PalmsWestMonthly.com

As pythons eat their way across the state, there is strong evidence Florida’s bird, native snake and iconic alligator populations are also suffering – but there is hope.

The Army Corps of Engineers has been keeping Lake Okeechobee’s water level lower than usual. Some say it will save the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers from toxic algae blooms. Others claim it risks a devastating water shortage.

From West Palm Beach, Royal Palm, Wellington and Lake Worth, camps abound for every interest.

British billionaire Richard Branson drew an enthusiastic crowd for the public rollout of his Virgin Group’s partnership with Brightline.

Berens oversees 20 endangered cheetahs, cougars and jaguars – eight species in all – at Panther Ridge Conservation Center in Wellington.