Bruce Ritchie, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bruce RitchieFebruary 8, 2015

Some legislators again are taking aim at water bottling operations in Florida. This week, members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture said they’re concerned about shipping water out of Florida and the effects of pumping during drought and in areas with water shortages. “Obviously there is money being made on use of a public resource […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 5, 2015

Some legislators again are taking aim at water bottling operations in Florida. This week, members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture said they’re concerned about shipping water out of Florida and the effects of pumping during drought and in areas with water shortages. “Obviously there is money being made on use of a public resource […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 4, 2015

Environmental groups said Wednesday that the water and land conservation ballot initiative approved in November makes no reference to wastewater treatment and water supply projects and isn’t intended to pay for existing state agency expenses. The policy statement and news release issued by Florida’s Water & Land Legacy coalition comes a week after Gov. Rick Scott […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 4, 2015

Environmental and agriculture groups raised concerns on Wednesday with draft water bill language presented by a House committee but speakers on all sides praised the chamber for its comprehensive approach on the issue. The House State Affairs Committee language addresses pollution threats facing springs and Lake Okeechobee and the need for increased water supplies in […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 3, 2015

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The House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday will consider draft bill language that would address springs, Lake Okeechobee and central Florida’s water future. Florida’s springs have become choked with weeds and algae caused by nitrogen in groundwater from a variety of sources including septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, lawn fertilizer and farms. Last year, SB […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 30, 2015

A Senate committee chairman on Friday filed six bills to implement spending under Amendment 1 while supporters still were looking for details on how Gov. Rick Scott plans to spend the money. Approved by 75 percent of voters in November, Amendment 1 in the state constitution will provide an estimated $757 million for water and […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 30, 2015

Some of Florida’s elected leaders are calling for an open and robust debate on spending under the water and land conservation Amendment 1. But apparently not everyone wants to participate. Amendment 1, approved by 75 percent of voters statewide in November, will provide an estimated $757 million for a range of eligible programs in the […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 29, 2015

Some of Florida’s elected leaders are calling for an open and robust debate on spending under the water and land conservation Amendment 1. But apparently not everyone wants to participate. Amendment 1, approved by 75 percent of voters statewide in November, will provide an estimated $757 million for a range of eligible programs in the […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 28, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott said Wednesday he is requesting $82 million next year in environmental spending above what is required by Amendment 1, the water and land conservation initiative approved by voters in November. Scott on Wednesday issued his $77 billion budget request for fiscal year 2015-16 including an estimated $757 million towards a broad array […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 28, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott said Wednesday he is requesting $82 million next year in environmental spending above what is required by Amendment 1, the water and land conservation initiative approved by voters in November. Scott on Wednesday issued his $77 billion budget request for fiscal year 2015-16 including an estimated $757 million towards a broad array […]

Bruce Ritchie
Lake Mary’s team celebrates in the eighth inning of the Little League World Series Championship game against Taiwan. Florida won in eight innings 2-1. Image via AP.

Bruce Ritchie: Water bottling continues to draw fire despite small amount of pumping

Bruce Ritchie: Water bottling continues to draw fire despite small amount of pumping

Amendment 1 supporters respond — maybe — to governor’s budget

All sides praise House water bill effort while raising concerns

Draft water bill focuses on springs, water planning and Lake O

Amendment 1 breakdown provided as bills filed to restructure trust funds

Bruce Ritchie: Make your case publicly on Amendment 1 spending or don’t criticize others

Bruce Ritchie: Make your case publicly on Amendment 1 spending or don’t criticize others

Rick Scott say he's meeting Amendment 1 but full breakdown lacking

Rick Scott say he’s meeting Amendment 1 but full breakdown lacking