Atlantis Launch Countdown Begins
Space shuttle Atlantis, set to lift off on Monday, began its countdown at 1:00 pm, today. According to NASA managers, Atlantis, its payload and crew are ready for launch at 2:28 pm, est on Monday. NASA Test Director, Charlie Blackwell-Thompson reported everything is progressing on schedule..
$50 Billion to Clean up Florida’s Filth?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recently agreed to set legal, enforceable limits on Florida’s stark water pollution problem, focusing particularly on high levels of sewerage, manure and fertilizers which pollute that State’s lakes and rivers. Such as move by the EPA is to be applauded, given the many years of inaction.
Ida Makes Landfall
At 6:40 a.m. EST today, Tropical Storm Ida made landfall on Dauphin Island, Alabama. As of 7 a.m. Ida was located 25 miles south of Mobile, Alabama. Maximum winds were near 45 mph. Ida is moving toward the northeast at 9 mph.
Crist Declares State of Emergency
At 1 p.m. today, the center of Tropical Storm Ida was located 220 miles south – southwest of Pensacola, Florida. Maximum winds were near 70 mph. Ida is moving toward the north-northwest at 18 mph. The center of Ida is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast on Tuesday morning. Governor Crist today issued an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in all Florida counties.
Hurricane IDA eyes Northern Gulf Coast
At 9:00 pm, cst, a hurricane warning was issued for the Northern Gulf Coast from Pascagoula Mississippi Eastward to Indian Pass Florida. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
World Class Tropical Paradise To Open in Naples
Executive Director Brian Holley has announced that Naples Botanical Garden will open to the public at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2009. This is the world’s first significant tropical botanical garden to open in decades and the only garden in the U.S. with a superstar design team,” Holley commented. “They have created a world-class tropical paradise that is not only a sensory delight but also a place for recreation, reflection and education for today and generations to come.”
FSU Symposium: Offshore Drilling Poses Little Risk
Academics and industry experts participating in a symposium on Monday concluded that offshore drilling poses little risk to Florida’s environment. The symposium was sponsored by Florida State University (FSU) to discuss the very topical and contentious issue of oil drilling off Florida’s coast.
Wind-Powered Electric Cars Coming Soon
Denmark is making major strides in generating electricity from wind. Like the US, they too would like to reduce and eventually eliminate oil imports. The Danes are working overtime to discern how they might capture and store wind, resulting in electricity for use when they need it.
