Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Associated PressApril 22, 2015

Amid lurking alligators and the steamy heat of Florida’s Everglades, President Barack Obama on Wednesday sounded the alarm about damage from climate change he said is already wreaking mayhem in Florida and across the United States. In an implicit rebuke to Florida’s governor and other Republicans, Obama accused those who deny the man-made causes of […]

Melissa RossApril 22, 2015

Just as President Obama touched down in the Everglades to mark Earth Day (and score some political points around climate change and Rick Scott), a globally recognized thought leader on the emerging green economy had a North Florida announcement of her own. Hazel Henderson of the St. Augustine-based Ethical Markets has released her firm’s 2015 Green […]

Guest AuthorApril 20, 2015

It makes sense for President Barack Obama to be in the Everglades on Earth Day. According to the White House, he will draw attention to both the Everglades and the massive economic consequences of global warming and climate change. Obama is likely to echo what a former Friends of the Everglades director said over a […]

Bruce RitchieApril 20, 2015

President Barack Obama’s planned trip to the Everglades this week is being used some supporters to boost the proposal to buy U.S. Sugar Corp. land for water storage. In his weekly radio address on Saturday, Obama said he will visit the Everglades on Earth Day, which is Wednesday, to talk about how climate change threatens […]

Bruce RitchieApril 8, 2015

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli said Wednesday that the Senate is getting closer to the House on a comprehensive water bill but differences remain. SB 918 was rewritten in a committee on Wednesday in response to requests by business groups and environmentalists, both of whom had raised concerns. Both sides still have issues, with environmentalists remaining […]

Bruce RitchieApril 7, 2015

With hundreds of lobbyists in suits and Parrotheads in flower-patterned shirts cheering in applause, singer Jimmy Buffett urged Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature to buy land to protect the Everglades. “It’s good to be back in Tallahassee,” Buffett said before playing an acoustic version of “Changes in Lattitudes.” “It’s good to be raising a […]

Bruce RitchieApril 6, 2015

Eric Draper of Audubon Florida told a television audience this weekend that legislators are showing they are “out of sync” with voters who supported Amendment 1. Seventy-five percent of voters in November approved the funding initiative that would provide an estimated $742 million for water and land conservation in the 2015-16 state budget. Environmental groups […]

Bruce RitchieApril 6, 2015

What had become the “year of the environment” for the 2015 legislative session has become a year of disappointment for some environmentalists. Amendment 1 and statewide water policy were major issues heading into the session, with growth management also emerging once the opening gavel dropped. Approved by 75 percent of voters in November, Amendment 1 provides […]

Bruce RitchieApril 5, 2015

What had become the “year of the environment” for the 2015 legislative session has become a year of disappointment for some environmentalists. Amendment 1 and statewide water policy were major issues heading into the session, with growth management also emerging once the opening gavel dropped. Approved by 75 percent of voters in November, Amendment 1 provides […]

Guest AuthorApril 1, 2015

A major debate is taking place in the Florida House and Senate over public policy regarding water and the allocation of Amendment 1 funds. Various special interests are striving to make their voice the most influential regarding these two high profile issues. At stake is finding a balance of effective policies, which will guard our […]

Tag: Everglades

President sounds alarm on climate damage in visit to Everglades

On Earth Day, Florida’s Ethical Markets releases 2015 “Green Transition Scoreboard”

Alan Farago: Mr. President, use Everglades backdrop to shun sugar cash

President’s visit is “vital” to land deal, Everglades Trust says

Speaker says water bills closer, advisory council possible sticking point

Jimmy Buffett tells Capitol crowd it’s good to be “raising hell for the right reason”

Audubon’s Eric Draper says Legislature “out of sync” with voters

Bruce Ritchie: At session midpoint, disappointment replaces promise

Bruce Ritchie: At session midpoint, disappointment replaces promise

Dan Peterson: Buying more land isn't Amendment 1's first priority