In this special episode, host Brett Cyphers welcomes listeners to a dynamic conversation with four former secretaries of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection — Herschel T. Vinyard Jr., Jon Steverson, Shawn Hamilton, and Ryan Matthews — moderated by current Secretary Alexis Lambert. Recorded at the Environmental Permitting Summer School in Marco Island, the panel reflects on how Florida’s environmental policies have evolved — and where they’re headed next.

The discussion begins with a core challenge: balancing timely permitting and environmental protection. Vinyard and Steverson highlight the importance of clear rules, accountability, and quick decisions — even when the answer is “no.”

Vinyard and Secretary Lambert emphasize that permitting decisions work best when made locally, while Steverson underscores the role of water management districts as trusted partners. Matthews shares how legislation and BMAPs have shaped Florida’s springs protection efforts, despite legal and stakeholder challenges.

Secretary Lambert reflects on the ongoing tension between growth and environmental stewardship, calling it a “perennial responsibility.” Hamilton outlines how Florida’s stormwater rule modernization — the first major update in over four decades — balances environmental needs with economic realities.

Looking ahead, Secretary Lambert envisions integrating AI and automation into permitting to improve efficiency while keeping expert judgment at the center. Each former secretary closes by reflecting on their legacy, from digitizing permitting to empowering teams. All agree: people — both agency staff and Floridians — remain at the heart of DEP’s mission.

If you were not able witness this incredible discussion in person this past summer, here’s your chance to hear directly from the current and former DEP secretaries as they share their experiences, lessons learned, and vision for the future of environmental stewardship in Florida.

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.

This episode is a production of The Florida Specifier. Audio production and editing is by Karl Sorne and Dave Barfield at Lonely Fox Studios.

A special shout out goes to our very own Jamie Sheehan, Tracy Kistler and Meg Holley for keeping us organized and moving forward.

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.

This special joint episode from Water for Fighting and the Florida Specifier Podcast—a product of the Specifier Media Group—was recorded in front of a live audience at the American Water Resources Association’s annual conference in Key West. Host, Brett Cyphers sits down with three of Florida’s most influential voices in water policy and advocacy: Kim Shugar, Senior Advisor and Environmental Policy Lead at the Arrow Group; Adam Blalock, Deputy Secretary for Ecosystem Restoration at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; and Omar Franco, head of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.’s federal lobbying practice in Washington, D.C.

Together, they traced their personal paths into public service and policy, sharing how early experiences shaped their commitment to Florida’s waters. From childhood fishing trips to navigating the intricacies of legislative chambers, each guest offered a unique perspective on how decisions at both the state and federal levels ripple through local communities.

The discussion tackled some of the most pressing issues in Florida’s water future, including the state budget, Everglades restoration, basin management action plans, nutrient reduction challenges, and the complex balance between federal funding, state priorities, and local responsibilities—all while highlighting the importance of mentorship, persistence, and partnerships in tackling long-term environmental challenges.

This collaboration offers a window into the strategies, struggles, and successes of those working every day to secure Florida’s water future.

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.

This episode is a production of The Florida Specifier. Audio production and editing is by Karl Sorne and Dave Barfield at Lonely Fox Studios.

A special shout out goes to our very own Jamie Sheehan, Tracy Kistler and Meg Holley for keeping us organized and moving forward.