January 2026 Seasonal Closures for Gulf and Atlantic Waters

December 11th, 2025

On November 18, 2025, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Martin County Environmental Resources, sank a 227-foot derelict freight vessel named Borocho to create a new artificial reef off the coast of Martin County. The ship now rests nearly 200 feet below the surface, nine miles offshore from the St. Lucie Inlet.

The vessel had been abandoned in the Miami River for more than a decade before the FWC’s Derelict Vessel Program stepped in to remove and repurpose it. Rather than opting for costly land disposal, the agency chose artificial reefing—a sustainable and cost-effective solution that transforms disused ships into thriving marine habitats.

Now known as the Boo McCulley Reef, this new site honors John “Boo” McCulley, a pioneer in Florida’s artificial reef development. The reef extends the Sirotkin permitted area, a popular 1.14-nautical-mile fishing corridor where anglers target species such as mackerel, amberjack, and snapper.

The project highlights how responsible marine management can both protect Florida’s waterways and create new opportunities for fishing and diving. Artificial reefs like this one enhance biodiversity, support fish populations, and give new life to the Gulf and Atlantic ecosystems.

HEALTH ADVISORIES – FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Enterococcus bacteria are associated with the digestive systems of birds and mammals.  Their presence in the environment indicates the presence of bird or mammal feces.  Detection of Enterococcus in water sources is used as a proxy for possible human waste and health concerns.  Health advisories are issued to marine waterways by the Department of Health following US EPA protocols if the level of Enterococcus is above 71 colonies/100ml of sample.  We post the weekly reports below and provide quarterly updates.

NOVEMBER 17, 2025     

NO HEALTH ADVISORIES ISSUED THIS WEEK.

Good – Sanders Beach, Bruce Beach, Bayou Texar 

Moderate –

Poor –

NOVEMBER 12, 2025     

HEALTH ADVISORIES ISSUED LAST WEEK FOR BRUCE BEACH.

Good – Sanders Beach, Bayou Texar 

Moderate –

Poor – Bruce Beach

2025 HEALTH ADVISORY SUMMARY

260 samples – 23 advisories issued – 9% of samples collected  

SANITARY SEWER OVERFLOWS – EMERALD COAST UTILITY AUTHORITY

LAST SANITARY SEWAGE OVERFLOW – NOV 3 – NEAR 5615 SCENIC HWY. 

Cause: overflow manhole caused by a tree root blockage. 

Spill: 1,800 gallons

RED TIDE REPORTS – FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

These reports are provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

“Bears are opportunistic eaters with very strong senses of smell. To prevent bears from associating your yard or neighborhood with a free meal, remove any attractants such as unsecured trash or bird seed,” said Mike Orlando, FWC Bear Management Program Coordinator. “When bears can’t find food, they’ll move on.”

To help prevent conflicts with bears, follow these six easy BearWise Basics:

1. Never feed or approach bears

• Feeding bears can make them lose their natural fear of people.
• It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause conflicts.
• Getting close to a wild animal is dangerous.

2. Secure food and garbage

• Store garbage in a sturdy shed or garage and then put it out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before.
• If not stored in a secured building modify your existing garbage can to make it more bear-resistant or use a bear-resistant container.
• Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters.
• Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock with 
• Pick ripe fruit from trees and bushes and remove fallen fruit from the ground.

3. Remove or secure bird feeders

• Remove bird feeders where bears are present.
• If bird feeders are left up, only put enough food out for birds to finish eating before dark
• Use other options to attract birds, not bears.

4. Never leave pet food outdoors

• Feed pets indoors.
• If feeding pets outdoors, only put food outside for short time periods and bring in leftover food and dishes after each feeding.

5. Clean and store grills

• Clean and degrease grills and smokers after each use.
• If mobile, store them in a secure shed or garage.

6. Alert neighbors to bear activity

• If you see a bear, let your neighbors know.
• Share tips on how to avoid conflicts with bears.
• Encourage your homeowner’s association or local government to institute bylaws or ordinances to require trash be kept secure.

While black bears generally are not aggressive, they can injure people and pets. Female bears with cubs can be particularly defensive and protective of their offspring. Dogs can trigger from bears; 60% of incidents where bears injured people in Florida involved dogs. When walking dogs, keep them close to you – preferably on a non-retractable leash – and be aware of your surroundings. Before letting your dog out at night, flip lights on and off and bang on the door to give bears and other wildlife a chance to flee.

This rule will help mitigate identification challenges associated with other prohibited shark species and promote conservation for large coastal hammerheads. 

Learn more about other prohibited shark species by visiting MyFWC.com/Sharks.­

For the full Commission Meeting Nov. 5-6 agenda, including links to background reports, go to MyFWC.com/About and click on “The Commission” and “Commission Meetings.”