Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannMay 5, 2015

Moonrise-over-Picayune-by-Susan-Stocker-at-Picayune-Strand-State-Forest.-Large-1024x1024.jpg

Capturing an image of the best in Sunshine State wildlife and nature can earn residents and visitors some appreciation — and prizes — in the latest Florida State Forest photo contest. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has called for submissions of photos taken at one of Florida’s forests for a competition held every quarter by the Florida […]

Bruce RitchieApril 27, 2015

A trio of former state parks directors are raising concern about state lands bills that would allow “low-impact agriculture” on state lands. Of even greater concern, thy said, is a push by Florida Department of Environmental Protection leadership to make state parks financially self-sustaining. HB 7135 would allow the Cabinet to give away state land […]

Bruce RitchieApril 14, 2015

Despite objections from environmentalists, a Senate subcommittee on Tuesday amended a state lands bill to require that state parks be reviewed to determine whether could be used by “low impact agriculture” or whether the state still needs them. SB 7086 is preferred by environmental groups compared to the House version of the bill, which would allow […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 25, 2015

Sen. Thad Altman is backing up his criticism of Amendment 1 funding in the Senate proposed spending plan for 2015-16 with budget amendments to provide $350 million for conservation land-buying. The Senate Committee on Appropriations is scheduled Wednesday to consider the proposed $80.4 billion Senate budget. Amendment 1, approved by voters in November, provides an […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 20, 2015

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jon Steverson told a Senate panel this week he wants to cut and sell more trees from state parks — and do it faster. Citing other states that have increased revenue from timber sales on state land, Steverson told senators he is working to make Florida’s state parks financially […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 20, 2015

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jon Steverson told a Senate panel this week he wants to cut and sell more trees from state parks — and do it faster. Citing other states that have increased revenue from timber sales on state land, Steverson told senators he is working to make Florida’s state parks financially […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 10, 2015

If Florida state parks and trails were not great enough, the state’s improved website at www.floridastateparks.org makes planning a day outdoors even more convenient. Launched by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the new website includes enhanced maps and search abilities for specific facilities, activities or events. With a smartphone and tablet friendly look, as well as […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 10, 2015

If Florida state parks and trails were not great enough, the state’s improved website at www.floridastateparks.org makes planning a day outdoors even more convenient. Launched by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the new website includes enhanced maps and search abilities for specific facilities, activities or events. With a smartphone and tablet friendly look, as well as […]

Tag: florida state parks

Florida State Forest Service photo contest now open for submissions

Former parks chiefs sound alarm on state lands bills, push to boost park revenue

Senate amendment requires review of state parks for ag use or disposal

Senate budget amendment would provide $350 million for land-buying

DEP's Jon Steverson wants to cut down more trees, do it faster

DEP’s Jon Steverson wants to cut down more trees, do it faster

Florida DEP launches updated state parks & trails website

Florida DEP launches updated state parks & trails website