The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) implemented conservation measures in an effort to help the Apalachicola Bay oyster population recover from the effects of low river flow. Apalachicola Bay oyster populations have significantly declined in recent years due to lack of sufficient fresh water flows in the Apalachicola River. This new suite of conservation measures enhances those the FWC put into place for the 2013 winter and 2014 summer seasons. The FWC will continue to assess the health of the bay to make sure this critical natural resource is protected.

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is expanding again, but not in land mass. Two rare Grévy Zebras were born within hours of each other from two different moms, Blitz and Twitch. Both babies are called “colts” because they have been identified as being male. The new Zebra moms and colts are being kept in an area all to themselves, “so they can concentrate on just being moms,” said Zookeeper Christy Barnes. Barnes is responsible for the Zoo’s large mammals to include the rhinos, deer, antelope, hippos, watusi, gorillas, chimps, and kudu. Barnes also said that Zebra moms can be aggressive toward other animals if she feels that the colt is being threatened. Hence the separate area just off of

Just 11 provisional votes decided whether or not there would be a recount in the tight race between two seated county commissioners. In the end, Bob Cole received enough provisional votes to eliminate the need for a recount against fellow commissioner Jim Melvin, who also had to seek the District 2 seat after redistricting in 2010.