⭕ Love Bugs Skip Spring Season Leaving Scientists Baffled

Issue #176

Author

Ormond Local Pulse
22 Apr

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Of 48 votes 33 or 69% preferred the 7-day forecast. But in the spirit of fairness we decided to include BOTH forecasts going forward.

Bug Off! Love Bugs Skip Spring Season Leaving Scientists Baffled

Central Florida's usual springtime pest, the love bug, has all but disappeared, leaving locals and scientists baffled. Known for swarming vehicles and creating a sticky nuisance, these insects typically enjoy a fleeting three-to-four-day life span. Yet, this season, the skies and cars are conspicuously free of the pesky critters.

Dr. Norman LeppLa, a prominent entomology professor at the University of Florida, has taken a keen interest in the missing love bugs. "It's strange not to see them plastered all over the front of cars," he remarked, puzzled by their absence.

The decline in love bug populations has stumped researchers, with possible explanations ranging from pathogens to environmental changes. However, pinpointing an exact cause remains a significant challenge. Despite their annoyance, love bugs are relatively harmless, feeding on nectar without posing any threat to humans.

As Central Florida enjoys an unexpected break from these airborne annoyances, the mystery of their decline lingers. The love bug season, which typically peaks in May and returns in late summer, may offer more clues—if the bugs decide to make a comeback.

From Earth Day to Every Day, Battling the Supermarket Plastic Plague

Judith Enck, advocate and former EPA administrator, criticizes the excessive use of plastic packaging in supermarkets, particularly for naturally peel-covered fruits and single-use baby food pouches. With Earth Day's focus on reducing plastic usage, Enck points out the dismal recycling rates for plastics compared to other materials and the environmental threats they pose. At a local food co-op, she practices and promotes using less plastic by choosing products packaged in glass and avoiding plastic-wrapped items. Enck's efforts highlight consumer actions that can drive change in supermarket packaging practices.

Sad News - Fysh Bar and Grill Closed

It was confirmed Sunday that Fysh Bar & Grill would close for good at the end of the day. This ends a tumultuous few months for the restaurant resulting in them filing for bankruptcy in March. More details expected to be forthcoming.

Yummy Orange Chicken

Crispy bites of chicken are cooked in the most delicious orange sauce for an easy meal that tastes even better than takeout!

Ingredients

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 4 oranges)

  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest (from 1 orange)

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon sriracha optional (more or less to taste)

  • 2 cloves garlic minced

  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

For the Chicken

  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • ½ cup cornstarch\

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ teaspoon kosher saltends

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil plus more if needed

For Serving

  • 2 cups cooked white rice

  • Sesame seeds optional, for garnish

  • Sliced green onions optional, for garnish

Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together. Set aside. Give this slurry mixture another stir before adding to the sauce.

Stir together the orange juice and zest, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is fragrant.

Remove from the heat and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Return to a simmer while whisking constantly. Once thickened, remove from the heat and set aside.

Pat the chicken dry and cut it into 1-inch cubes.

Add the cornstarch to a shallow bowl.

In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs, salt, and pepper together.

Working in batches, toss the chicken in the cornstarch to coat. Shake off any excess and toss it in the egg mixture. Shake off any excess and set the chicken aside on a plate. Repeat until all the chicken is breaded.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add in the chicken, working in batches if needed, and cook until the underside is golden, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the pieces and cook until the second side is golden and the chicken is cooked through. Repeat with remaining chicken, if needed.

If you cooked the chicken in batches, return any chicken to the pan. Add in the sauce and toss to combine.

Serve over rice with a garnish of sesame seeds and green onions.

Storage: Store orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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