In this episode of theFlorida Specifier Podcast, Brett Cyphers is joined by editor-in-chief Patrick Gillespie and editorial board member Jeff Littlejohn for a lively conversation that dives into Florida’s finalized state budget, line-item vetoes, and what it all means for environmental funding—particularly water quality grants and Everglades restoration.

Special guest Jamie Sheehan, Conference Director of the Environmental Permitting Summer School (EPSS), joins the crew to give a behind-the-scenes preview of this year’s event in Marco Island. From revamped schedules and streamlined sessions to an exciting new fireside chat with current and former FDEP secretaries, this year’s EPSS promises to be bigger and better than ever.

You’ll also hear a rundown of the latest edition of the Florida Specifier, including stories on recycling, WOTUS updates, and favorite picks from the editorial team. Recorded just days after the Governor signed the state budget, this episode delivers timely insights and a fun look ahead to Florida’s premier environmental conference.

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.matthews@gray-robinson.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 Brett Cyphers and Ryan Matthews are joined by editorial board members Jeff Littlejohn and Patrick Gillespie for a dynamic roundtable conversation that blends policy insight with candid storytelling. As Florida approaches a new fiscal year, the team tackles the looming uncertainty surrounding the state budget. With the House and Senate still at odds—particularly over proposed tax cuts—the possibility of a special session and even a budget veto hangs in the air. The group reflects on the political tension and its implications, especially with hurricane season just around the corner.

The conversation kicks into high gear as the group explores some of the session’s most significant environmental legislation. They begin with Senate Bill 796, which introduces a streamlined permitting process for Distributed Wastewater Treatment Systems—highlighted as a promising tool in efforts to reduce reliance on septic tanks. Attention then turns to new laws aimed at improving workplace protections for utility workers, as well as updates to the state’s Brownfields Redevelopment Program that could accelerate environmental cleanups across a wider range of properties. The discussion also delves into one of the session’s more debated measures: a mitigation bill that broadens the use of out-of-basin and out-of-kind credits. While supporters frame it as a necessary response to credit shortages, the group notes that it represents a notable departure from long-standing state policy and has sparked a range of reactions.

As the conversation moves from policy to publication, Patrick shares the editorial challenges of covering fast-moving legislative developments in a bimonthly print format. Yet, with timely digital updates and a growing newsletter, The Florida Specifier remains a vital resource. The group previews the upcoming Environmental Permitting Summer School in Marco Island, revealing refreshed course formats, new sponsors, and even a reimagined keynote experience. They also tease podcast recordings live from the event, offering attendees a chance to join the conversation.

The episode closes with personal reflections and upcoming guests on Brett’s Water for Fighting podcast—including industry leaders, scientists, and policy insiders. Amid the laughter and light teasing, one thing is clear: these are seasoned professionals deeply invested in Florida’s environmental future, using every tool—from legislation to storytelling—to protect and shape the state they serve.

To read the Florida 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.

In this episode of the Florida Specifier Podcast, hosts Brett Cyphers and Ryan Matthews are joined by fellow members of the Florida Specifier editorial board: Jeff Littlejohn and Patrick Gillespie. Together, they dive into the fast-moving first week of Florida’s legislative session, analyzing the impact of delayed committee meetings, the challenges of processing nearly 1,800 filed bills, and the likelihood of fewer than 225 bills making it to the governor’s desk.

The discussion highlights key environmental and water-related legislation to watch, including SB-7002 on Water Management Districts, the Safe Waterways Act, and the Everglades restoration budget. The team also explores the shifting political landscape, with changes at both DEP and the EPA influencing Florida’s environmental policies.

Additionally, they preview the latest edition of The Florida Specifier, covering articles on fluoride in drinking water, federal environmental policy changes under the new administration, and an exclusive interview with industry leader Shawn Hamilton.

With an engaging mix of policy insight, industry updates, and candid discussion, this episode is a must-listen for environmental professionals, policymakers, and anyone invested in Florida’s natural resources.

To read the Florida 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 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, Ryan and Brett get to catch up with 5th generation Floridian, former President of the Florida Senate, and Florida’s 13th Commissioner of Agriculture – Wilton Simpson.

They discuss the state of agriculture in Florida today; the massive reach of the Department’s responsibilities; the tremendous work of Department staff in helping hurricane preparedness and recovery, as well as wildfire prevention and firefighting; and the importance of the Rural and Family Lands Protection program’s mission to conserve Florida’s green spaces while supporting agriculture.

To learn more about the Rural and Family Lands Protection program, go here.

To learn more about one of the ways the Department is helping farmers continue their recovery from recent hurricanes, go here.

To find out more about the mission and good work of the Florida Forest Service, go here.

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@anfieldflorida.com

ryan.matthews@gray-robinson.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 and Tracy Kistler for keeping us organized and moving forward.

In this episode of the Florida Specifier Podcast, Ryan and Brett speak with Brewster Bevis, CEO of AIF, from the AIF Water Forum. This event, held annually for the past six years, brings together legislators and environmental leaders to discuss Florida's most pressing water issues. Brewster shares the origins of the Water Forum and its evolution into a key platform for addressing water challenges faced by businesses, agriculture, and citizens in Florida. They also discuss the importance of educating policymakers, particularly new legislators, on critical water issues through initiatives like Legislator University. The episode highlights the significance of balancing water use for business and agriculture with ensuring access to clean drinking water for all Floridians.

Listen in for a deeper understanding of how AIF is shaping water policy in Florida and how you can get involved in future events.

To learn more about the AIF Water forum, go here

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 and Tracy Kistler for keeping us organized and moving forward.

In this episode, Patrick, Ryan, and Brett get together to discuss the January/February issue of the Specifier. They talk about the upcoming legislative session; their favorite articles; Upcoming environmental events around the state; and some upcoming Specifier and Water for Fighting podcast episodes, including one featuring a Ryan and Brett interview with Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner, Wilton Simpson.

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 whether it’s in the paper or the podcast, make sure you reach out to Brett, Ryan, Patrick, or Jamie at:

brett@anfieldflorida.com

ryan.matthews@gray-robinson.com

patrick@floridaspecifier.com

jamie@floridaenet.com

If you’d like to advertise in Florida’s premier environmental news periodical, please reach out to Jamie or Patrick here:

jamie@floridaenet.com

patrick@floridaspecifier.com

If you’re a subscriber and aren’t receiving the Florida’s Specifier’s weekly newsletter every Monday morning, please let Patrick or Jamie know, and they will make sure you get it.

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 Meghan Holley for keeping us organized and moving forward.

In this episode, Brett takes the show on the road without Ryan to moderate a discussion at the One Water Summit in Winter Haven. His conversation partners included Lynn Spivey, the City of Plant City Utilities Director; David MacIntyre, the President of AquaSciTech Consulting; and Frank Bernardino, Partner Ameritus with Anfield Consulting.

They discuss the definition of One Water; how the regulatory structure of water in Florida may be exacerbating its resource issues; what’s missing in how environmental issues are being communicated to policy makers and the public; what the real cost of water and environmental restoration is; and even some talk about how to pay for it all.

Special thanks and recognition goes out to Gary Hubbard and Amy Jenkins with the City of Winter Haven for organizing the summit and to Eric Draper for allowing Brett to hijack his panel for the show.

To visit the One Water Summit website and see the agenda and panels, go here.

Writing articles, advertising in the paper and website, and sponsoring the newsletter and podcast are a few ways to reach new customers and expand your company or organization’s profile throughout Florida.

If you’d like to get the word out about how you’re making waves (pun intended) in Florida’s environmental world through an article or sponsorship, make sure you reach out to Brett, Ryan, Patrick, or Jamie at:

brett@anfieldflorida.com

ryan.matthews@gray-robinson.com

patrick@floridaspecifier.com

jamie@floridaenet.com

If you’d like to advertise in The Florida Specifier, be sure to get in touch with Jamie Sheehan or Patrick Gillespie at:

jamie@floridaenet.com

patrick@floridaspecifier.com

To read the Specifier online (where we hope you’ll become a subscriber if you aren’t already), go here:

https://floridaspecifier.com

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

Ryan and Brett continue their look back at the Environmental Permitting Summer School through the eyes of its founders and supporters – both past and present – to provide a snapshot of who they are; what they do; why they’ve continued their support over the years; and what the conference means to them.

This volume begins with Fred Aschauer and Robert Williams from Lewis, Longman, and Walker. They talk about the difference between attending the conference from within government and from the private sector; the panel presentations and discussions as a way of serving the public better; the importance of listening, their philosophy for good governance even when “no” is the answer; and the importance of passing on LLW’s culture and legacy on to a new generation of attorneys.

The episode continues with Justin Freedman and Desmond Duke from Resource Environmental Solutions. Justin is the Florida General Manager for RES, and Desmond RES’s Client Solutions Manager. They talk about integrating young staff into the environmental community in a more relaxed setting; their role in the advent of Water Quality enhancement Areas as a tool for compliance with Florida’s new stormwater rule; the positivity of shared goals among attendees, even when they’re competitors; how RES is constantly working to improve the environmental restoration tools it offers to its customers; and a landmark event in Desmond’s life that took place in Marco Island.

Writing articles, advertising in the paper and website, and sponsoring the newsletter and podcast are a few ways to reach new customers and expand your company or organization’s profile throughout Florida.

If you’d like to get the word out about how you’re making waves (pun intended) in Florida’s environmental world through an article or sponsorship, make sure you reach out to Brett, Ryan, Patrick, or Jamie at:

brett@anfieldflorida.com

ryan.matthews@gray-robinson.com

patrick@floridaspecifier.com

jamie@floridaenet.com

If you’d like to advertise in The Florida Specifier, be sure to get in touch with Jamie Sheehan or Patrick Gillespie at:

jamie@floridaenet.com

patrick@floridaspecifier.com

To read the Specifier online (where we hope you’ll become a subscriber if you aren’t already), go here:

https://floridaspecifier.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 and Tracy Kistler for keeping us organized and moving forward.