As the 40th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School approaches, hosts Brett Cyphers and Ryan Matthews sit down with two pioneers of Florida's environmental community—Steve Lewis and Terry Lewis, founding partners of Lewis, Longman & Walker—for a conversation reflecting on the people, partnerships, and policies that have helped shape Florida's environmental landscape for decades.

The conversation explores the founding of LLW, the firm's commitment to collaboration and mentorship, and how those principles helped build one of Florida's premier environmental and governmental law practices. Steve and Terry also revisit the early days of Florida's environmental regulatory framework, discussing how landmark legislation, evolving growth management laws, and the creation of modern environmental agencies transformed the practice of environmental law. Along the way, they share firsthand perspectives on how government, private industry, and environmental professionals learned to work together through decades of change.

Looking back on the origins of the Environmental Permitting Summer School, they recall how the conference grew from a small educational program into Florida's premier gathering for environmental professionals. More than just technical sessions, they explain how Summer School became the place where regulators, consultants, attorneys, engineers, scientists, and industry leaders built relationships, exchanged ideas, and helped shape environmental policy outside the classroom.

Filled with stories, perspective, and a few memorable behind-the-scenes moments, this episode offers a unique look at two careers that helped define Florida's environmental profession—and why the 40th anniversary of Environmental Permitting Summer School is such a milestone for the industry.

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 Quap Holley for keeping us organized and moving forward.

As the 40th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School approaches, host Brett Cyphers sits down with Linda Dickinson and Cindy Littlejohn for a conversation about the origins and evolution of one of Florida's longest-running environmental conferences.

The episode explores Chuck Littlejohn's vision for creating what was originally the Environmental Permitting Short Course, designed to help environmental professionals understand Florida's rapidly changing laws and regulations. Linda and Cindy share stories from the conference's early years, including how it grew from just over 100 attendees into one of the state's premier educational and networking events for environmental professionals.

They also discuss the collaborative approach that shaped the conference from the beginning, bringing together regulators, attorneys, engineers, consultants, scientists, environmental organizations, and industry representatives to share knowledge and discuss emerging issues.

The conversation includes behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of planning the conference, the growth of the program over four decades, and the role Environmental Permitting Summer School has played in Florida's environmental community.

As EPSS celebrates its 40th anniversary, this episode offers a look back at the people and ideas that helped establish the conference and the legacy it continues today.

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.

In the latest Editorial Board episode, the crew returns to the ever-evolving “Specifier Media Studio” — still light on decorations, but never short on opinions.

Host Brett Cyphers is joined by co-host Ryan Matthews, along with Patrick Gillespie and Jeff Littlejohn, for a candid conversation about Florida’s ongoing budget showdown, the special session drama unfolding in Tallahassee, and the environmental priorities still hanging in the balance.

The team unpacks unresolved debates over Everglades funding, water quality grants, conservation easements, and the growing tension between the Legislature and the governor as budget negotiations continue.

They also dive into the newest issue of Florida Specifier, highlighting stories on greenhouse gas policy, aquatic preserve regulations, Florida’s 404 permitting uncertainty, Tampa Bay’s long-term water supply challenges, and innovative storm forecasting efforts at the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Along the way, the episode previews upcoming podcast interviews featuring former DEP Secretary Herschel Vinyard, author Cindy Littlejohn, Marianne Winkler, Justin Friedman, and Chuck Drake — each bringing a unique perspective on Florida’s environmental landscape.

Finally, the Editorial Board looks ahead to one of the state’s premier environmental gatherings: the 40th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School in Marco Island. The team teases throwback moments, possible surprise guests, special recordings, and a few unexpected twists planned for the milestone event.

Blending policy, storytelling, and plenty of Tallahassee humor, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and issues shaping Florida’s environmental future.

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

Have a project, story idea, or article you’d like featured in Florida Specifier? Reach out to Editor-in-Chief Patrick Gillespie at patrick@floridaspecifier.com to discuss content submissions for upcoming editions.

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.