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

Bruce RitchieJanuary 27, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday announced he will request $150 million for Everglades restoration in fiscal year 2015-16 along with $150 million for land acquisition and management. Scott apparently will use money for water and land conservation under Amendment 1, approved by 75 percent of voters in November. The request for land acquisition falls short of […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 22, 2015

Leaders of the House and Senate have said they expect water to be a priority in the upcoming legislative session but they’ve been vague at best on what issues should be addressed. On Thursday, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam weighed in by outlining recommendations for what he said are the “bold” changes needed in state water […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 21, 2015

A bill arising from a Florida wetlands case that was decided in the U. S. Supreme Court has been filed in advance of the 2015 Legislative Session. The Supreme Court in 2013 overturned a Florida Supreme Court ruling against the late Coy A. Koontz Sr., who sought to build on 3.7 of his 15 acres […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 20, 2015

Florida’s wildlife agency will request a rule change to allow black bear hunting in some areas because of bear attacks and other conflicts with people, state wildlife officials said Tuesday. Florida has at least 3,000 bears, up from around 500 in the 1950s. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in 1994 voted to make bear-hunting illegal […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 16, 2015

A proposed solar energy amendment probably won’t be a walk in the park as Amendment 1 was last year. On Jan. 14, a coalition of energy and conservative groups announced an effort to put an amendment to the Florida Constitution on the ballot in 2016 to remove regulatory barriers to solar energy production. Supporters said […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 15, 2015

A proposed solar energy amendment probably won’t be a walk in the park as Amendment 1 was last year. On Jan. 14, a coalition of energy and conservative groups announced an effort to put an amendment to the Florida Constitution on the ballot in 2016 to remove regulatory barriers to solar energy production. Supporters said […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 14, 2015

A leading supporter of a proposed solar energy amendment said Wednesday that backers will need $8 million to $10 million to fight utilities to get the measure passed. Floridians For Solar Choice Inc., a political committee created in December, announced its proposed amendment in 2016 that limits or prevents government and utilities from imposing barriers […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 14, 2015

A leading supporter of a proposed solar energy amendment said Wednesday that backers will need $8 million to $10 million to fight utilities to get the measure passed. Floridians For Solar Choice Inc., a political committee created in December, announced its proposed amendment in 2016 that limits or prevents government and utilities from imposing barriers […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 13, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet on Tuesday agreed to spend nearly $13 million on two conservation land buys in Southwest Florida including one with implications for Amendment 1 spending. Amendment 1 is the water and land conservation funding initiative approved by 75 percent of voters in November. A Senate committee last week began wrangling […]

Bruce RitchieJanuary 8, 2015

When you drive past a huge shopping mall, office park or major housing development, you’re likely passing what planners call a “Development of Regional Impact.” Since 1972, Florida law has regulated these developments by requiring review and comment from state agencies and affected cities and counties. State planners can require developers to reduce harm to […]

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.

Rick Scott announces Everglades, land-buying requests

Adam Putnam outlines water policy recommendations, calls for bold action

Bill deals with U. S. Supreme Court wetlands case

State wildlife officials to request an end to ban on bear hunting

Bruce Ritchie: Solar amendment likely to face tougher fight than conservation Amendment 1

Bruce Ritchie: Solar amendment likely to face tougher fight than conservation Amendment 1

Solar amendment backers say they'll need $8-$10 million to fight utilities

Solar amendment backers say they’ll need $8-$10 million to fight utilities

Cabinet approves land-buying projects as Adam Putnam touts conservation alternative

Bruce Ritchie: Former state planning chief wants new state process for reviewing major developments