-acre Chassahowitzka River campground, a popular destination for Floridians who want access to winding the spring-fed river
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
A pair of Florida panther kittens — sisters born just a few months ago — were both hit and killed in Naples
That brings the statewide panther death total this year to 12. All but one have been caused by car strikes @tampabaytimes.bsky.social
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
That brings the statewide panther death total this year to 12. All but one have been caused by car strikes @tampabaytimes.bsky.social
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Endangered Florida panther kittens, born just months ago, hit and killed
Conservation groups said the deaths in Naples underscore the need for more wildlife crossings and habitat connectivity in a rapidly developing state.
www.tampabay.com
August 12, 2025 at 1:35 PM
A pair of Florida panther kittens — sisters born just a few months ago — were both hit and killed in Naples
That brings the statewide panther death total this year to 12. All but one have been caused by car strikes @tampabaytimes.bsky.social
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
That brings the statewide panther death total this year to 12. All but one have been caused by car strikes @tampabaytimes.bsky.social
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
A man shot and killed a bear in his yard. Under a new Florida self-defense law, he won’t face charges.
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
A man shot and killed a bear in his yard. He won’t face charges.
The incident has enraged an Okaloosa County neighborhood. But legal experts say the shooting is justified under a new state law.
www.tampabay.com
August 8, 2025 at 6:24 PM
A man shot and killed a bear in his yard. Under a new Florida self-defense law, he won’t face charges.
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Reposted by Max Chesnes
NEW: i spoke to nine (!) scientists across several disciplines whose work was cited in the new Department of Energy report that downplays the severity of climate change. all of them say their work was misrepresented, cherry picked, and/or lacked context —
Scientists Say New Government Climate Report Twists Their Work
A new Department of Energy report “fundamentally misrepresents” climate research and leaves out key context, multiple scientists cited in the report tell WIRED.
www.wired.com
July 30, 2025 at 8:38 PM
NEW: i spoke to nine (!) scientists across several disciplines whose work was cited in the new Department of Energy report that downplays the severity of climate change. all of them say their work was misrepresented, cherry picked, and/or lacked context —
In just four hours of marine debris cleanup in Tampa Bay:
•50+ abandoned crab traps
•Thousands of pounds of plastic
•Hundreds of feet of ropes and fishing line
•50+ abandoned crab traps
•Thousands of pounds of plastic
•Hundreds of feet of ropes and fishing line
July 20, 2025 at 1:38 PM
In just four hours of marine debris cleanup in Tampa Bay:
•50+ abandoned crab traps
•Thousands of pounds of plastic
•Hundreds of feet of ropes and fishing line
•50+ abandoned crab traps
•Thousands of pounds of plastic
•Hundreds of feet of ropes and fishing line
In 2016, Florida’s Big Cypress became the nation’s first “dark sky” preserve, a key designation to help endangered nocturnal species
But the leading group that classified the park now says artificial light from Alligator Alcatraz “directly threatens” that
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
But the leading group that classified the park now says artificial light from Alligator Alcatraz “directly threatens” that
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Darkness is crucial to Everglades habitat. Could Alligator Alcatraz threaten it?
Artificial light in a world-renowned “dark sky” preserve is just one of the environmental and human health concerns surrounding the facility.
www.tampabay.com
July 10, 2025 at 1:12 PM
In 2016, Florida’s Big Cypress became the nation’s first “dark sky” preserve, a key designation to help endangered nocturnal species
But the leading group that classified the park now says artificial light from Alligator Alcatraz “directly threatens” that
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
But the leading group that classified the park now says artificial light from Alligator Alcatraz “directly threatens” that
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
82-year-old Clyde Butcher, world-renowned photographer who last year earned a presidential medal for his life’s work documenting the Florida Everglades, joined protests yesterday against the state’s proposed “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center
June 23, 2025 at 4:46 PM
82-year-old Clyde Butcher, world-renowned photographer who last year earned a presidential medal for his life’s work documenting the Florida Everglades, joined protests yesterday against the state’s proposed “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center
Reposted by Max Chesnes
Fired #Florida state parks whistleblower sues the state over his firing www.tampabay.com/news/environ... via @maxchesnes.bsky.social
Fired Florida state parks whistleblower sues state agency for retaliation
Former Florida Department of Environmental Protection employee James Gaddis claims he was told to keep plans secret.
www.tampabay.com
June 11, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Fired #Florida state parks whistleblower sues the state over his firing www.tampabay.com/news/environ... via @maxchesnes.bsky.social
Poaching, sweeping habitat loss and dwindling wetlands have plummeted the population of one of Florida’s most beloved flowers
Now, U.S. Fish and Wildlife proposes bolstering ghost orchid protections by adding it to the endangered species list
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Now, U.S. Fish and Wildlife proposes bolstering ghost orchid protections by adding it to the endangered species list
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Facing extinction, rare Florida swamp flower could get more protections
Federal wildlife officials estimate there are fewer than 1,000 ghost orchids remaining in the United States.
www.tampabay.com
June 9, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Poaching, sweeping habitat loss and dwindling wetlands have plummeted the population of one of Florida’s most beloved flowers
Now, U.S. Fish and Wildlife proposes bolstering ghost orchid protections by adding it to the endangered species list
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
Now, U.S. Fish and Wildlife proposes bolstering ghost orchid protections by adding it to the endangered species list
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
BREAKING: DeSantis signs bill prohibiting golf, hotels on Florida state parks
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
DeSantis signs bill prohibiting golf, hotels on Florida state parks
The governor had said he would sign it, but it directly challenged a plan pursued by his administration.
www.tampabay.com
May 22, 2025 at 10:57 PM
BREAKING: DeSantis signs bill prohibiting golf, hotels on Florida state parks
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
This week marked the 30th story in our series about the DeSantis’ administration’s plans last year to develop state parks with hotels and golf courses
All of those stories are now in one place 👇
www.tampabay.com/topics/state...
All of those stories are now in one place 👇
www.tampabay.com/topics/state...
State Parks saga | Tampa Bay Times
In 2024, the DeSantis administration proposed developing state parks across Florida with golf courses, hotels, pickleball courts and more. The Tampa Bay Times revealed and broke news of the plans, cov...
www.tampabay.com
May 9, 2025 at 5:23 PM
This week marked the 30th story in our series about the DeSantis’ administration’s plans last year to develop state parks with hotels and golf courses
All of those stories are now in one place 👇
www.tampabay.com/topics/state...
All of those stories are now in one place 👇
www.tampabay.com/topics/state...
BREAKING: The Legislature just delivered a decisive victory to Floridians who treasure their state parks, passing a bill to ban golf courses and hotels in parks
The bill heads to the desk of the governor, whose admin’s plans prompted protests last summer
The bill heads to the desk of the governor, whose admin’s plans prompted protests last summer
After wanting golf in state parks, DeSantis must now decide on a bill to ban it
The Florida Legislature sent a bill to protect state parks to DeSantis’ desk Thursday, countering his secret plans last summer.
www.tampabay.com
May 1, 2025 at 4:49 PM
BREAKING: The Legislature just delivered a decisive victory to Floridians who treasure their state parks, passing a bill to ban golf courses and hotels in parks
The bill heads to the desk of the governor, whose admin’s plans prompted protests last summer
The bill heads to the desk of the governor, whose admin’s plans prompted protests last summer
Reposted by Max Chesnes
Congrats @maxchesnes.bsky.social & Emily Mahoney
of the @tampabaytimes.bsky.social for winning the Lucy Morgan Award for their #journalism exposing DeSantis administration plan to put hotels, golf courses and sports courts on #Florida parks. Lucy would be proud. www.tampabay.com/news/2025/04....
of the @tampabaytimes.bsky.social for winning the Lucy Morgan Award for their #journalism exposing DeSantis administration plan to put hotels, golf courses and sports courts on #Florida parks. Lucy would be proud. www.tampabay.com/news/2025/04....
Tampa Bay Times journalists Max Chesnes, Emily L. Mahoney win Lucy Morgan Prize
Chesnes and Mahoney accepted the award during a newsroom ceremony Wednesday.
www.tampabay.com
April 21, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Congrats @maxchesnes.bsky.social & Emily Mahoney
of the @tampabaytimes.bsky.social for winning the Lucy Morgan Award for their #journalism exposing DeSantis administration plan to put hotels, golf courses and sports courts on #Florida parks. Lucy would be proud. www.tampabay.com/news/2025/04....
of the @tampabaytimes.bsky.social for winning the Lucy Morgan Award for their #journalism exposing DeSantis administration plan to put hotels, golf courses and sports courts on #Florida parks. Lucy would be proud. www.tampabay.com/news/2025/04....
Florida’s natural history is etched by hurricanes pushing wildlife from one place to the next
I wrote about the most recent example: these land tortoises survived miles of open water in Hurricane Helene’s storm surge
They’re now thriving on a new island:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
I wrote about the most recent example: these land tortoises survived miles of open water in Hurricane Helene’s storm surge
They’re now thriving on a new island:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
April 1, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Florida’s natural history is etched by hurricanes pushing wildlife from one place to the next
I wrote about the most recent example: these land tortoises survived miles of open water in Hurricane Helene’s storm surge
They’re now thriving on a new island:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...
I wrote about the most recent example: these land tortoises survived miles of open water in Hurricane Helene’s storm surge
They’re now thriving on a new island:
www.tampabay.com/news/environ...