In this episode of the Florida Specifier Podcast, hosts Ryan Matthews and Brett Cyphers are joined by fellow editorial board members Patrick Gillespie and Jeff Littlejohn for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest developments shaping Florida’s water and environmental policy.

The team kicks off by recapping summer conference season, including Environmental Permitting Summer School in Marco Island, and looks ahead to the upcoming legislative committee weeks starting in October. They dive into the impacts of the Florida Legislature’s decision to not fund the Water Quality Improvement Grant for FY 2025 — leaving $2.5 billion in project applications competing for a much smaller pot of available funds. The discussion explores strategies utilities and consultants are using to bridge this “dry spell,” the role of member projects in future budgets, and how property tax debates may influence funding priorities going forward.

The group also discusses breaking news on the 11th Circuit’s Alligator Alcatraz decision, highlights from the September–October issue of the Florida Specifier, and key topics like the FWC bear hunt, Everglades restoration, and water management district projects. They spotlight standout articles, including Rep. Connolly’s distributed wastewater treatment legislation and Alex Price’s insights on nutrient reduction, and recognize the City of Tallahassee’s award-winning investments in power reliability and water quality.

Finally, they share updates on recent and upcoming podcast interviews — including Doug Corbett of JW Marriott Marco Island and Mandi Rice of SWFWMD — and preview their recently released live-recorded panel from the AWRA Annual Conference in Key West with Kim Shugar, Adam Blalock, and Omar Franco. These are episodes you won’t want to miss, available on both the Florida Specifier and Water for Fighting Podcasts.

To read the Specifier online (where we hope you’ll subscribe if you haven’t already), go here: https://floridaspecifier.com

To get the word out about how you’re making waves (pun intended) in Florida’s environmental world, make sure you reach out to Brett, Ryan, or Jamie at:

brett@floridaspecifier.com

ryan@floridaenet.com

jamie@floridaenet.com

A huge thank you goes out to Bagels and Biscuits for giving permission to use their music for the podcast.