July / August 2025

Florida Prepares for 2025 Hurricane Season

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Environmental Permitting Summer School Schedule, Layout, More

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Florida Non-Profit Mixes Recycling, Sports, and Education

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WOTUS Continues to Change in Response to SCOTUS PAGE 16

2017 forecast:

Slimmed-Down Budget Approved After Extended Session, Vetoes

Steakhouses beef up menus with new twists on American classics

By STAFF REPORTS

Florida legislative budget chiefs worked until nearly 10 p.m. June 13 to finalize the state’s budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, which legislators voted to pass 45 days after they were originally scheduled to finish.

Rockville, MD - When it comes to American cuisine, there are few things more iconic than steakhouses. The slabs of marbled meat, the sizzling grills, the oozing butter, and the dripping bravado, maybe even a cowboy hat or two for ambiance—it's enough to make even fictional steakophile Ron Swanson misty-eyed.

Delayed by a special session, a week of snow, political barbs, argument over expected future budget shortfalls, and disagreement on tax cut packages, the Florida Senate and Florida House of Representatives struck a deal in mid-June. Legislators returned to Tallahassee to conclude legislative session, finishing their work just two weeks before the next fiscal year begins.

Yet for all the traditional steak dinners ordered daily, there are restaurants nationwide pushing the concept of the all-American steakhouse to new culinary heights, according to market research firm Packaged Facts in the brand new report 2017 Forecast: Culinary Trend Tracking Series.

"The steakhouse is back and will capture our attention in 2017. Not that the classic restaurant style ever disappeared, but a renewal of the model is taking place in response to new sources of beef and new flavorful expressions of the concept that get chefs and diners excited," says David Sprinkle, research director, Packaged Facts.

Lawmakers ultimately announced passing a roughly $115.1 billion budget filled with various legislator, agency and local priorities. On June 30, Gov. Ron DeSantis line-item vetoed roughly $600 million from the legislative-passed budget, announcing a roughly $117.4 billion budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. The budget disparity rests in vetoes of reserve funding and fund shifts.

Among the environmental budget items this year is $15 million funded in the Senate’s supplemental funding list for Florida Forever. The Legislature added another $3 million in trust fund dollars for the program, totalling $18 million. The Senate’s proposed budget language provided

specific guidance to the Department of Environmental Protection.

The funding is for “acquisition of lands that are partially or wholly within the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor within Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Hamilton, Lake, Marion, Putnam, Union and Volusia counties or within a Florida Forever project boundary in Flagler, St. Johns or Nassau counties.”

According to the Department, the Florida Forever program has acquired more than 1 million acres with a value of $3.8 billion since it started in 2001.

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Today's steakhouse menus increasingly feature grass-fed cattle, locally raised animals, heritage varieties, meat butchered and dry aged in-house, and dishes that stem from the whole animal, not just the premium cuts. And that's just the meat. Creative side dishes in lieu of old standards, global and seasonal flavors, and a wider menu selection also distinguish these new school operations.

ipation and excitement, Jollibee, the largest Asian restaurant company, is now open in Jacksonville. This is the 36th store in the US, as well as

By RYAN MATTHEWS

Welcome back to Marco Island! We’re thrilled you have decided to join us for this year’s 39th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School.

Chickenjoy. This dish is delicately breaded to be crispylicious on the outside and juicylicious inside. The well-loved Jolly Spaghetti is a favorite of both kids and kids-at-heart because of its signature sweetstyle sauce, loaded with chunky slices of savory ham, ground meat, and hotdog. Other classic menufavorites include the juicy and cheesy Jolly Hotdog, and the Peach Mango Pie, which is made with real Philippine sweet mangoes and a flaky golden brown crust.

For the first time in a decade, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioners have approved bear hunting. See page 5.

Marco Environmental Conference Has Something for Everyone

As in years past, we have an exciting lineup of speakers, presentations, and topics of emerging importance for you to actively participate in and engage with during your time in paradise. This year, we are proud to offer 70 courses for attendees to choose.

For those who have been attending for decades, yet again, both Florida and the nation’s foremost environmental experts, regulators, and practitioners are descending on the island to highlight current environmental policy at the local, state, and federal levels of government. You will notice that, due to the conference’s popularity, we have expanded the areas of the hotel that we are utilizing to sufficiently house our evolving panels.

favorites, but also first-timers waiting to have their own Jollibee experience," said Jose Miñana, Jollibee Foods Corporation's Group President for North America. "There's no greater joy for us than serving the needs and tastes of Jollibee fans in the community. At Jollibee, we aim to bring families together for happy moments over great tasting food with superior value, served with warm and friendly service – our own brand of joy."

retreat to Southwest Florida in July. The entire Florida Environmental Network team extends our gratitude to both organizations for their continued support.

The brand has become a symbol of nostalgia and warm childhood memories for many overseas Filipinos in the U.S. To many, Jollibee is the go-to restaurant of Filipinos for both special

See JOLLIBEE page 15

The JW Marriott and Florida Chamber of Commerce continue to be the ideal partners and synonymous with our annual

The vast course curriculum this year will focus on recent trends in permitting and various environmental agency’s directions during a period of transition in Washington, D.C. Personally, the conferences held after a state or national election are a favorite of mine as often significant changes in policy and procedure are implemented early on in new administrations. This

Photo Courtesy FWC

“Leave No Litter” Campaign Promotes Clean Springs and Rivers This Summer

By STAFF REPORTS

With rising temperatures and longer days, North Florida’s springs, rivers, and parks are seeing a surge in visitors eager to enjoy the outdoors. In response, the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) has launched its annual “Leave No Litter” campaign to encourage everyone to care for the region’s natural treasures.

The campaign’s message is simple but powerful – whether you’re tubing down the Ichetucknee River, paddling along the Suwannee River, or picnicking near the Santa Fe River, take everything you bring with you when you leave – including your trash.

“Florida has a pristine beauty that we shouldn’t take for granted,” said District Executive Director Hugh Thomas. “Litter can turn nature’s masterpiece into a mess –every abandoned bottle, wrapper, and bag distracts from the scenery that is meant to be enjoyed. Litter and debris can even lead to restricted water flow and pollute healthy springs.”

Litter doesn’t just ruin the view, it poses serious threats to water quality, wildlife, and overall ecosystem health. Trash and debris can clog waterways, lead to harmful algae blooms, and even make springs unsafe for swimming and recreation.

During the busy summer months, these impacts are amplified by higher visitation and activity levels as people of all ages descend on these remarkable water resources that make this region of Florida unique.

To promote responsible recreation, the District is using social media to share tips and reminders all summer long, helping educate the public on simple ways to minimize their environmental impact.

Here are a few key tips from the campaign:

Dispose of all trash properly. Even small items like wrappers or bottle caps can pollute water and harm wildlife.

Respect aquatic vegetation. Swimmers, snorkelers, and divers should avoid standing on plants or stirring up silt, which can damage habitats and promote the growth of invasive species.

Stick to designated trails and paths. Avoid climbing on riverbanks or disturbing natural areas, as this contributes to erosion and habitat loss.

Use boats responsibly. If operating a boat with a motor, raise it in shallow waters to protect vegetation and aquatic life.

The District emphasizes that everyone has a role in protecting North Florida’s waterways. Simple actions like packing out trash and staying on marked paths can make a big difference in preserving these iconic natural sites.

The “Leave No Litter” campaign reminds us that enjoying nature and protecting it go hand in hand. Let’s keep our springs and rivers clean, healthy, and beautiful—for ourselves and for future generations. Follow the Suwannee River Water Management District on social media to learn more and join the movement to Leave No Litter.

PATRICK GILLESPIE

BLANCHE HARDY, PG

Senior Correspondent

LINA ALFIERI STERN

MBA, MSRED, LEED Green Associate

Contributing Writers and Columnists

RYAN MATTHEWS Gray Robinson

CAITLIN BUTLER St. Johns River Water Management District

CHRIS ANASTASIOU Southwest Florida Water Management District

LAUREN CLAERBOUT Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

ANDY RISI Sea & Shoreline

RYAN BRUSHWOOD Sea & Shoreline

SHARON LOCKWOOD JW Marriott Marco Island

NICOLA LIQUORI Florida's Turnpike Enterprise

ROBIN SIMONEAUX Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

KEYNA CORY Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation

FREDERICK ASCHAUER Lewis, Longman, Walker

KATHERINE HUPP Lewis, Longman, Walker

CHRISTIAN WELLS University of South Florida

NADIA LOCKE RES

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Graphic Courtesy SRWMD

2025 Hurricane Season Brings Predictions of Activity, Response Uncertainty

By PATRICK GILLESPIE

Another year, another “above-normal” hurricane season prediction.

As Florida entered the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season on June 1, experts are predicting increased activity, and Florida sits in the crosshairs.

In 2024, there were 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, five of which were major. Hurricane Debby crossed into Steinhatchee in early August as a Category 1 hurricane before being downgraded to a tropical storm and exiting back into the Atlantic Ocean.

In late September, Hurricane Helene brought flooding to the west coast of Florida as it moved north, ultimately making landfall not far from where Hurricane Debby had, but as a strong Category 4 hurricane. On Oct. 10, Hurricane Milton again entered the Big Bend area of Florida as a Category 3 hurricane, taking an unusual path from nearly into Mexico across the Gulf of America, strengthening into a strong Category 5 hurricane before weakening and entering the state near Siesta Key.

The storms caused billions in damages, between loss of agriculture crops, flooding, and major wind damage to structures.

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3-5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.

“NOAA and the National Weather Service are using the most advanced weather models and cutting-edge hurricane tracking systems to provide Americans with real-time storm forecasts and warnings,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a NOAA news release. “With these models and forecasting tools, we have never been more prepared for hurricane season.”

Senator Rick Scott traveled the state in May, urging Floridians to stock up on supplies and be prepared for what may come.

“As I always say: you can rebuild your home, but you can’t rebuild your life. Don’t wait,” he said. “Start preparing today.”

FROM BUDGET ON PAGE 1

Within a Senate committee bill related to natural resources, the Legislature repealed a law last year designed to push gaming funds into trust funds for land management and acquisition. Gov. DeSantis vetoed a provision in the budget that would have clawed back $200 million in funding for the Florida Wildlife Corridor from the 2024/2025 budget.

The Senate bill also includes references to the South Florida Water Management District acquiring land for water storage north of Lake Okeechobee, which the legislature finds, “is in the public interest, for a public purpose, and necessary for the public health and welfare.”

“The governing board of the district is authorized to acquire land, if necessary, to implement a reservoir project north of Lake Okeechobee with the goal of provid-

Beyond the predictions sits uncertainty about what role the federal government will have in response and recovery efforts. Typically, the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides resources to state and local governments to aid both before and after storms, with perhaps its largest role in administering federal funds so local and state governments can recoup spent money.

However, as the Trump Administration has settled into power in Washington D.C., the idea of dismantling or changing FEMA has been discussed frequently. There is no FEMA Administrator, however David Richardson, a former Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security over the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, is listed as a “Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator” on FEMA’s website.

The President has established a Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which comprises several governors, local leaders, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. From Florida, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, and Kevin Guthrie, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director were appointed.

According to experts at Florida State University, the discussion around FEMA has

ing at least 200,000 acre-feet of water storage,” SB 2506 reads. “...The district and the state are not authorized to request that the United States Army Corps of Engineers acquire the lands for such reservoir project and may not include any such request in the project partnership agreement for such reservoir project.”

Notable budget items:

• $550 million for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP)

• $382 million for the expanded Water Quality Improvement Projects

• $81 million for the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program

• $65 million for the C-51 Reservoir

created an unknown going into the season. The university held a hurricane season briefing on May 15.

“The message that we’re getting in the EM community is that the ‘25 season is going to look different than the ‘24 season – we don’t know exactly how that is,” said David Merrick, Director of the FSU Homeland Security Program and Director of the Center for Disaster Risk Policy. "I think Florida might be in a much better position than some of the other states when it comes to the ability to respond and recover if FEMA has a reduced role.”

• $64 million for the EAA Reservoir

• $50 million for Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Estuaries discharge reduction

• $25 million for Total Maximum Daily Load nutrient reductions

• $25 million for the Indian River Lagoon Protection Program

• $20 million for Agricultural Nonpoint Source Water Restoration Project

Notable vetoed items:

• $7.5 million: Orange County Wedgefield Water & Wastewater System Improvements

If FEMA’s role is different in Florida, it will impact the financial burden of state and local government.

“The mantra that has been going around the community for the past five to 10 years has been that disasters are locally executed, state managed and federally supported,” he added. “So, the state and the local level have always had a huge role in that response and that recovery. And FEMA’s job is to provide that reimbursement.”

• $4,324,000: Brevard County Sykes Creek Phase 2 Environmental Dredging

• $2 million: Hallandale Beach Stormwater Mitigation Project - Northeast Quad Injection Well System

• $2 million: Jacksonville - Armsdale Road Drainage Improvement Project

• $1 million: Hallandale Beach Comprehensive Stormwater Management and Flooding

• Mitigation Project

• $918,075: Old Plantation Water Control District Pump Stations Rehabilitation and Automation

Crane Creek/M-1 Canal Restoration: A Win for Our Waters and Our Economy

By CAITLIN BUTLER

Tucked away in the heart of Melbourne, Crane Creek is a waterway that plays a far bigger role in the environment than its size would imply. Once a vibrant ecosystem feeding into the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Crane Creek has suffered from periods of nutrient pollution, stormwater runoff and habitat degradation.

Today, however, a major restoration effort is underway, and the ripple effects will be felt not just within the IRL, but through all of Florida’s economy, tourism and quality of life.

The M-1 Canal, originally developed for agricultural reasons, is now a 100-year-old man-made flood control feature in Brevard County, cutting through the historic drainage divide between the St. Johns River and the IRL. Over time, the canal began diverting stormwater from a vast drainage area servicing parts of Melbourne and unincorporated Brevard County. Consequently, this sent untreated water east to the lagoon via Crane Creek and carried excess nutrients that can harm water quality and fuel harmful algal blooms.

The St. Johns River Water Management District (District), in close partnership with Brevard County and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, launched the Crane Creek/M-1 Canal Flow Restoration Project to reverse this damage through an innovative project design that features a weir, stormwater treatment pond and natural wetland buffers. A weir is a structure that allows water to flow over its top while managing the water level and flow rate.

While all components are critical, at the heart of the project is the state-of-the-art operable weir structure installed in the M-1 Canal. This weir acts as a barrier that restores the historic drainage divide, preventing stormwater runoff from being diverted east to the IRL and instead redirecting it west about three miles into a newly constructed stormwater treatment area. There, it is naturally filtered through a system of treatment ponds and wetlands that remove pollutants before the water continues its journey to the St. Johns River.

Importantly, the weir maintains the existing flood control capabilities of the M-1 Canal while allowing the capture of runoff for treatment — a critical safeguard for local communities.

In all, the project is designed to restore and treat stormwater that once flowed untreated into the lagoon. By improving how this water is managed, the project significantly boosts water quality — not just for the lagoon, but for the entire watershed. Additionally, the project restores up to 7 million gallons of freshwater flow per day to the St. Johns River, providing an alternative water supply source for downstream users and strengthening the health and resilience of the whole river system.

But the project’s impact goes beyond water chemistry.

Thanks to restoration efforts like the one at Crane Creek, the IRL’s recovery is gaining real momentum. By preventing untreated runoff from reaching the lagoon and filtering it through restored wetlands, the District is safeguarding a way of life and an outdoor economy that defines the Space Coast.

The Indian River Lagoon is more than a local treasure — it is a vital engine in Florida’s $40 billion tourism economy. People travel from around the world to explore one of North America’s most biologically diverse estuaries, home to dolphins, manatees and hundreds of bird and fish species. Clean water is the foundation of this experience, supporting everything from fishing charters and kayaking to nature photography and waterfront dining.

This progress is made possible largely through robust state support. Funding from Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature has accelerated key restoration work across the IRL watershed. Their commitment ensures that Florida’s iconic waterways can be restored and protected for future generations — and that communities can continue to thrive alongside them.

Crane Creek may seem like a small corner of Florida, but its restoration represents something much larger— a model for how local solutions, guided by sound science and strong partnerships, can deliver statewide benefits. By investing in

projects like this, the District is not only helping protect the IRL, but also the entire 310-mile St. Johns River system, which flows north from Indian River County to Nassau County.

Clean water, resilient ecosystems and thriving communities all begin with a weir, a creek and a bold commitment to restoration — ensuring these interconnected waterways remain vibrant, resilient and full of life for years to come.

Caitlin Butler is a St. Johns River Water Management District Regional Media and Communications Coordinator

The newly completed weir at the Crane Creek project helps restore natural water flow, improve water quality, and reduce nutrients entering the Indian River Lagoon.

The stormwater treatment park, which is part of the Crane Creek project, filters runoff through natural systems, reducing pollutants before they reach the Indian River Lagoon and enhancing community resilience.

Photo Courtesy SJRWMD

Photo Courtesy SJRWMD

Seagrass Mapping – Your Questions Answered

By DR CHRIS ANASTASIOU

Q :What are seagrasses?

A: Seagrasses are flowering plants that have leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots. Unlike land plants, seagrasses do not have strong stems to hold themselves up. Instead, they are supported by the buoyancy of the water surrounding them. Another unique characteristic of seagrasses is that they are “halophytes,” meaning they only grow in saltwater. Of the approximately 52 species of seagrasses that exist worldwide, there are only seven species found in Florida, six of them along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Q:Where do seagrasses grow?

A: Seagrasses typically grow in protected bays and lagoons but can also be found in open water off the Florida Gulf Coast. The depth to which seagrasses grow is most often determined by the amount of light reaching the bottom. In most of our Gulf Coastal estuaries you can find seagrass meadows between 6-10 feet of water. But off the Springs Coast, seagrasses can grow at depths of 30 feet or more! Overall, Florida has about 2.5 million acres of seagrass, more seagrass than anywhere else in the continental United States.

Q:Why are seagrasses so important?

A: Seagrasses provide critical habitat in Florida estuaries. They help improve water clarity, reduce nutrient pollution, and even help combat climate change. Approximately 70 percent of commercially and recreationally important species of fish spend at least part of their lifecycle within seagrass meadows. Seagrasses are very important to Florida’s economic health, contributing $10-20 billion annually to the state’s economy.

Q:How and why does the District map seagrass habitat?

A: Seagrasses are sensitive to environmental change and therefore make very good indicators of estuarine health. For this reason, District scientists have been mapping seagrass habitat along the west-central and southwest Florida coast since 1988 to “take the pulse” of the estuary. The District seagrass maps are based on high-resolution digital imagery collected by fixed-wing aircraft flying at an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet. Specially trained photo-interpreters create the maps based on aerial image signatures and field verification data collected throughout the mapping cycle.

Q: When does the District map seagrass and when is the next map expected?

A: The District maps seagrasses along two regions of west-central and southwest Florida, the Springs Coast, and the Suncoast. The Suncoast includes all the estuaries from Tampa Bay south to Char-

lotte Harbor and is mapped on a two-year cycle. The Springs Coast extends from Waccasassa Bay near Cedar Key south to the mouth of the Anclote River, near Tarpon Springs. This region is mapped on a four-year cycle. In 2024, both Suncoast and Springs Coast regions were mapped. Because the maps are based on imagery collected in early 2024, the 2024 seagrass mapping results represent conditions prior to the 2024 Hurricane Season. The next mapping cycle for the Suncoast is in 2026 and the Springs Coast is scheduled to be mapped again in 2028.

Q: How are seagrasses doing in our estuaries?

A: The Springs Coast continues to be home to the second largest seagrass habitat in the continental United States with over 580,000 acres mapped in 2024. Since mapping this region began in 2007, seagrass coverage has been remarkably stable and resilient to environmental stressors, such as hurricanes and increased nitrogen concentrations in many springs. The Suncoast saw modest gains in Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay, which marks the first seagrass

The Return of the Florida Black Bear

By LAUREN CLAERBOUT

For decades, the Florida black bear was a symbol of conservation concern. Once listed as a state-designated Threatened Species in 1974, its future was uncertain. Today, however, we celebrate a remarkable turnaround — one that showcases the power of sound wildlife management and dedicated partnerships.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), state and federal agencies, local governments, non-profit groups, residents, and businesses, the black bear population in Florida has rebounded from just several hundred bears in the 1970s to over 4,000 today.

The FWC estimates that the four largest subpopulations have grown annually since 2015, and no subpopulations have shown evidence of decline. This resurgence is not just a victory for conservationists; it’s a win for all Floridians. A healthy and well-managed black bear population means we can provide opportunities for responsible wildlife stewardship, including regulated hunting.

At the recent Commission meeting in Ocala, Commissioners of the FWC voted to approve changes for bear hunting in Florida. These changes are expected to be brought back before the Commission at its

August 2025 meeting for a final hearing, and if approved, they would take effect during the 2025-26 hunting season.

For the first time in a decade, Florida may allow regulated black bear hunting in areas where bear populations are increasing and healthy, providing sportsmen and women the opportunity to participate in an activity that is both culturally significant and a biologically sound method to slow bear population growth.

Hunters play a crucial role in conservation. Each hunting license sold factors into a formula determining the federal grant funding a state receives through the Wildlife Restoration Program. The more hunting licenses sold in Florida, the more funding the state receives for public access to wildlife resources, hunter education, shooting range development, habitat improvement and conservation, and science-based wildlife management, which benefits both game and nongame species.

The potential return of bear hunting is not about exploitation — it is about sustainability. Science-based management ensures that Florida’s black bear population remains healthy. Hunting is a proven conservation tool, and its implementation demonstrates the success of decades of conservation efforts.

increase in these estuaries since 2016. We are encouraged that these increases could mark the beginning of a recovery since the red tide of 2017-2019. Improvements in wastewater and stormwater management have been key to Sarasota Bay’s recovery. Charlotte Harbor, the District’s southernmost estuary continued to see losses in 2024, though much smaller than the record losses between 2018 and 2020.

Q: Who else monitors seagrasses in my estuary?

A: The District’s maps provide an excellent estimate of seagrass coverage over time. To complete the seagrass habitat picture, our local partners also help collect site-specific seagrass data. These partners, including city and county governments, National Estuary Programs, and citizen volunteer groups, work very hard to collect critical site-specific data, that, when used in conjunction with the District’s seagrass maps, gives us a comprehensive look at this ecologically and economically critical undersea habitat.

Q: How can I find out more information about seagrasses?

A: To learn more about seagrass and the District’s mapping process, please visit WaterMatters.org/Seagrass

Dr. Chris Anastasiou is the Chief Water Quality Scientist and the Seagrass Mapping Program Lead for the Southwest Florida Water Management District. He holds a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of South Florida and has 30 years of experience conducting research and implementing projects in marine and freshwater ecosystems across the Gulf Coast. Dr. Anastasiou has served for 20 years as a Meteorology and Oceanography officer in the United States Navy Reserve.

FWC’s mission is to manage fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. That means ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same abundant wildlife and outdoor experiences we cherish today. The Florida black bear’s journey from a threatened species to multiple huntable subpopulations is a testament to what can be accomplished through cooperative conservation and responsible management.

FWC’s mission is to ensure that Florida’s wildlife continues to thrive. The black bear’s comeback story proves that with dedication, science, and community

support, Florida can achieve remarkable conservation victories. The Florida black bear is back, and with careful stewardship, it will remain a vital part of our state’s natural landscape for generations to come.

More information about regulated black bear hunting in Florida can be found at MyFWC.com/BearHunting.

Lauren Claerbout is the public information coordinator for the Division of Hunting and Game Management at FWC.

Photo Courtesy SWFWMD

Photo Courtesy FWC

St Johns Riverkeeper Assesses River Grasses

The St. Johns Riverkeeper (SJRK) recently completed the first field visit for Year 3 of the SAVe Our River’s Grasses Expedition. The program is a continuing effort to characterize the alarming decline of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the St. Johns River.

The SJRK team surveyed an 80-mile section of the river between Doctors Lake and Lake George, documenting remaining grass bed locations, collecting water quality data, and identifying potential restoration strategies for this critical habitat.

To enhance the understanding of SAV dynamics and test practical recovery methods, SJRK Riverkeeper, the Coastal Conservation Association, and Mighty River Recovery have undertaken the Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Protective Enclosure Project to install small-scale SAV exclusion enclosures at ten designated sites in the study segment. Nine enclosures have been installed, and the final enclosure is expected to be completed this summer.

The exclusion enclosures are designed to shield SAV from grazing and other environmental stressors allowing researchers to monitor regrowth potential under controlled conditions. They are intended to generate site-specific data to inform future restoration strategies and assess the potential for natural SAV expansion under reduced grazing conditions.

SJRWMD Hosts Water Resources Delegation from Taiwan

The St. Johns River Water Management District recently hosted a water resources delegation from Taiwan at the District’s headquarters in Palatka. The professional exchange focused on water conservation, remote sensing, and sustainable resource management. Dr. Jasmeet Judge, Director of the University of Florida’s (UF) Center for Remote Sensing, coordinated the exchange with the District.

The similar climate conditions between Taiwan and Florida informed the exchange. Both lie near the Tropic of Cancer and experience humid subtropical to tropical climates with hot summers, mild winters, and intense wet seasons. Each is vulnerable to seasonal storms — typhoons in Taiwan and hurricanes in Florida — which bring flooding, storm surge and infrastructure strain. The District recognizes the shared challenges underscore the value of international collaboration on strategies for resilience and sustainable water management.

“When we share science across borders, we multiply impact,” said Kimberli Ponzio, environmental scientist V at the St. Johns

River Water Management District. “This exchange with Taiwan is longstanding — over 20 years — and isn’t just about showcasing projects. It’s about connecting people who care deeply about water, wetlands, and resilience. Every visit, every conversation, strengthens the global network of environmental stewards.”

St Johns River WMD focuses on the Crescent Lake Conservation Area

SJRWMD recently reached out to the public focusing on the Crescent Lake Conservation Area, which plays a key role in local water management. The 3,528-acre conservation area near Seville in Volusia and Putnam counties is composed largely of wetlands.

Sawgrass marshes, shallow wetlands, and a small lake on the property help slow and store water during periods of heavy rainfall, reducing downstream flow and supporting surrounding ecosystems. As water moves across the landscape, wetland plants and soils naturally filter out nutrients and pollutants before they reach the St. Johns River.

SJRWMD has preserved and managed the property for more than three decades. The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, gopher tortoises, bald eagles, and wood storks. Visitors can explore more than four miles of multi-use trails, open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. Picnic pavilions and reservable campsites are also available.

City of Orlando Testing New Technology at Water Reclamation Facility

The City of Orlando is launching a 90-day pilot program to test a treatment system for removing contaminants from wastewater. The pilot is being undertaken in partnership with 374Water through a Clean Water State Revolving Fund grant funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The project will use supercritical water oxidation technology designed to break down harmful contaminants into carbon dioxide, water, and minerals. It is expected to provide insights into future wastewater treatment practices nationwide.

South Florida Water Management

District Finalizing 2025 Draft Sea Level Rise and Flood Resiliency Plan

SFWMD is wrapping up comments on their 2025 Draft Sea Level Rise and Flood Resiliency Plan. The plan features regional resiliency projects and outlines the District’s approach to reducing the risks of flooding, sea level rise, and other climate impacts on water resources and water management infrastructure.

The 2025 plan describes efforts to strengthen the resiliency of communities, the economy, and ecosystems in South Florida and includes an interactive map making it easier to find project locations and relevant information. View the Draft 2025 Sea Level Rise and Flood Resiliency Plan Map.

FSU Florida Climate Center classifies Florida among the most exposed states in the country to sea level rise and coastal storms. The District is a leader in resiliency planning and actively collaborates with stakeholders, local governments, and experts to develop strategies and project plans to ensure critical flood control infrastructure can effectively adapt to changing conditions.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Celebrates 10th Birthday

The St Johns River WMD recently celebrated the 10th birthday of the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. The one way, 11mile drive winds through the Lake Apopka North Shore restoration area transversing a network of wetlands, levees and canals. The drive takes roughly an hour to complete and offers the public a rare opportunity to experience nature up close from the comfort of their car.

The area receives 200,000 visitors a year and is one of Florida’s premier birding destinations and is home to a wide array of wildlife. The 20,000 acres comprising the Lake Apopka North Shore were once part of the lake itself.

Lake Apopka was a world-class bass fishery in the 1940s with 21 fish camps serving as one of Florida’s first national tourist attractions. Wetlands were separated from the lake in 1941 by a levee decreasing the size of the lake from 50,000 acres to 30,000 acres to accommodate commercial farming.

The resulting impacts to the lake degraded its water quality and fisheries and led the lake to be named Florida’s most polluted large lake.

Lake Apopka is the state’s fourth-largest lake and is fed by spring, rainfall, and stormwater runoff. It is the headwaters of the Ocklawaha Chain of Lakes. The state began action to restore the lake

designating its cleanup under the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act of 1987.

Nine years later, in 1996, the Legislature enacted the Lake Apopka Restoration Act, Section 373.461, Florida Statutes, to assist the District in accelerating the restoration of the Lake Apopka basin by funding the acquisition of agricultural lands and facilities impacting Lake Apopka.

Since the late 1980s, phosphorus concentrations have declined 69 percent and water clarity increased 93 percent in the lake as of the end of 2023.

Two Florida State Parks Ranked Among the USA’s Best Beaches

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently announced two Florida State Parks have been recognized among the best beaches in the nation on Dr. Beach's Top 10 Beach List for 2025.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples achieved the No. 4 slot while St. Andrews State Park in Panama City ranked No. 7. Both parks feature white sand, abundant wildlife and ample amenities for visitors and families.

The annual Top 10 Beach List is curated by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach, a professor at Florida International University. The famous list uses a consistent ranking system and has been released each Memorial Day weekend since 1991.

“Delnor-Wiggins Pass and St. Andrews are incredible natural treasures,” said Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher. “We're proud of the work our team has done to protect these beaches while ensuring they remain accessible for everyone to enjoy.”

Florida State Parks has for the unprecedented fifth time been named a finalist for the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. The award is administered by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. The award recognizes the best state park systems in the U.S. The winner will be announced in September.

Photo Courtesy SJRWMD

Photo Courtesy SJRWMD

Photo Courtesy SJRWMD

Nature Meets Innovation on the Space Coast: The Titusville Causeway Transformation

By ANDY RISI AND RYAN BRUSHWOOD

The Titusville Causeway Restoration Project represents a transformative model of nature-based resilience blending engineering innovation with ecological restoration to revitalize a critical stretch of the Space Coast. Located along a heavily used corridor in Brevard County the project is setting a precedent for coastal protection and habitat recovery using living shoreline techniques.

Led by Brevard County Natural Resources Management in partnership with Sea & Shoreline, the project began in May 2024 with a clear purpose: protect infrastructure, restore lost habitat, and improve water quality in one of the most environmentally stressed estuaries in the state. This project was permitted by DRMP and supported by key partners, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation, St. Johns River Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Tourist Development Council, the project is now complete and redefining how shorelines can be rebuilt to serve both people and nature.

The Titusville Causeway Restoration Project followed a layered approach that integrates hybrid reef technology, shoreline stabilization and habitat enhancement.

Sea & Shoreline installed 650 precast hybrid reefs along the shoreline to reduce wave energy and prevent erosion. These reef-like structures are engineered to mimic the form and function of natural reefs helping to trap sediment, support

marine life and create calmer nearshore conditions ideal for ecological restoration. Wave energy reduction solutions can be engineered based on site-specific conditions, goals and constraints.

Following hybrid reef installation, more than 4,000 cubic yards of sand was added to enhance the eroded shoreline. The reconstructed area was planted with native species, such as red mangroves and smooth cordgrass, to stabilize sediments, filter runoff and provide nursery habitat for fish, crabs and birds.

To support lagoon-wide water quality improvements Sea & Shoreline biologists enhanced four acres of seagrass beds, an essential habitat for manatees and gamefish. This was accomplished through the direct planting of nursery grown seagrass. The seagrass was cultivated at Sea & Shoreline’s aquaculture center in Brevard County. The nursery operates in collaboration with the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program’s seagrass nursery network initiative.

In tandem, two million juvenile clams were released to help naturally filter the water and restore biological function to the ecosystem.The clam drop event took place on June 17 with four million juvenile clams deployed via drone. This innovative method ensures precise placement and minimal habitat disturbance.

This $4.2 million restoration effort is funded through partnerships with Brevard County, the St Johns River Water Management District, Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Florida Power and Light.

Sea & Shoreline was selected as the lead marine contractor due to its extensive expertise in scalable living shoreline solutions and successful deployments across Florida.

The Titusville Causeway Restoration Project reached completion in summer 2025, marking a major milestone in Florida’s efforts to advance nature-based shoreline solutions. With all hybrid reefs installed, shoreline rebuilt and planted, seagrass areas restored, and 4 million clam drone deployment completed, the foundation for long-term resilience is in place.

Monitoring and adaptive management are now underway to track the continued ecological recovery of the site. Early signs are promising. Sediment is stabilized behind the hybrid reefs, shoreline vegetation is taking root, and wildlife is rebounding.

As Florida continues to face the challenges of coastal erosion, sea level rise and habitat loss the Titusville Causeway Restoration Project is emerging as a model for resilient shoreline restoration. Its success demonstrates that nature-based solutions when thoughtfully designed and implemented can protect infrastructure, restore ecosystems and enhance community value all at once.

With its blend of innovation, collaboration and ecological impact, the Titusville project is not only rebuilding a shoreline, it’s rebuilding a future for Florida’s coasts. Most importantly, the techniques used here can be recreated along causeways throughout Florida, providing a scalable and proven blueprint for resilient infrastructure across the state.

Dr. Andy Risi is Vice President, Solutions, and Ryan Brushwood is Vice President, Design Build, at Sea & Shoreline

Photo Courtesy Sea & Shoreline

ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING SUMMER SCHOOL

Welcome Back to Paradise

By SHARON LOCKWOOD

On behalf of the entire team at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, it is our pleasure to welcome you back to one of Florida’s most iconic destinations for this year’s Florida Environmental Permitting Summer School.

Each summer, your arrival brings a unique energy to our shores – an inspiring mix of environmental leadership, innovation, and collaboration. We are proud to once again be the host resort for this impactful event and remain deeply committed to supporting the important work you

all do to protect and preserve Florida’s natural resources.

Here at JW Marriott Marco Island, we believe in the harmony between luxury hospitality and environmental stewardship. From our sustainably minded culinary practices to thoughtful coastal conservation partnerships, we strive to be responsible custodians of this beautiful barrier island we call home. We're especially honored to provide a backdrop where ideas are shared, solutions are sparked, and meaningful progress begins.

Whether you're returning for the 39th time or experiencing the Summer School for the first time, we hope your time here is both productive and rejuvenating. We invite you to enjoy the restorative power of the Gulf, the vibrant dining experiences throughout the resort, and the

genuine hospitality our associates take pride in delivering.

Thank you for continuing to choose JW Marriott Marco Island as the setting for your important work. We’re thrilled to

welcome you back, and we’re here to make this your best Summer School yet.

Lockwood

A Q&A Session with DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert

Alexis Lambert is the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Secretary, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Nov. 7, 2024. She followed Shawn Hamilton, who left the department in November and is now Associate Department Manager for Dewberry, a nationwide planning, design, and construction firm.

Below is a Q&A format with Lambert, reflecting on her upbringing, career, and vision for the Department.

Q: TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR UPBRINGING.

A: I am a Tallahassee native, raised in a family that emphasized public service and instilled a deep respect for Florida’s natural environment and the laws that govern it. My parents taught my sister (an environmental lawyer) and me the importance of showing up, working hard, and fostering good relationships. After earning a degree in communications from Mercer

University, I began what has become a nearly 20-year career in state government. I have had the privilege of serving in both communications and leadership roles across multiple agencies, gaining a broad perspective on the functions of government and the importance of cross-agency collaboration in delivering meaningful, lasting outcomes. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, gardening, cooking and exercising — all of which help to keep me sane. I also enjoy traveling and making memories with my family. I’ve been happily married to my husband, Matt, for more than 15 years, and we are the proud parents of two daughters, Georgia (12) and Evelyn (10). We also share our home with our dog, Sipsey, and our cat, Bella, who both add plenty of energy to our lives.

Q: HOW DID YOU END UP GETTING INTO GOVERNMENT SERVICE?

A: I had the privilege of watching my dad’s service to our state and my mom’s career interacting with state government. Many

family dinners were spent discussing their work issues and my sister and I were always encouraged to join in the conversation (or debate). My parents were both lawyers, but my dad advised me to never become a lawyer, so I chose public service instead. He helped me get my first job in state government working as a Public Information Officer at the Department of Community Affairs — he told me the rest was up to me. That first opportunity led to communications roles with several state agencies, including the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Department of Children and Families, and Florida’s Chief Financial Officer. These roles taught me the power of words and the importance of relationships. As I transitioned into leadership positions at the Department of Health and the Division of Bond Finance, I gained a deeper appreciation for how policy, operations, and funding decisions influence outcomes for the people we serve. Along the way, I have had the great privilege to work with incredible people who taught me valuable lessons, invested in my career development and fueled my passion and commitment to public service.

Q: WHAT HAS BEEN REWARDING ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE OF STATE WORK?

A: There have been many but one of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been seeing colleagues advance in their careers and make meaningful contributions both within state government and beyond. Being part of that journey, knowing you contributed to their development in some way, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder that public service isn’t just about policy or programs, but about people and the lasting impact we have on one another. I also think working in the public sector, specifically in the communications field, gives you a unique opportunity to learn a lot about a large variety of topics. I love learning and being able to learn from experts has been so rewarding; whether it was land use planning, insurance, social services, epidemiology or bonds, I’ve enjoyed learning about it all!

Q: WHAT ABOUT FLORIDA'S ENVIRONMENT DO YOU FIND PARTICULARLY INTERESTING OR CHALLENGING?

A: The diversity in the land and water we are charged with protecting, the laws and regulations that govern it and the breadth of issues that arise from that intersection. From the Everglades to the Panhandle, Florida encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, communities, and environmental issues. Managing such varied landscapes requires tailored approaches, creative thinking and constant adaptation, but it also provides an incredible opportunity to learn, and make a meaningful impact across one of the most ecologically diverse states in the country.

Q: WAS BEING SECRETARY SOMETHING YOU ASPIRED TO?

A: It wasn’t a role I was seeking out, but I’m incredibly honored by the opportunity to serve and grateful for Governor DeSantis’ confidence in me. It’s a privilege to work alongside the exceptional professionals at the Department. Joining a team of such talented individuals has reaffirmed that this was the right decision, and I am humbled by the opportunity to be their leader.

Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU BRING TO THE ROLE THAT MAY DISTINGUISH YOU FROM SOME OF YOUR PREDECESSORS?

A: Well, the obvious is I’m a woman and we haven’t had a female secretary in a while. Beyond the obvious, having worked across several state agencies, I’ve gained a broad perspective on how different parts of government connect and operate. That experience helps me approach the role with a holistic view, which I hope contributes to thoughtful decision-making and more coordinated outcomes.

Q: WHAT IS ONE AREA OF THE DEPARTMENT THAT HAS BEEN SURPRISING FOR YOU TO LEARN ABOUT?

A: One area that’s been more significant than I initially realized is the level of federal engagement. Compared to other state agencies I’ve worked in, the degree of coordination with federal partners — particularly on permitting, regulatory frameworks, and funding is much more exten-

Sharon

is General Manager of the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

Photo Courtesy Alexis Lambert

In Memory: Florida Loses Two Environmental and Legislative Pioneers

The Florida environmental and legal communities are mourning the loss of two remarkable women — Nancy Linnan of Carlton Fields and Anne Longman of Lewis, Longman & Walker. With decades of combined service, Nancy and Anne were not only leaders in their respective fields but also mentors, collaborators, and visionaries who helped shape the policies that continue to guide environmental stewardship and land use in Florida. Their contributions went beyond professional expertise — they brought grace, intellect, and a spirit of public service to every table they sat at. Their absence will be deeply felt across the state by all who had the privilege of working with them or learning from them.

sive. Navigating those relationships and aligning priorities adds complexity, but it also underscores the importance of FDEP’s role in ensuring Florida’s interests are well represented and effectively managed.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC VISION FOR WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TENURE IN THIS ROLE?

A: My goal is to keep the momentum going by advancing the priorities and accomplishments of Governor DeSantis’ administration. Under his leadership, Florida has made historic investments in Everglades restoration, water quality improvements, and coastal resilience. My vision is to build on that foundation — ensuring continued progress through transparent, science-based decision-making and strong collaboration across agencies and stakeholders. Ultimately, I want to ensure we’re protecting Florida’s natural

Nancy Linnan was known for her deep expertise in administrative and environmental law and her unmatched understanding of Florida’s regulatory framework. As a leader at Carlton Fields, she mentored a generation of professionals, many of whom credit Nancy for shaping their careers with her insight, integrity, and sharp wit.

Anne Longman brought passion and precision to every legislative effort she touched. Her work at Lewis, Longman & Walker left an enduring mark on Florida’s water and land use policy. Anne’s commitment to collaboration and her ability to bring people together earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues across sectors.

Nancy and Ann were longtime contributors to the Environmental Permitting Summer School, where they shared their insight and passion with professionals from across the state. Their guidance helped shape countless discussions, courses, and policy dialogues over the years. They were not just presenters but engaged participants who helped build the collaborative spirit that defines this event.

Their legacies will live on in the colleagues they inspired and the lasting impact of the policies they helped advance. We honor their memory with gratitude and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and the broader professional community they helped build.

resources in a way that serves both current and future generations.

Q: IS THERE SOMETHING THAT ENVIRONMENTAL FIRMS, EXPERTS, AND VENDORS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU OR THE DEPARTMENT THAT WOULD HELP THEM BE BETTER PREPARED TO SERVE THE DEPARTMENT?

A: What I hope environmental firms, experts, and vendors understand is that I am an honest broker — someone who values transparency, fairness, and collaboration — and I expect the same in return. I believe the best outcomes come from meeting in the middle, where science, policy, and practical solutions align. We welcome working with partners who are committed to the same principles and who come prepared to work collaboratively and constructively to achieve our shared goals.

year, we’re excited to be joined by Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert. While no stranger to attending the conference in years past, Secretary Lambert will be making her debut as a speaker in 2025.

Florida continues to lead the way in solving water quality and quantity quagmires, establishing pre- and post-hurricane mitigation measures, adapting and implementing new technologies in the environmental space, and carefully crafting growth management policies to cope with an influx of new residents while balancing natural resource protections that make our state unique and the envy of the nation. Much of our work that will be completed at the conference finds its way into rulemaking, legislative proposals, and executive action in the subsequent months after our time in Marco.

For new attendees, please take the time to network, attend as many classes as

Course Schedule

possible, and be sure to build in a half or full day of leisure exploring the resort’s pools, beach, and the island’s numerous restaurants that have become favorites to so many repeat attendees. We pride ourselves on offering the perfect mix of accomplishing significant work in an unparalleled location that allows attendees to be heralded as heroes to their families that join them. As a new attendee, please reach out to Jeff Littlejohn, Jamie Sheehan, or me if we can help provide any guidance or if you have feedback on the event. We’d love to hear from you.

In preparation for our 40th conference in 2026, we’ll be rolling out several efforts that will highlight our past, present, and future of our time in Marco Island. Thank you for continued support of Florida’s best environmental conference.

Ryan Matthews is Government Affairs and Lobbying Deputy Section Chair Shareholder at Gray Robinson and co-organizer of the conference

FROM SECRETARY ON PAGE 9

FROM MARCO ON PAGE 1

Course & Exhibit Hall Map

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APEX

AQUATECH

AQUATICUS

ASSOC.

BARGE

BILZIN

BIO-TECH

BIRKITT

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COLLIERS

COLUMBIA

ECOLOGICAL

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Preserving the Past: Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise

Honors History at Etna Turpentine Camp

By NICOLA LIQUORI

Hidden for decades beneath the pine canopy of the Withlacoochee State Forest in Citrus County, the Etna Turpentine Camp stood as a silent witness to Florida’s in-

dustrial growth. What was once a thriving community built around the turpentine industry had faded into obscurity, until a modern infrastructure project unearthed its legacy. Today, thanks to the thoughtful collaboration led by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and its Turnpike Enterprise (Enterprise), Etna’s story is being preserved and shared with future generations as part of the Suncoast Parkway Extension project.

The Suncoast Parkway Extension, part of the Enterprise’s commitment to improving connectivity across the state, extends the Parkway from U.S. 98 to U.S. 19. As with many infrastructure projects, the planning process included detailed environmental and cultural resource assessments which revealed not only valuable land, but also a piece of Florida’s forgotten past.

The story of Etna is not just one of pine trees and distillation but of people and progress. As Florida moves forward with infrastructure improvements, FDOT ensures that its path forward respects and remembers the past.

A WINDOW INTO FLORIDA’S INDUSTRIAL ROOTS

At the turn of the 20th century, the turpentine industry thrived across the southeastern United States, and Florida was at the heart of it. Derived from pine resin, turpentine played a vital role in the country’s economy through its use in shipbuilding, maintenance, and manufacturing. The Etna Turpentine Camp, operating from 1898 to 1926, was a bustling center for this once-booming trade.

Etna wasn’t just a camp; it was a community. More than 50 structures once dotted the landscape, including turpentine stills, a sawmill, blacksmith shop, cooperage for making barrels, company store, post office, and an eight-mile-long tram line.

The camp’s history provides a crucial insight into Florida’s industrial past, particularly the lives of those who contributed to the state's early economic development. Yet, for many decades, this important historical site remained unknown to the public.

REDISCOVERY AND NATIONAL RECOGNITION

The Etna site came back into the spotlight in 1993 during an archaeological survey for the Florida Gas Transmission Company. The archaeological findings indicated that the camp was not only a place of industry but also an area of rich cultural and historical significance. As interest grew, so did the site’s importance. In 2009, the Etna Turpentine Camp was formally listed on the National Register of Historic Places, solidifying the site's cultural and historical value. The rediscovery marked the begin-

ning of a new chapter for Etna centered on preservation, education, and collaboration.

PRESERVATION IN PARTNERSHIP

In 2004, the Enterprise initiated archaeological reviews in anticipation of the Suncoast Parkway Expansion, a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving mobility and safety in the region. Recognizing the proximity of the project to the Etna site, the Enterprise took proactive steps to ensure that development would not come at the cost of history.

In 2017, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was established between Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Forest Service, and the State Historic Preservation Officer. This agreement served as a blueprint for preservation efforts and laid the groundwork for a unique public exhibit. Under the MOA, the Enterprise committed to thoroughly documenting the site and salvaging key elements, including a firebox from one of the original turpentine stills.

This multi-agency collaboration is a shining example of how infrastructure growth and cultural stewardship can coexist. It underscores FDOT’s approach to not just connect communities with roads, but to connect them with history.

BRINGING THE HISTORY OF ETNA TO LIFE

To honor the site’s heritage, the Enterprise partnered with the Florida Forest Service to develop an interpretive exhibit at the Withlacoochee State Forest Headquarters. Completed in early 2025, the two-story structure features the original turpentine still foundation and recreates the scale of an authentic still building, giving visitors a vivid sense of life at the camp.

More than just a visual attraction, the exhibit serves as a learning experience for visitors. Nine interpretive panels provide historical context, telling stories of the workers — many of whom endured difficult conditions — as well as the larger role the turpentine industry played in shaping Florida’s early economy.

This installation is complemented by a Florida Historic Marker at the nearby Oak Park North trailhead, just a short distance from the original Etna site. The marker invites hikers, cyclists, and visitors alike to pause and reflect on the past as they explore the surrounding natural landscape.

STEWARDING BOTH HISTORY AND NATURE

While the focus of the project centers around cultural preservation, it’s part of a broader commitment by FDOT to protect Florida’s unique environmental resources.

The Etna site sits within the Withlacoochee State Forest, one of Florida’s largest state forests and a critical habitat for native wildlife.

The Enterprise has taken great care throughout the Suncoast Parkway Expansion to minimize environmental impacts, implement wildlife crossings, and maintain the integrity of nearby ecosystems. In preserving the Etna site, the Enterprise has demonstrated how roadway development can align with both natural and historical resource stewardship.

A LEGACY THAT ENDURES

The preservation of the Etna Turpentine Camp stands as a powerful reminder that progress does not have to mean erasing the past. Through foresight, collaboration, and a commitment to honoring the past, a once forgotten industrial settlement has been transformed into a touchstone for public education and cultural reflection.

Visitors to the exhibit and the Withlacoochee State Forest can now connect with

a lesser-known chapter of Florida’s past— one that shaped communities, economies, and the landscape itself. The initiative ensures that future generations will not only read about the turpentine industry in textbooks but can see, feel, and experience it firsthand.

Liquori is Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise

Nicola

Photo Courtesy Florida Department of Transportation

Photo Courtesy Florida Department of Transportation

Get Ready, Anglers – The 2025 Seatrout Symposium is Coming!

By ROBIN SIMONEAUX

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is organizing the 2025 Seatrout Symposium, an all-day event that will bring together anglers, scientists, fisheries managers, and conservationists for a deep dive into the past, present, and future of spotted seatrout in Florida.

The symposium is scheduled for Aug. 27 at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, and all interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE SYMPOSIUM

Informative Presentations

A series of presentations happening throughout the day will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the spotted seatrout fishery throughout Florida. Experts will present key findings from the latest stock assessment for spotted seatrout and FWC’s 2025 spotted seatrout angler satisfaction survey.

Presenters will also explore conservation and restoration efforts aimed at improving habitat and water quality, discuss current management strategies and future considerations, and talk about the FWC programs that monitor seatrout populations and their habitats throughout the state.

Interactive Discussions

This symposium will build on the state’s history of successful collaborative conservation efforts. Participants will be invited to contribute their expertise and experiences during interactive discussions and engage directly with other experts and anglers throughout the state. Whether you're a commercial fisherman, an experienced angler, or just getting into fishing, FWC is looking for the public’s insights to shape innovative, forward-thinking management strategies to ensure thriving and healthy seatrout populations for future generations.

A New Chapter in Seatrout Management

Participation in the 2025 Seatrout Symposium will help shape the future management of the fishery, and FWC wants anglers be part of the conversation. Building on the success of FWC’s holistic management approaches for redfish and snook, the FWC is now focusing on spotted seatrout. The goal is to use multiple metrics to evaluate the spotted seatrout fishery and tailor management at a more regional scale that better accommodates Florida’s diverse coastal ecosystems and angler communities.

Robin Simoneaux is is the public information coordinator for the Division of Marine Fisheries Management

EVENT DETAILS

When: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 27

Where: Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, Daytona Beach, Florida

Cost: Free

For the latest news about the Seatrout Symposium, how to register, and to view the agenda, please visit MyFWC.com/SeatroutSymposium.

Sponsors:

• Coastal Conservation Association Florida

• Sea & Shoreline

• Aquatic Conservation

• American Sportfishing Association

• Bonefish and Tarpon Trust Angler Action Foundation

Photo Courtesy FWC

Cans, Bottles, and Hours Are Brightening Futures

By PATRICK GILLESPIE

At a weekend youth basketball tournament in Central Florida, courts are squeaking from basketball shoes pivoting around the hoop, fans are cheering at good passes and made threes, and kids are eyeing the rim, hoping to make a dazzling play and pick up the win.

But off the court waiting to play their next game, all the high schoolers aren’t just staring at phones and tablets. They’re picking up cans and bottles, stuffing 50-gallon bags, and asking people if they are finished with their water or soda so they bag it.

A partnership has sprung up recently between Trish Trash, a Fort Myers-based non-profit, and Elite Sports Events, a Florida-based entertainment and events planning company. Students interested in banking Bright Futures Scholarship community service hours have collected 30,000 recyclable materials at major weekend tournaments that thousands of people attend.

As a result, they are earning Bright Futures community service hours. And simultaneously they are learning about the environmental benefits of recycling. It’s a grassroots program with a growing impact, and it’s changing the way Florida teens think about their future — and their footprint.

“Wherever there’s a can or bottle, they’re finding it,” said Victor Rodriguez, who works for Elite and coaches a boys basketball team in Orlando. “You’ll see these kids walking around with bags looking for stuff. It’s a teaching moment for them as well.”

Trish Barron spent nearly four decades as a perioperative surgical nurse, where she watched recyclable materials — clean surgical packaging, dialysis containers, and more — get tossed into incinerators or landfills simply because there wasn’t a better system in place. But what truly pushed her into action wasn’t in the OR — it was what she saw at her daughter’s volleyball tournaments – overflowing trash cans filled with bottles and cans, and no recycling in sight.

“After every game, there’d be bottles everywhere — Gatorade, water, wrappers. It wasn’t just messy,” Barron said. “It felt like a missed opportunity, especially for the kids.”

That realization became the founding idea behind Trish Trash, which she co-founded in 2020 with Jim Pennington, a disaster recovery expert with a background in logistics. Their goal: make recycling transparent, traceable, and easy to do, especially in places where it typically doesn’t happen.

That vision gained momentum in 2024 with a connection to Elite Sports Events Charities. Founded by Kim Fessler, Elite is dedicated to supporting underserved athletes across Florida through organized sports and leadership development opportunities. The organization is committed to helping student-athletes develop leadership, service, and life skills beyond the game.

Together, Trish Trash and Elite launched a program that rewards Bright Futures-eligible community service hours to high school athletes who collect recyclables at tournament events — turning discarded bottles into stepping stones toward higher education.

"I liked their idea, their energy, their goals," Fessler said. "The things Trish Trash said they wanted to do are things I believe in. I think it's a great opportunity for kids to help themselves and help the environment at the same time."

The model is simple, scalable, and student-centered. At the start of each Elite Sports tournament, players and coaches check in with the Trish Trash team and receive large recycling bags. For every full bag a team collects and returns, each player that participates earns two hours of community service credit, verified on the spot. Smaller bags earn one hour.

These hours count toward Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship Program, which requires anywhere between 30 and 100 verified community service hours as a condition of scholarship eligibility. For many student-athletes, especially those with busy weekend sports schedules, that requirement has been a significant barrier.

“We saw a real gap,” Barron explained. “These kids are showing up, they’re committed, but they didn’t have time to get their service hours. We thought — what if we bring the hours to them?”

It worked.

So far in 2025, Trish Trash has supported four Elite Sports tournaments between March and April and are scheduled to participate in the Elite Summer Classic on July 12 and 13 and the End of Summer Slam on July 25 through 27. Each event expands the reach of this mission — merging athletic participation with environmental action and educational opportunity.

When Trish Trash first began offering community service hours in 2022, only 15 students earned 150 hours as the non-profit looked for local events to attend. By 2023, participation tripled. Events expanded to include the Gladiator Games basketball tournament, ROTC programs, and local art festivals. That year, 38 students earned 455 hours.

Through the partnership with Elite Sports, Trish Trash reached a new scale. With structured events and momentum building among coaches and parents, more CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Photo Courtesy Trish Trash

than 70 students have earned more than 6,500 community service hours across the first four tournaments — and two more remain this season.

“I wish this was around sooner,” Rodriguez said. “It gives (kids) hope. A lot of these kids are low-income and they may not be able to get a scholarship.”

On top of the student impact, the effort is creating an environmental impact. In 2025, students have collected 200 large bags of recyclables, enough to fill a 5-by-8-foot trailer plus 40 more bags that wouldn’t fit. That amounts to more than 25,000 plastic bottles and 4,500 aluminum cans that may have ended up in landfills around Florida.

The ripple effect goes far beyond tournament venues. Sites are cleaner. Teams are more engaged. Families and communities are more connected. And students are stepping up — not just as recyclers, but as role models.

“We’ve got moms handing out bags, kids trading recycling tips, venue staff stopping by to say thank you,” Pennington said. “Even janitors are pitching in — not because they have to, but because they want to support the students. It’s not just about collecting bottles. It’s about teaching responsibility — and building community.”

That community now includes ROTC students, art festival volunteers, chili cookoff attendees, and more. To date, Trish Trash has mobilized over 1,500 volunteers statewide, contributing 6,000+ service hours toward environmental and educational goals.

“I started Trish Trash because I wanted to give people, especially kids, a reason to believe again,” Barron said. “In recycling. In their futures. In the power of doing something small and good that grows into something big and lasting. Every bottle counts. Every hour matters. And every one of these kids deserves a shot at something bigger. If we can clean up a gym, and get someone to college while we’re at it — why wouldn’t we?”

LEARN MORE

To learn more, visit www.trishtrash.com or email info@trishtrash.com

House Bill 295 Is a Step Toward Modernizing Florida's Recycling Efforts

By KEYNA CORY

Editor's Note: On June 27, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed HB 295

In a decisive and forward-thinking move, the Florida Legislature has unanimously passed House Bill 295 – Comprehensive Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan, signaling a strong bipartisan commitment to strengthening the state’s recycling and sustainability practices. Sponsored by Representative Joe Casello and paired with Senator Lori Berman’s Senate companion bill, SB 200, this landmark legislation marks a critical turning point in how Florida addresses waste management and environmental responsibility.

HB 295 directs the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive statewide waste reduction and recycling plan by July 1, 2026. The legislation establishes a clear framework for the plan, including minimum criteria to guide the process, and mandates the creation of a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to provide input and expertise. This collaborative model ensures that diverse perspectives — from industry leaders and environmental experts to local governments and community stakeholders — will shape the plan’s development.

The legislation mandates that Florida’s new recycling plan incorporate clear recycling goals grounded in the principles of sustainable materials management. It also requires the inclusion of targeted strategies for increasing waste diversion. Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of a comprehensive three-year plan focused on advancing recycling education and outreach, supporting local governments in their recycling efforts, and fostering the development of robust markets for recyclable materials.

To maintain transparency and legislative accountability, the Department is also

required to submit a final report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. This report will include the final recommendations of the TAG and will serve as a roadmap for implementing policies that promote a more sustainable and circular economy in Florida.

HB 295 builds upon critical groundwork laid by the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation, a key advocate for advancing recycling initiatives in the state. The Foundation convened a statewide Recycling Workgroup, bringing together leaders from the public and private sectors to identify practical strategies for improving Florida’s recycling rate.

The group’s efforts were sparked in part by discussions at the Florida Chamber Environmental Permitting Summer School, where the need for a statewide plan was initially explored. The workgroup’s recommendations were submitted to the Department and served as a foundation for the agency’s preliminary report to the Legislature — many of those same recommendations will now be revisited and refined by the TAG.

The passage of HB 295 represents more than just a legislative victory — it is a visionary commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability. By taking a data-driven, inclusive, and actionable approach, Florida is positioning itself to better manage waste, recover

valuable materials, and reduce the strain on landfills and natural resources.

As the state moves forward with implementing this legislation, stakeholders across the spectrum — from municipalities and recyclers to environmental advocates and businesses — will have the opportunity to contribute to a shared vision of a cleaner, more resilient Florida. HB 295 sets the stage for innovative solutions, measurable progress, and a renewed commitment to preserving Florida’s environment for future generations.

Keyna Cory is the Executive Director of the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation

Student-athletes participate in Trish Trash's recycling collection program at Elite Sports Events in Central Florida. Students earn Bright Futures volunteer hours while collecting recyclable materials.

Photos Courtesy Trish Trash

From Maui to San Fran: A Look at the Changing Clean Water Act Through the Eyes of SCOTUS

By FREDERICK L. ASCHAUER JR. and KATHERINE L. HUPP

In the last five years, the U.S. Supreme Court has reshaped the landscape of the Clean Water Act (CWA), issuing three major rulings that narrow, define, and realign its previous interpretations. These cases — County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund (2020), Sackett v. EPA (2023), and City and County of San Francisco v. EPA (2025) — not only address key ambiguities in the statute but also highlight a growing judicial trend toward textualism and administrative constraint.

This article traces the evolution of the Clean Water Act through the lens of these decisions and explores the practical and regulatory implications for municipalities, developers, and other interested stakeholders.

COUNTY

OF MAUI V. HAWAII WILDLIFE FUND (2020): DEFINING “FUNCTIONAL EQUIVALENT”

The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants from a point source into “navigable waters”—defined as “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) — without a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. However, what happens when pollutants travel through groundwater before reaching navigable waters?

This was the crux of County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund, where the County had injected treated wastewater into underground wells, which eventually discharged into the Pacific Ocean. The County argued that since the pollutants traveled through groundwater — a non-point source—no NPDES permit was required.

The Supreme Court rejected this narrow reading, holding that a permit is required when there is the “functional equivalent of a direct discharge.” To help clarify this new standard, the Court offered seven non-exhaustive factors:

• Transit time

• Distance traveled

• Nature of the material through which the pollutant travels

• Dilution or chemical changes

• Amount of pollutant entering navigable waters

• Manner of entry

• Identity of the pollutant upon entry

While the Court declined to draw bright lines, it sent the case back to the lower courts for further proceedings. The EPA later issued draft guidance, highlighting that time and distance are the most important factors — but notably excluded permit exemptions based on intent or the presence of state groundwater protection programs.

This decision imposes a fact-intensive, case-by-case approach, requiring regulated entities to consider whether indirect discharges may be regulated under the CWA. Operators of facilities near waterbodies must carefully assess whether an NPDES permit is required for activities.

SACKETT V. EPA (2023): NARROWING THE DEFINITION OF “WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES”

Three years after Maui, a new Court, with Justice Amy Coney Barrett replacing Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice Ketanji Jack-

reach in Sackett v. EPA. At

issue was whether the EPA could regulate wetlands as “waters of the United States” on the Sackett family’s property in Idaho, which had no direct surface connection to Priest Lake, but was hydrologically linked via subsurface flow.

The Court ruled decisively against the EPA, holding that the CWA extends only to wetlands that are “as a practical matter indistinguishable from waters of the United States.” Specifically, to be jurisdictional, wetlands must:

Abut a relatively permanent body of water connected to traditional navigable waters, and

Have a continuous surface connection, making it difficult to tell where the water ends and the wetland begins.

This ruling overturned the broader “significant nexus” test that had been used by the agencies since Rapanos v. United States (2006), drastically limiting federal regulatory reach.

In addition, the majority in Sackett quoted Justice Antonin Scalia’s plurality decision in Rapanos to say that “the CWA’s use of ‘waters’ encompasses only those relatively permanent, standing, or continuously flowing bodies of water forming geographic features described in ordinary parlance as streams, oceans, rivers and lakes.” Sackett v. EPA, 598 U.S. 651, 671 (2023).

The ruling emphasized textual clarity over environmental protection goals and placed the burden on Congress, not agencies, to expand jurisdiction. In response, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a March 2025 memo interpreting Sackett to mean that wetlands must now abut relatively permanent waters to qualify as jurisdictional — seemingly further sidelining many isolated wetlands from federal protection.

Nevertheless, the issue of jurisdictional wetlands is not as cut and dry as initially anticipated after Sackett. In Florida, due to a preliminary injunction of the Biden administration WOTUS rule, the agencies are currently applying what is called the “pre-2015 regulatory regime, as modified by Sackett.” Despite the further narrowing by the March 2025 memorandum, the agencies are interpreting the pre-2015 regulatory guidance on “adjacent wetlands” to include more wetlands than what may have been contemplated in Sackett. Under this framework, wetlands connected to other wetlands through non-jurisdictional features (like ditches or culverts) may still

be jurisdictional if the connected wetland ultimately abuts a relatively permanent

water. See Joint Decision Memos for NWO-2003-60436, LRB-2021-01386 and SAS-2001-13740.

Per Sackett, it would seem only features like creeks, streams, rivers, or lakes may be what Congress contemplated as proper “waters” in the CWA. However, the agencies continue to consider man-made features—such as canals or ditches—as relatively permanent waters if they exhibit certain flow characteristics and an ordinary high-water mark.

As a result of these interpretations of what could constitute an “adjacent wetland” and “relatively permanent water”, the March 2025 guidance appears to be somewhat diluted.

Sackett definitely represents a narrowing in what is considered WOTUS. However, the current agency interpretations of Sackett leave remaining ambiguities — such as the meaning of “continuous surface connection” and “relatively permanent water.” The agencies recently closed a docket under which they solicited public comment regarding the definition of WOTUS. Regulated entities will need to await further administrative action for further clarity on a broad scale. In the meantime, the agencies are treating each project caseby-case to determine jurisdiction based on the pre-2015 regulatory regime.

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO V. EPA (2025): REINFORCING THE PERMIT SHIELD

Most recently, the Court revisited the scope of EPA’s authority under the NPDES permitting framework in City and County of San Francisco v. EPA. San Francisco’s two combined wastewater treatment facilities discharge during heavy rain events. Although the City had long operated under NPDES permits without issue, the EPA issued a new permit in 2019 with two controversial conditions:

A prohibition on any discharge that “contributes to a violation” of applicable water quality standards; and

A ban on any discharge that creates “pollution, contamination, or nuisance” under California law.

San Francisco challenged these vague “end-result” obligations, arguing they exceeded EPA authority and failed to give the City clear guidance. In a 5–4 decision, the Court agreed, holding that EPA cannot impose open-ended obligations without articulating specific, externally imposed limitations. The majority opinion

clarified that, “A limitation must restrict the permittee’s actions from without, not impose an obligation whose content the permittee must guess at.”

The Court emphasized the role of the permit shield provision under §402(k) of the CWA, which protects permit holders from enforcement actions as long as they comply with all permit conditions. The implication: if EPA wants to enforce a result, it must clearly prescribe the actions required to achieve it.

This decision demands more specificity in NPDES permits and is likely to limit the EPA’s use of narrative or outcome-based permit conditions. While it doesn’t eliminate narrative standards entirely, it requires that such standards translate into actionable, defined tasks—placing a heavier burden on EPA during the permitting process.

EMERGING THEMES: TEXTUALISM, CERTAINTY, AND FEDERALISM

Across all three cases, the Court shows a clear trend: limiting regulatory overreach, enforcing textual clarity, and favoring regulated parties’ need for certainty. These rulings signal to agencies that policymaking through flexible or expansive interpretation will face increased scrutiny.

In Maui, the Court embraced a middle-ground test, trying to preserve the statute’s intent while avoiding regulatory gaps.

In Sackett, the Court firmly drew a line— wetlands must be physically connected to navigable waters.

In San Francisco, the Court imposed procedural discipline on the EPA’s permitting authority, curbing vague enforcement.

Together, these decisions provide a narrower, more predictable scope of federal authority under the CWA, but at the cost of regulatory flexibility and possibly environmental comprehensiveness.

The Supreme Court’s recent rulings on the Clean Water Act —from Maui to San Francisco — mark a shift toward limiting federal environmental authority while demanding precision and fairness for the regulated community. These decisions reflect broader themes of textualism, federalism, and administrative accountability.

For clients navigating development, infrastructure, or municipal operations near wetlands or navigable waters, these decisions offer new opportunities — but also new uncertainties. As always, careful legal analysis and strategic engagement with permitting authorities remain essential in this shifting regulatory terrain.

Frederick Aschauer is a Shareholder in Tallahassee and Katherine Hupp is an Attorney in West Palm Beach for Lewis, Longman, Walker

son replacing Justice Breyer, constrained the CWA’s

FREDERICK L. ASCHAUER

KATHERINE L. HUPP

USF/Community Partnership Addresses Tallevast Contamination

By CHRISTIAN WELLS AND NADIA LOCKE

What do you do when the soil and groundwater beneath your home are contaminated, and the environmental specialists estimate that the cleanup may take up to 50 years? This is what the residents of Tallevast — a small, historically Black town adjacent to the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport — learned when they discovered their drinking water wells had become poisoned with chlorinated solvents and other chemicals from a local factory.

That was 20 years ago.

Today, after decades of struggling with the daily challenges of chronic contamination, Tallevast residents have decided to stay put, clean up what they can, and redevelop. The question is: how?

It all started in the early 1960s when the American Beryllium Company set up shop along the main road in Tallevast to machine beryllium parts for the nascent aerospace industry driven by the Cold War and Space Race. Among the components manufactured were those used to construct NASA’s Hubble space telescope as well as nuclear weapons for the U.S. military.

Over time, hazardous waste spills at the company seeped into the soil, contaminating the groundwater all the way down to the aquifer, which residents relied on for their drinking and bathing water as their only source of water until the mid-1980s when public water supply first became available to some of the community. And even then, many chose to keep their private wells without knowing about the contamination.

Tallevast residents only learned of the problem in 2003 after filing a public

UF lands $7.5 million grant to map treacherous tidal mudflats for faster rescues, military missions

Every year, emergency crews and even trained military teams risk getting stuck — or worse — while crossing vast, muddy coastal areas known as tidal mudflats. In places like Anchorage, Alaska, the mud can trap people so deeply that rescues are nearly impossible. These environments are unpredictable, dangerous and largely unmapped.

Now, a team led by University of Florida civil and coastal engineering professor Nina Stark is launching a $7.5 million research project to help change that. Funded by the Office of Naval Research, the project brings together experts from five universities across the U.S. using satellite imagery, field sensors and hovercraft technology to map which areas are safe to walk, drive or boat across, and when.

The goal is to support faster, safer military operations and emergency rescues while

records request with the state to find out why technicians hired by Lockheed Martin (which acquired ABC in 1996) were drilling groundwater monitoring wells on their properties.

What the residents discovered shocked them: trichloroethylene, 1,4-dioxane, and a host of other cancer-causing pollutants migrating in a fast-growing plume over 200 acres wide underneath the community. A health monitoring study commissioned by residents and funded by the Florida Legislature in 2012 found that those who lived in Tallevast since the 1960s for 10 or more years and used well water were eight times more likely to develop cancers of concern.

Overall, cancers in Tallevast are 36 percent higher compared to cancer indices in African Americans for Florida.

“When you hear about so many people in Tallevast having cancer and then some people who have moved away were dying with cancer, then you think about it,” said Carlene Jenkins, a Tallevast resident who used to work at ABC. “Did the contamination have something to do with all this?”

After quick and sustained action by a neighborhood nonprofit called FOCUS, drinking and irrigation wells were shut off, houses were switched to the public water supply, and a remedial action plan was developed and implemented by Lockheed Martin. The problem for Tallevast residents was that the plan involved only a “pump and treat” system (where groundwater is pumped from the subsurface, treated above ground, and then reinjected into the subsurface or disposed of in the public sewer) that was estimated to take up to 50 years to effectively remove all the contaminants from the groundwater. Efforts to test the soil and soil vapor were inadequate, at best, and did not include any cleanup or redevelopment planning.

deepening scientists’ understanding of these shifting, muddy landscapes across the U.S. coastline.

“A vital piece of this research is measuring the geomechanical properties of muddy tidal flats — such as their hardness or softness, and how they change over time and space,” Stark explained. “This will help us map out the safe navigation of these areas, which has been a major challenge for research, recreational, commercial and military activities.”

Tidal mudflats pose serious risks, as people can get stuck or sometimes die trying to cross them. Researchers will be working in different latitudes, from warm to cold regions, to understand how conditions vary.

North Florida Land Trust and partners have preserved more than 385 acres in Putnam County North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) have worked together to preserve over 385 acres in Putnam County. The organizations collaborated to purchase a conservation easement on family-owned property adjacent to the Etoniah/Cross Florida Greenway and near Orange Springs. It connects existing conservation lands within the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) critical wildlife corridor.

FDEP purchased the conservation easement from the O’Connor family for $850,000 with funding from the Florida

Community members decided they needed outside help, so they contacted the Center for Brownfields Research and Redevelopment at the University of South Florida, which worked with FOCUS to apply for resources from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The partners received funding from EPA’s brownfields program and brought in RES (Resource Environmental Solutions, LLC) to conduct environmental site assessment and reuse planning.

Since 2023, the team has been working closely with community residents and USF students to conduct assessments, develop cleanup plans, interview community residents about their experiences with the contamination, and create a vision for redevelopment for the community, by the community.

“It’s been a special privilege to work with the Tallevast residents on this project,” said RES Senior Geologist Paul Maxwell, who spearheaded the testing. “Knowing that you’re living on contaminated land can be uneasy. Hopefully, this testing can bring some peace.”

In 2024, the group held a day-long conference in Sarasota to unveil their redevelopment masterplan called “Planning to Stay: A Long-term Strategy for Stability and

Forever program. This was the second time NFLT facilitated a conservation easement purchase from the family in coordination with FDEP. Approximately one year ago, an 855.35-acre conservation easement was purchased from the O’Connors on property east of this location and within the O2O, also through the Florida Forever program.

“It was a pleasure working with the O’Connor family once again to ensure their land is protected from the threat

Growth.” The vision is to create a clean, safe, healthy environment for Tallevast residents to live and work. It calls for brownfields redevelopment that centers on community needs, including recreational space, health care, fresh foods access, and attainable housing.

“We’re tired. The community is tired. But we’re staying put,” said Laura Ward, co-executive director of FOCUS. We’re going to do whatever it takes to clean this up and get our lives back.”

Christian Wells is Director of the Center for Brownfields Research and Redevelopment at the University of South Florida and former president of the Florida Brownfields Association. Nadia Locke is Florida Advisory Services Manager at RES and former president of the Florida Brownfields Association.

of development and will remain natural forever. It is now or never,” said Allison DeFoor, president and CEO of NFLT. “We brought the property to the attention of FDEP, who helped make the preservation possible. This is another example of a willing landowner, a nonprofit, and a government entity working together to preserve a piece of old Florida for generations to enjoy.”

Photo Courtesy USF

Sunshine Corridor to Undergo PD&E Study

By BLANCHE HARDY

The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission (CFCRC) recently unanimously approved advancing the proposed Sunshine Corridor to the next phase – a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study. The proposed corridor would accommodate expansion of SunRail’s commuter rail service and Brightline’s intercity passenger rail program in Central Florida.

FDOT will oversee the study, which will explore the project’s feasibility, cost estimates, environmental considerations, funding strategy, and compliance with federal grant requirements. The Sunshine Corridor’s potential to reduce vehicular congestion is a sustainability win for the region. SunRail currently operates in a 61 mile corridor hosting 17 stations through Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties between the City of DeLand in Volusia County and Poinciana Park in Osceola County.

Expansion of commuter and long distance passenger rail is being planned for Central Florida and the environment will be one of the most important beneficiaries. Rail offers higher fuel efficiency, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and encourages sustainable walkable development.

39TH ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING SUMMER SCHOOL

When: July 15-18

Where: J.W. Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

The 2025 EPSS will bring public and private professionals together for unparalleled leadership and professional development, networking, and best-in-class programming you won’t want to miss!

https://floridaenet.com/

FLORIDA LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE AGENCIES 2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

When: Sept. 17-18

Where: Alachua County

The mission of FLERA is to enhance communication, education and advocacy for Florida local environmental protection efforts.

https://www.flera. org/2025-annual-conference

2025 RESILIENCY FLORIDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

When: Sept. 17-19

Where: Sunseeker Resort, Charlotte Harbor

This year’s conference theme is Adapting Today; Powering Tomorrow!

“The Sunshine Corridor – the expansion of SunRail from Orlando International Airport to Orlando’s theme parks – will connect the existing SunRail line to major employment centers with more than 200,000 jobs,” said Bob O’Malley Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Orlando Economic Partnership. “This will help reduce automobile traffic and increase access to employment opportunities for Central Florida residents. Furthermore, it will provide a transportation alternative for the millions of tourists who visit our region every year. This will have a positive environmental and economic impact.”

The program will feature four concurrent tracks focusing on Beach Management, Energy, Gray and Green Infrastructure, and Smart Planning. Additionally, plenary sessions will bring attendees together for discussions with invited speakers on resilience issues of statewide importance, including federal and state legislative policy and funding initiatives.

https://www.resiliencyflorida. org/2024-conference

THE 30TH FLORIDA REMEDIATION CONFERENCE

When: Nov. 3-5

Where: Rosen Centre Hotel Orlando

The Florida Remediation Conference (FRC) is one of the premier soil, air and water remediation conferences in the industry. FRC attracts over 400 attendees comprised of a mix of industry representa-

CFCRC’s proposed SunRail expansion, located in Orange County, will connect to major destinations, including Orlando International Airport, the Orange County Convention Center, South International Drive, and Disney Springs. Privately operated Brightline high-speed passenger rail service currently operates between Miami and Orlando. Brightline plans to expand to Tampa in the future.

Expansion and connection of SunRail and Brightline will help relieve congestion while providing environmental benefits to the region. Traffic tracker INRIX reports that the Orlando metropolitan area is

tives, developers, consultants and contractors, and over 70 exhibitors and sponsors from across the country.

https://floridaremediationconference.org/

17TH ANNUAL SOUTHEAST FLORIDA CLIMATE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

When: Dec. 16-17

Where: West Palm Beach

This Summit is a key opportunity for sharing innovative ideas, displaying successful climate initiatives, and fostering collaboration among leaders from various sectors. Attendees include government officials, scientists, nonprofit organizations, business leaders, academia, media, community leaders, and international organizations. It will highlight impactful projects for immediate implementation, encourage valuable networking and strategic planning, and

ranked among the most congested in the U.S. Transportation makes up 36 percent of Orange County’s greenhouse gas emissions. According to the American Public Transportation Association increasing public transportation improves air quality, lowers vehicle emissions, and reduces noise pollution.

County records indicate Central Florida grows by nearly 1,000 new residents a week. By 2030, projections forecast the regional population will reach 5.2 million. Central Florida also hosted one over 74 million tourism visitors in 2024.

The projected ridership potential of the proposed rail expansion emphasizes the capacity for Central Florida passenger rail to get cars off the road. The multimodal terminal servicing passenger rail build at Orlando International Airport is anticipated to accommodate 57 million annual passengers and over 25,000 airport employees.

The Orange County Convention Center hosts 1.5 million annual attendees , has 100,000 employees in the International Drive area, and the new proposed local stations will serve planned mixed used developments and attractions such as Universal Epic Universe and Sea World. Disney also employs 75,000 employees in the vicinity.

leverage collective insights to tackle pressing South Florida climate issues.

https://conference.ifas.ufl. edu/climatesummit/

DISASTERS EXPO USA

When: March 4-5, 2026

Where: Miami Beach, FL

A key event for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, Disasters Expo USA brings together industry leaders, government agencies, and professionals committed to addressing the challenges of disasters. With a focus on innovation, networking, and education, the event serves as a vital platform for showcasing cutting-edge solutions and technologies that drive resilience and recovery efforts across the country.

https://www.disasterexpomiami.com/

Photo Courtesy FDOT

TEXAS

State of Texas Sets Records in Natural Gas Production

According to a Texas Oil & Gas Association report, Texas set record highs in natural gas output this spring, while oil production remained strong, emphasizing the state’s critical role in the U.S. and global economies. From January to May, Texas produced 42.2 percent of U.S. crude oil and 29.2 percent of its marketed natural gas. The state's natural gas production reached 36.9 billion cubic feet per day, with marketed production at a record 34.4 billion cubic feet per day. In March, Texas exported $19.8 billion in energy products, including crude oil, refined products, hydrocarbon gas liquids, and natural gas. Europe accounted for 61 percent of Texas' LNG exports and 40 percent of its crude oil exports. The Asia Pacific region received 57 percent of the state's hydrocarbon gas liquids and 43 percent of its crude oil exports.

Renewables Businesses Celebrate Legislative Win

Several proposals to restrict or regulate solar and wind energy did not pass in the Texas House of Representatives this session. The bills, which aimed to ban offshore wind, create prohibitive land use requirements, and assign new costs to wind and solar farms, were rejected due to concerns about meeting growing electricity demand. Though the anti-renewable bills failed, bipartisan power grid bills passed, aiming to enhance ERCOT's demand projections and implement an emergency shutdown program for largescale electricity users.

Chlorine Gas Leaks in Brazosport Causes Health Concerns

Around 8,000 pounds of chlorine gas, a powerful disinfectant and chemical weapon, leaked from a Dow Chemical Company plant in Brazosport on May 20, triggering concerns about a health emergency. The gas, heavier than air and toxic at high concentrations, was used as a chemical weapon as early as World War I and can cause severe health issues including respiratory failure and death. The Brazosport leak did not result in any casualties and was less severe than a 2004 train crash in Bexar County, which resulted in the deaths of three people after the train crash released 60 tons of chlorine from a punctured tank car.

Galveston Reinforces Beach Area Against Coastal Erosion

The Jamaica Beach Coastal Erosion Planning and Response Act project, costing more than$5 million, will reinforce Galveston’s Jamaica Beach with 61,000 cubic yards of sand across 3300 linear feet of shore. FEMA will reimburse the Texas

General Land Office for 90 percent of the costs of this project, which was originally conceived to repair damage caused by Hurricane Ike in 2008. Construction, which began on the west side of the beach, will build up the shoreline to a 5-foot elevation and is expected to be completed by late August 2025.

Surge in Proposed Gas Power Plants Poses Environmental Quality Issues

A new report highlights a surge in proposed gas-fired power plants in Texas, primarily in the Houston area, to meet the energy demands of AI data centers. These projects, totaling over 58 gigawatts of capacity, could increase greenhouse gas emissions by 13 percent and contribute to air pollution, posing health risks. The state’s encouragement of natural gas power generation, including taxpayer-financed loans, has expedited the permitting process, potentially leading to fewer pollution controls.

Meta Expands Acquisition of Geothermal Power Source

Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has signed a deal to buy 150 megawatts of power from XGS Energy, a Houston-based geothermal startup. This is Meta’s second major geothermal deal, following a similar agreement with Sage Geosystems. Geothermal power has typically been limited to regions with natural underground reservoirs, such as the American West, Iceland, and New Zealand. However, new startups are now promising to expand geothermal energy production by using advanced drilling techniques to access geothermal heat anywhere on Earth, enabling broader use of this renewable energy resource. Read More

Texas Funds Microgrids of Critical

Facilities to Support Grid Reliability

The Texas legislature has approved and finalized a $1.8 billion fund to support the construction of microgrids at critical facilities, such as hospitals and fire stations. The Texas Backup Power Package Program aims to enhance grid reliability and protect against extreme weather events. The program, which allows for solar, battery, and gas-powered microgrids, will help facilities with limited financial resources secure backup power.

LOUISIANA

Lawmakers Vote for Overhaul of Department of Transportation and Development

Louisiana’s Legislature passed a package of bills to overhaul the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), aiming to address road and bridge issues. The reforms include creating a new Office of Louisiana Highway Construction to manage state roads not eligible for federal funding and reorganizing DOTD with new offices for project delivery and transformation. The goal is to improve efficiency, privatize services, and enhance project delivery and bridge maintenance.

Utility Company Announces Search for New Buyer

Cleco, a Louisiana utility, is officially up for sale. The investor-owned utility, which

provides electricity to nearly 300,000 customers across 24 Louisiana parishes, has begun its search for a buyer, with potential buyers including Entergy and Bernhard Capital Partners. The sale, expected to result in major changes for ratepayers and employees, has been long anticipated since Cleco’s current owner, Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, acquired the utility in 2016.

Senate Approves Bill to Clean Up Old Drilling Sites

The Louisiana Senate approved a heavily amended bill to clean up old drilling sites in Louisiana, ensuring it becomes law. The bill, SB 244, led by Sen. Bob Hensgens, regulates court-ordered cleanups of old oil field sites and is a response to more than 600 legacy lawsuits aimed at addressing historical contamination. Despite dividing opinions, Gov. Jeff Landry supported the bill's progress, criticizing the oil industry's opposition. The final version preserved old procedures for existing cases and delayed new rule implementation until 2027.

Meta Data Center Energy Needs Concern Advocacy Groups

Entergy Louisiana plans to build three new gas-fired power plants to power Meta’s data center in northeast Louisiana, a project that could potentially strain the state’s already unreliable grid. Advocacy groups argue that the project, which will cost $3.2 billion, could lead to major outages and burden ratepayers across the state. Entergy maintains that safeguards are in place and that the project will benefit all customers, not just Meta.

New Training Center in Houma Offers Industry-Accredited Safety Certifications

Maersk Training has opened a new Maritime & Safety Training Facility at Fletcher Technical Community College in Houma. The facility will offer industry-accredited training courses focused on Offshore Safety and Survival, as well as industrial safety, with certifications approved by industry bodies, such as OPITO, OSHA, STCW, IADC, and API. The partnership aims to equip workers with essential skills and certifications to enhance safety and performance in the oil, gas, maritime, and renewable energy sectors.

MSC Halts Shipping Route to Asia from Port of New Orleans

Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC), a major operator at the Port of New Orleans, will temporarily halt its direct shipping route between Louisiana and several Asian ports, citing President Trump's trade policy changes as the reason. MSC plans to suspend two routes between Asia and the U.S. and alter four others following tariff announcements that have decreased container shipping traffic. MSC is one of the port's largest revenue generators, contributing around $4.5 million in the fiscal year ending June 2024. The suspension reflects broader challenges in the global shipping industry due to fluctuating tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

MISSISSIPPI

Jackson Installs New Free EV Chargers

The City of Jackson installed 10 new electric vehicle chargers, funded by a $160,000 donation from Entergy. The chargers, located at the Warren Hood Building, Thalia Mara Hall, and Union Station, are currently free to use. Entergy purchased the chargers from Tesla, and they were installed by the nonprofit Adopt a Charger via local contractor Lavallee. Lavallee will also maintain the chargers for Jackson. The city will incur a nominal annual cost of $600 for the chargers. Adopt a Charger collaborates with private companies like Entergy to sponsor public charging stations. The nonprofit has established similar stations at the Mississippi Children's Museum and Hinds Community College in Raymond.

FEMA Aid Request Approved

The Trump administration approved Mississippi’s request for federal assistance to recover from deadly tornadoes and severe weather from March storms. The federal government will cover 100 percent of costs for FEMA’s Individual Assistance aid and 75 percent of costs for FEMA’s Public Assistance. Eleven counties qualified for Individual Assistance, while 17 counties qualified for Public Assistance. The March storms resulted in the deaths of seven individuals in Mississippi and caused injuries to dozens more. Nearly 1,000 homes were damaged.

ALABAMA

University of Alabama Studies Fortified Building Outcomes

A study led by the Center for Risk and Insurance Research at the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business, in partnership with the Alabama Department of Insurance, highlights the economic and protective benefits of climate-resilient construction methods, specifically fortified standards, for homes affected by hurricanes. Examining insurance claims from Hurricane Sally in 2020, the study found homes built or retrofitted to Fortified standards experienced fewer and less costly damages. The study shows that if all homes in Mobile and Baldwin counties met these standards, insurance payouts could have been reduced by 75 percent, saving insurers and policyholders a combined total of about $147 million. Alabama provides substantial insurance discounts and grants to homeowners employing Fortified methods.

State Director for Rural Development Appointed by Trump Administration

Twinkle Cavanaugh, former president of Alabama’s Public Service Commission, has been appointed as the state director for rural development under the Trump administration. Cavanaugh, known for her support of fossil fuels and opposition to environmental regulations, oversaw electricity rate increases during her tenure at the PSC. Her appointment has invited controversy, as critics argue that her decisions as head of the Public Service Commission favored utility companies over consumers.