Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 8, 2018

Noah Valenstein, Florida’s Secretary of Environmental Protection (DEP), on Thursday sent a letter to the feds in opposition of any exploratory drilling for gas or oil off the state’s coasts. The move comes after Gov. Rick Scott “secured a commitment from (U.S.) Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to take Florida off the table for future consideration for offshore […]

Staff ReportsJuly 17, 2017

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Peebles & Smith is now Peebles Smith & Matthews. The firm announced Monday that Ryan Matthews, who most recently served as the interim secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, has joined as a principal. Peebles and Smith is a well-regarded boutique lobbying firm whose list of clients heavily tilted toward local government clients. On […]

Michael MolineMay 23, 2017

Noah Valenstein got the job as secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection on Tuesday, after a unanimous vote by Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet. He will take the helm on June 5, with a salary of $150,000 per year, Scott said. “Noah has 15 years of environmental policy experience and I’m confident will continue […]

Michael MolineMay 17, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet will interview a single candidate for the vacant secretary slot at the Department of Environmental Regulation — Noah Valenstein, a former environmental aide to the governor. His was the only name put forward for an interview during a meeting of aides to the governor and Cabinet Wednesday morning. “The […]

Peter SchorschMay 17, 2017

Updated May 17 — Valenstein was the only person selected to be interviewed for the job, according to remarks at Wednesday’s Cabinet aides meeting. That means he is a virtual lock for the position. Shut out by the decision is interim secretary Ryan Matthews. The interview will take place at next Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting. The original story is […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 18, 2016

Dozens of state officials whose appointments need Senate approval will be considered Thursday by the Florida Senate, records show. Among Gov. Rick Scott‘s top officials on the docket are Corrections Secretary Julie Jones, Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Mike Carroll, and Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Rick Swearingen. Swearingen replaced former Commissioner Gerry Bailey, forced […]

Jim RosicaSeptember 9, 2015

Gov. Rick Scott‘s environmental policy coordinator has been hired to run the Suwannee River Water Management District, the district announced in a press release. Noah Valenstein will take over as executive director for the Live Oak-based agency, which manages water resources in 15 counties in north central Florida. Valenstein also attended the meeting last August in which Scott listened […]

DEP head formally opposes offshore drilling in Florida

Personnel note: Peebles & Smith becomes Peebles, Smith & Matthews with hire of Ryan Matthews

Noah Valenstein hired as DEP’s new secretary

A single candidate scores interview for DEP top job: Noah Valenstein

Noah Valenstein set to become next DEP head

It’s confirmations day in Florida Senate

Rick Scott’s environmental advisor tapped as water district head