Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bruce RitchieMay 6, 2015

As I was sitting in the press gallery looking down into the darkened Senate chambers on the last day of the 2015 Legislative session, I was reminded of how the environment usually seems to lose amid debate and controversy. The O.J. Simpson trial. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Michael Jackson’s death. A police shooting in […]

Guest AuthorMay 6, 2015

A few days ago we saw an unfortunate failure of leadership in the Legislature. As a businessman still somewhat new to the process, I was disappointed that the will of the majority was bypassed. By putting politics before the work of the people, too many important issues were left stuck in the balance. One issue […]

Daniel TilsonMarch 19, 2015

Funny thing about the “will of the people” in Florida. Even when expressed via an overwhelming majority “Yes” vote on a constitutional amendment, the Legislature can and does subvert it. That’s what’s happening with the environmental protections and preservations Floridians thought were a done deal after more than 75 percent of voters joined forces to […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 15, 2015

Rep. Steve Crisafulli suggests the state needs to take better care of its land before buying any more with Amendment 1 money. Amendment 1, approved by 75 percent of voters statewide in November, is expected to provide $757 million for water and land conservation programs in the coming year. Crisafulli, a Republican from Merritt Island, […]

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 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 […]

Guest AuthorApril 3, 2014

There are few issues that bring together interests from all across the state during a legislative session – and this year one example of this is water policy. For months, there have been workshops and forums all focusing on the future of water policy in Florida. Lawmakers and other interested parties have focused on water […]

Guest AuthorSeptember 22, 2013

“I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it.”- W. C. Fields First Lady Michelle Obama once again is trying to get Americans to eat, and now drink, healthier. She announced last week a new initiative called “Drink Up” that will try to get more Americans to drink water rather […]

Tag: water

Bruce Ritchie: Environmentalists think lack of legislation could be a good thing

Wilton Simpson: A water policy for all of Florida

Daniel Tilson: Florida Legislature is subverting our will on Amendment 1, water

Bruce Ritchie: Manage state land better AND buy more. It's not either/or

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

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

Adam Putnam outlines water policy recommendations, calls for bold action

Brewster Bevis: Dispersed water storage is good for Florida business

Steve Kurlander: Michelle Obama drives fat Americans to drink H2O