Florida Specifier Podcast

Jun 12 2024 4
Florida Specifier Podcast artwork

The Florida Specifier Podcast is an issue, policy, and technology-based program produced by the Editorial Board of the Florida Specifier. It is a recurring podcast that is focused on news and information related to Florida’s natural resources with the people who dedicate their personal and professional lives to the lifeblood of our state. Hosted by Brett Cyphers and Ryan Matthews, as well as intermittent hosts and special guests, the podcast will highlight and examine the most pressing environmental issues that face our state, both emerging and historical. We will hear from the regulators, legislators, professionals, and passionate champions of Florida’s environment in each episode.

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Episode 14: Mark Merkelbach and Vince Seibold

Jun 12 2024 29 mins  
In this episode, Ryan and Brett take a trip down Memory Lane and wind up sitting down with water quality innovators, Mark Merkelbach and Vince Seibold with Sustainable Water Infrastructure Group (SWIG) to take a glimpse back on the original Florida Specifier article from 2020; how they got their start; the risk and reward of getting paid for performance, not by the project; and som

Episode 13: May / June Editorial Board

May 22 2024 34 mins  
In this episode, the Florida Specifier’s prodigal son, Ryan, is back with editorial board to discuss the May/June issue of the Specifier; the recent wild weather in north Florida; how the state anxiously awaits Governor DeSantis’ action on the budget; the Specifier’s evolving role in bringing breaking news and analysis as events happen; Jeff’s much-anticipated picks of the

Episode 12: Editorial Board

Apr 17 2024 27 mins  
In this episode, a Ryan-less Specifier editorial board discusses Florida’s recently passed budget and its increased focus on water and environmental programs; the ratification of the statewide stormwater rule; the opening of Florida rules regarding Water Quality Credit Trading (WQCT) and Water Quality Enhancement Areas (WQEA); what the latest legal wrangling around 404 wetlands p

Episode 11: Editorial Board 2024 Legislative Session Update

Feb 14 2024 23 mins  
In this episode, Ryan and Brett get together to talk the 2024 Legislative Session now that it’s just over halfway over. They discuss some environmental bills making their way through the process including the ratification of the Statewide Stormwater Rule (HB 7053/SB 7040); a mitigation and water quality improvement bill (HB 1073/SB 1532, by Truenow/Brodeur); and of course, the bu

Episode 10: Editorial Board January / February

Jan 24 2024 20 mins  
In this episode, the Florida Specifier’s Editorial Board gets together to talk about the January/February issue of the paper. Patrick, Ryan, Jeff, and Brett cover a range of topics including the ongoing legislative session; the brewing state budget negotiations; the status of statewide stormwater rule ratification; their picks for favorite articles; and Jeff’s favorite topic �

Episode 9: Interview with Stephanie Marsh and Trevor Noble

Jan 10 2024 29 mins  
In this episode, Ryan and Brett complete the third in a series of conversations with the experts from Dewberry; this time discussing what happens before, during, and after large storm events and how to be prepared for the worst. To talk them through the complicated maze of emergency preparation and response, they welcomed Stephanie Marsh and Trevor Noble to the show. Trevor brought

Episode 8: Interview with Representative Bobby Payne

Dec 20 2023 17 mins  
In this episode, Ryan and Brett take a trip down memory lane to a conversation they had with Representative Bobby Payne back in July. They discuss how the Representative got into state politics; what his philosophy of playing as a team has brought to his time in the Legislature so far; and how he became the “Water Guy” in the House of Representatives. Payne even discussed how a

Episode 7: Problem Solving in Florida's Small Communities with Lisa Kelley

Dec 13 2023 17 mins  
In this episode, Ryan and Brett recorded their second conversation with a friend from Dewberry at the AIF Water Forum in Tampa where they get into the subject of working with smaller communities to meet the physical and regulatory demands of the present and future. Their old friend, and Dewberry’s own, Lisa Kelley shares some of her time and expertise to talk through her approach

Episode 6: Interview with Representative Toby Overdorf

Dec 06 2023 17 mins  
In this episode, Ryan and Brett take a trip down memory lane to a conversation they had with Representative Toby Overdorf back in July when they were in Marco Island for the Environmental Permitting Summer School. They discuss how the Representative got into state politics; what his experience as an environmental practitioner brings to the legislative process; and his eye-opening t

Episode 5: Introduction to One Water with Amy Tracy

Nov 29 2023 18 mins  
In this episode, Ryan and Brett take their show on the road to record at the AIF Water Forum in Tampa where they get into the subject of the combined challenge of restoring water quantity and quality at the same time in a state that’s growing by leaps and bounds. Amy Tracy from Dewberry joins them to lend her expertise to the subject and expands on the integration of several disc