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Associated PressFebruary 23, 2015

After years of deep cuts to environmental programs, Florida voters last November overwhelmingly approved Amendment 1, which changed the state constitution to earmark billions for conservation. But the measure left it up to the Legislature and governor to determine the details of how the money will be spent, and that has led to a heated […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 23, 2015

For decades, Everglades advocates financed by Wall Street billionaires like Paul Tudor Jones waged war with the sugar farmers and rural communities surrounding Lake Okeechobee. The battlefields ranged from the EPA in Washington, the Legislature in Tallahassee, both state and federal courts, and the national and local media. It has been an epic struggle. For the enviers, […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 22, 2015

For decades, Everglades advocates financed by Wall Street billionaires like Paul Tudor Jones waged war with the sugar farmers and rural communities surrounding Lake Okeechobee. The battlefields ranged from the EPA in Washington, the Legislature in Tallahassee, both state and federal courts, and the national and local media. It has been an epic struggle. For the enviers, […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 17, 2015

Although I am at the end of my third visit to India, this is still a nation that feels more remote from my experiences than any other. In the far south, it took nine hours to drive the hill country from Tamil Nadu on the east coast of India to the edge of Kerala on the west. […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 3, 2015

Fox News Florida branch, Sunshine State News, printed recently, “Putnam on Water Policy: Get Priorities Right From First, Then Spend Accordingly” (January 23, 2015). Some interpretation is needed for readers inclined to take the faux news source literally. Adam Putnam is the telegenic, multimillionaire farmer and two-term Secretary of Agriculture. We last observed Secretary Putnam […]

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 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 […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 27, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott is promising to dedicate tens of millions of dollars to helping the Everglades. Scott is scheduled on Tuesday to announce that he wants to create a source of money for Everglades restoration that would result in $5 billion going to help the famed River of Grass over the next 20 years. Scott […]

Bruce RitchieDecember 23, 2014

Whether candidates or elected officials want to acknowledge it’s true, the environment always is important in Florida. From a statewide perspective, here are my top 10 environmental stories from 2014: Scott re-elected Gov. Rick Scott was re-elected over former Gov. Charlie Crist despite cutting the budgets of water management districts, dismantling of the state planning […]

Tag: Everglades

Florida environment to get billions, but how to spend it?

With new TV ad, Everglades supporters break the peace with the sugar industry

With new TV ad, Everglades supporters break the peace with the sugar industry

Alan Farago: Travels in India conjure memories of priceless Everglades

Alan Farago: Why is Adam Putnam deleting land-buying history?

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

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

Rick Scott announces Everglades, land-buying requests

Gov. Scott to pledge millions for Everglades restoration

Bruce Ritchie: Florida’s top 10 environmental stories of 2014