Episode description

This week's episode begins with Craig Pittman's latest story for the Florida Phoenix about the remarkable discovery of a new whale species in the Gulf of Mexico. The whale was washed up on a beach near the Florida Everglades allowing scientists to study the animal. In doing so, they determined it had died as the result of a piece of plastic cutting through its stomach.

Single use plastics have become one of the greatest threats to the environment and animals globally, particularly fish and marine mammals. Learn more about the growing epidemic of plastic pollution and what is being proposed at a federal level to combat it. Make your voice heard. Amazon.com is increasingly coming under fire and being pressured to reduce the amount of plastic it uses.

Oceana is a conservation group doing good work globally to protect our oceans.

This week's guest is Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the University of Florida.

"Welcome to Florida" is presented by Hipcamp! Consider Hipcamp Airbnb for campers. Hipcamp members around the country want to visit Florida to experience our mild winter climate and beautiful natural scenery. If you are a landowner in Florida, Hipcamp would like to work with you to generate extra money by hosting Hipcamp members on your property. Hipcamp takes care of all the work and details. All you need is a flat spot large enough to pitch a tent or park an RV. Visit Hipcamp.com/land to learn more.

If your business would like to help sponsor "Welcome to Florida," email Craig and Chadd Scott at welcometofloridapodcast@gmail.com, or reach either of them on Twitter @CraigTimes or @ChaddScott.