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 sits down for a timely discussion recorded in the newly launched Specifier Media Studio in Tallahassee. As Florida’s legislative session ramps up, the board breaks down early-session dynamics, budget pressures, and the role relationships and personalities play in shaping policy outcomes.

The conversation highlights key stories from the latest issue of Florida Specifier, including the governor’s recommended budget, water quality funding, regional water supply planning, conservation priorities, and evolving property tax proposals. The episode also explores federal issues, such as the latest Waters of the United States (WOTUS) definition, alongside local and regional environmental initiatives across Florida.

The board wraps up with updates on new Florida Specifier partnerships, upcoming podcast episodes, Capitol events, and major water and environmental conferences on the horizon.

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, host Ryan Matthews and co-host Brett Cyphers, along with Editorial Board members Patrick Gillespie and Jeff Littlejohn gather in the newly minted Specifier Media Studio to go through the major policy themes shaping Florida as Committee Week number four moves forward. The team unpacks the House’s property tax proposals, looming budget pressures, and the sprint toward the January 13 session start, all while keeping an eye on the political dynamics of an election year.

They highlight standout stories from the latest Florida Specifier, including Florida’s expanding use of artificial reefs, a significant Endangered Species Act lawsuit in Charlotte County, DOT’s ambitious Tampa Bay “win-win-win” project, and new momentum behind seagrass restoration in the lower St. Johns River.

Ryan and Brett also recap recent podcast interviews — from environmental law leaders Steve and Terry Lewis to an unprecedented panel of former DEP secretaries — and preview key water and environmental conferences coming in early 2026.

With the December 10 article deadline approaching for the January/February edition, the Board encourages listeners to send events and story ideas to patrick@floridaspecifier.com soon.

Tune in for insights, updates, and the Editorial Board’s signature blend of expertise and humor.

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 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.