Volume 46, Number 2
Have an idea for a story? Would you like to submit a column for consideration? Please, let us know. And remember to fill us in on your organization’s new people, programs, new offices, projects or technologies — anything of interest to environmental professionals working in Florida. Send to SPECIFIER PUBLISHING
LLC, P.O. Box 1857, Tallahassee, FL 32302.
Florida’s Environmental News Source of Record focused on news content of interest to the environmental community.
SPECIFIER PUBLISHING LLC
Publisher
Editor-In-Chief
Patrick Gillespie
Staff Writers
BLANCHE HARDY, PG
Senior Correspondent
LINA ALFIERI STERN
MBA, MSRED, LEED Green Associate
Contributing Writers and
Columnists
JOHN FUMERO
Nason Yeager Gerson Harris
and Fumero, P.A.
ROBERT BELTRAN
Dewberry
HERSCHEL VINYARD
Adams and Reese
JEFF LITTLEJOHN
Adams and Reese
JARED W. PERDUE
Florida Department of
Transportation
KEYNA CORY
Florida Recycling Partnership
Foundation
PAULINE THÉVENOT
IADYS
SEAN PARKS
Lake County Commissioner
CHRIS REED
Southwest Florida Water
Management District
RALPH DEMEO
Guilday Law
ASHLEY LANDWERLEN
FSU Law Student
BETH HICKENLOOPER
St. Johns River Water
Management District
KATHERINE MUNSON
Southwest Florida Water
Management District
The recent federal court decision has significantly altered the 404 permitting process in Florida, marking a pivotal shift in environmental and developmental regulations within the state. This ruling challenges existing practices and sets a new precedent for future permitting processes.
Florida lawmakers set 96% of 2021 Gaming Compact revenue for environmental projects, ensuring long-term ecological funding.
Florida’s water environment faces unprecedented challenges from population growth, aquifer limits, and climate change. The One Water approach emerges as a holistic strategy, integrating water system management to ensure sustainability and resilience. Dewberry and the Florida Specifier team champion this integrated method, discussing its many facets on their podcast.
Legislation by Sen. Travis Hutson and Rep. James Buchanan has paved the way for significant environmental funding, channeling nearly all proceeds from the 2021 Gaming Compact into eco-friendly projects. Their initiative marks a pivotal shift in funding priorities, with the environment emerging as a primary beneficiary.
Florida’s “Self Defense Act” now permits using deadly force against bears to protect people, pets, or property, addressing rising bear encounters.
The Florida Legislature recently concluded its 60-day session, passing several bills focused on environmental improvement and regulation. Governor Ron DeSantis now has the option to sign or veto these bills, including ones related to stormwater management, aquatic vessel operation, water well regulation, and mitigation bank credits.
The Climate Change Report, part of the U.S. Fifth National Climate Assessment, underscores the dire impacts of climate change on coastal regions, emphasizing the critical need for robust resilience and adaptation efforts in response to sea level rise and heightened storm activity.
A recent court decision has brought a significant change to Florida’s wetlands permitting program, impacting how 404 permits are processed. Find out how this ruling affects environmental projects in Florida and the future of wetland protection.
While Florida has led the nation in combatting the proliferation of ESG within the financial sector, a new fight has emerged, this time within the federal bureaucracy and along our roadways. Recently, state transportation departments have seen a swift uptick in the politicization of infrastructure investments by the Biden Administration. Rather than focusing on road projects to reduce congestion, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is focused on social and environmental justice —neither of which supports the efficient movement of people or our supply chain.
By 2060, mapping predicts scarce options for new landfills, highlighting the urgency of sustainable waste management. Emphasizing reduced landfill dependency and increased recycling could offer a viable solution to this impending challenge.
Lina Alfieri Stern’s “Around the Gulf” features notable environmental advancements across the Gulf, including Chevron’s new CNG station and groundbreaking green hydrogen projects, spotlighting sustainability efforts in the region.
Dive into the recreational offerings of the Suwannee River Water Management District lands, including hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking, while exploring their commitment to conserving Florida’s natural beauty.
Utility bills in Florida are on the rise, with a recent survey revealing steady increases in water and wastewater rates across the state. The Florida Water And Wastewater Rate Survey by Raftelis shows annual hikes in average monthly bills for both typical and large-use benchmarks since 2014, highlighting the growing financial burden on residents.
The Florida Legislature’s CS/HB 1073 represents a significant shift in wetland mitigation and water quality banking, addressing the scarcity of mitigation bank credits and land for new banks, particularly in regions like Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
IADYS is on the forefront of environmental protection with its innovative robots, the Jellyfishbot and the Mobile Oil Skimmer.
Florida’s water bodies are facing a critical challenge due to nutrient overload from septic tanks, leading to harmful algal blooms and eutrophication. This issue is exacerbated by the state’s rapid population growth and the inability of conventional septic systems to remove nitrogen and phosphorus effectively. The resulting environmental impact affects water safety and aesthetics, with significant repercussions for local wildlife, human health, and the economy.
Florida is tackling water quality issues with new septic tank legislation, HB1379, impacting municipalities and homeowners. This law mandates the installation of nitrogen-reducing systems in specific areas to meet water quality standards.
Chris Reed highlights the role of prescribed burns in maintaining Florida’s ecosystems and protecting water resources, emphasizing their controlled, strategic use for environmental health.
Tampa is set to become the first U.S. city to adopt Suspended Ion Exchange (SIX) technology, a groundbreaking move to filter out per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from its drinking water. Known as “forever chemicals” for their durability in the environment, PFAS pose a significant water quality challenge.
Stay informed about the latest conferences and events in the environmental sector. Explore dates, venues, and highlights for key industry gatherings.
“In Other News” spotlights key environmental efforts in Florida, including a $1M contribution to land conservation, new grant programs, and critical habitat protection, underscoring the state’s dedication to environmental preservation and sustainability.
Adjacent to Interstate 95, the Upper St. Johns River Basin project is a pivotal environmental restoration effort, aimed at enhancing water quality and reviving wetland habitats in Florida with innovative, nature-based solutions.
BY KATHERINE MUNSON Q: What is Water 101? A: Water 101 is a Southwest
In “Florida Notes” by The Florida Specifier, readers find a curated collection of environmental stories and insights, highlighting the challenges and triumphs within Florida’s diverse ecosystems. This section is a go-to source for those keen on understanding and preserving the Sunshine State’s natural beauty and environmental integrity.
Volume 46, Number 2
Have an idea for a story? Would you like to submit a column for consideration? Please, let us know. And remember to fill us in on your organization’s new people, programs, new offices, projects or technologies — anything of interest to environmental professionals working in Florida. Send to SPECIFIER PUBLISHING
LLC, P.O. Box 1857, Tallahassee, FL 32302.
Florida’s Environmental News Source of Record focused on news content of interest to the environmental community.
SPECIFIER PUBLISHING LLC
Publisher
Editor-In-Chief
Patrick Gillespie
Staff Writers
BLANCHE HARDY, PG
Senior Correspondent
LINA ALFIERI STERN
MBA, MSRED, LEED Green Associate
Contributing Writers and
Columnists
JOHN FUMERO
Nason Yeager Gerson Harris
and Fumero, P.A.
ROBERT BELTRAN
Dewberry
HERSCHEL VINYARD
Adams and Reese
JEFF LITTLEJOHN
Adams and Reese
JARED W. PERDUE
Florida Department of
Transportation
KEYNA CORY
Florida Recycling Partnership
Foundation
PAULINE THÉVENOT
IADYS
SEAN PARKS
Lake County Commissioner
CHRIS REED
Southwest Florida Water
Management District
RALPH DEMEO
Guilday Law
ASHLEY LANDWERLEN
FSU Law Student
BETH HICKENLOOPER
St. Johns River Water
Management District
KATHERINE MUNSON
Southwest Florida Water
Management District
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