Episodes

  • Holly Raschein

    Holly Raschein

    · Water For Fighting

    In this episode, Brett sits down with former four-term member of the Florida House of Representatives, Florida Keys champion, and current mayor of Monroe County – Holly Raschein.Holly was born and raised in Alaska, but she has ultimately made her home over 5,000 miles away in the Florida Keys.  Holly got her start in the legislative process working for lobbying legend Bob Levy, working with now-Florida Senator, Ana Maria Rodriguez.  She would go on to work as an aide to two House members from Monroe County (Ken Sorensen and Ron Saunders) before staking her own claim on Florida’s Southernmost seat in the legislature for four terms.  In addition to being a county commissioner and the county’s mayor, she is also the Director of Government Affairs for AshBritt, a well-known operator in the world of disaster recovery.They discuss her parents’ individual journeys to end up in Alaska; her childhood amongst the moose; the decision to head for the opposite side of the country for college at Florida State University; how she ended up in the “Fabulous Florida Keys”; the interesting and quirky similarities between the Keys and Alaska; how she decided to run for state office and the massive impact she made there; what the passage of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act means for the future of her community; what she brought back home to make her more effective as a county commissioner; and the challenges that lie ahead for The Keys.Holly is as active as ever in her many philanthropic endeavors, and even with an incredibly busy life, she still makes her son her biggest priority.  If you want to find out what makes the Keys special and what it takes to make a difference there, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.  Plus, you’ll get some advice on what to do if you get chased by a moose.We hope you enjoy the conversation!To check out Holly’s Wikipedia page, go here:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holly_Merrill_RascheinTo see what’s in the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, head here: https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/721/Florida-Keys-Stewardship-ActIf you’d like to know more about Holly’s important work at AshBritt, go here: https://www.ashbritt.comWhile you’re here, why not check out a few fun facts about Alaskan Moose here: https://www.alaskatourjobs.com/blog/useful-tips/five-fun-facts-about-alaskan-moose/This episode of Water for Fighting is brought to you by my friends at Sea and Shoreline.  Sea and Shoreline is the Southeast’s leading innovator in protecting coastal communities from devastating storms and restoring ecosystems that once faced ecological collapse. Visit their website at www.Seaandshoreline.com.  This Episode is also thanks to my friends at Resource Environmental Solutions.RES is the nation’s leader in ecological restoration, helping to restore Florida’s natural resources with water quality and stormwater solutions that offer communities guaranteed performance and outcomes. Check them out at www.res.us Please be sure to check out the Florida Specifier Podcast hosted by Ryan Matthews and myself as part of a new venture where we’re striving to become Florida’s first source for environmental news, educational tools, and unique perspectives on our state’s natural environment and the events that shape it.  To learn more about its flagship print publication and more, visit The Florida Specifier.You can follow the show on LinkedIn and Instagram @flwaterpod, and you can reach me directly at [email protected] with your comments and suggestions for who and/or what you’d like to know more about.Production of this podcast is by Lonely Fox Studios. Thanks to Karl Sorne for making the best of what he had to work with. And to David Barfield for the amazing graphics and technical assistance.And finally, a very special thank you goes out to Bo Spring from the Bo Spring Band  for giving permission to use his music for this podcast.  The song is called Doing Work for Free, (Apple Music | Spotify) and you should check out the band live, or wherever great music is sold.

  • David Sedlak

    David Sedlak

    · Water For Fighting

    This week, Brett sits down with professor, researcher, and award-winning author, David Sedlak to talk about his latest book, Water for All – Global Solutions for a Changing Climate.  David started his career as a researcher looking to solve our world’s water quality challenges but eventually shifted his focus to working on how to cope with, or even prevent, water scarcity in the United States and throughout the world.  They discuss the “Six Water Crises”; the “Great Acceleration”; the difference in the scope of challenges between rich and poor countries, as well as rich and poor within a country; the role of dams in a post-Acceleration nation and world; salinization of farmland soils out West and what we need to do about it; and his artful distinction between optimism and hopefulness as it relates to the future of water.   To buy Water for All, try here before you go to Amazon or the other big guys: https://www.midtownreader.com/book/9780300256932You can get his first book, Water 4.0, there as well. Here’s the link for it: https://www.midtownreader.com/book/9780300212679Why not check out David’s TED Talk.  It’s really good, and it’ll give you a sense of what he’s about while you’re waiting for your copy of his books to arrive.  Find it here: https://www.ted.com/talks/david_sedlak_4_ways_we_can_avoid_a_catastrophic_drought?language=enDavid talked about what got him interested in working on water issues, and one of the motivators was an environmental disaster that was discovered in the late 70s, known as Love Canal.  If you’re not familiar it, here’s a decent place to start: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_CanalTo keep up with the other good work David is doing, including as director of the Berkeley Water Center at the University of California, Berkeley, check out his page here: https://ce.berkeley.edu/people/faculty/sedlakThis episode of Water for Fighting is brought to you by my friends at RES.RES is the nation’s leader in ecological restoration, helping to restore Florida’s natural resources with water quality and stormwater solutions that offer communities guaranteed performance and outcomes. Check them out at www.res.us This Episode is also thanks to my friends at Collins Land Services.When it comes to your disaster recovery and land management needs, you’re looking for the perfect combination of competence, reliability, and affordability.  And that means you’re looking for Collins Land Services.  Check them out at www.collinsland.comPlease be sure to check out the Florida Specifier Podcast hosted by Ryan Matthews and myself as part of a new venture where we’re striving to become Florida’s first source for environmental news, educational tools, and unique perspectives on our state’s natural environment and the events that shape it.  To learn more about its flagship print publication and more, visit The Florida Specifier.You can follow the show on LinkedIn and Instagram @flwaterpod, and you can reach me directly at [email protected] with your comments and suggestions for who and/or what you’d like to know more about.Production of this podcast is by Lonely Fox Studios. Thanks to Karl Sorne for making the best of what he had to work with. And to David Barfield for the amazing graphics and technical assistance.And finally, a very special thank you goes out to Bo Spring from the Bo Spring Band  for giving permission to use his music for this podcast.  The song is called Doing Work for Free, (Apple Music | Spotify) and you should check out the band live, or wherever great music is sold. 4

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  • Bob Martinez

    Bob Martinez

    · Water For Fighting

    This week, Brett had the privilege of sharing some time with Tampa and Florida legend – Governor Bob Martinez.  He was Tampa’s 54th mayor and Florida’s 40th governor; both positions held as the first of Spanish descent.  He also has deep roots in Tampa, his grandparents having immigrated from Spain at the turn of the 20th Century during a great boom in the cigar industry there.  His father worked in the restaurant business, including as a long-time employee at the famed Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, and then later at the family-owned CafĂ© Sevilla in West Tampa.Martinez was a star athlete at Jefferson High School, a graduate of the University of Tampa, and got his professional start as a classroom teacher before becoming the Executive Director of the Hillsborough County Classroom Teachers Association.  He was called upon by Governor Ruben Askew to serve on the Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District and chair three Basin Boards there: The Hillsborough River, Northwest Hillsborough, and Alafia River.  They discuss his childhood in Old Tampa where he enjoyed school, excelled at sports, and spent his free moments fishing with his father and his friends; how CafĂ© Sevilla became the birthplace of a mayor’s race and the campaign to be Governor of Florida; how his service as head of the teachers union gave him his first taste of real politics; his time at Swiftmud gave him a taste for the water and environmental needs of a region; and a mayorship that gave him the opportunity to restore, innovate, and move his home city forward.His term as governor would be marked by enacting some of the most consequential environmental policy in Florida history including the enactment of the Preservation 2000 conservation land acquisition program, the Growth Management Act, and the Surface Water Improvement and Management Act.  He also implemented the Florida Lottery, created Florida’s Turnpike Authority, and created Space Port Florida.  There are a few other achievements in particular that hold a more personal value to Brett including Martinez’s restoration of the Lowry Park Zoo from the ground up as mayor; the creation of Florida Prepaid College; the rebirth of Nature’s Classroom in Hillsborough County; an amazing nearly 70-year (and counting) partnership with his beloved wife Mary Jane; and of course, his analysis of why the Tampa Cuban sandwich is superior to the one from Miami (it's the bread).He's still as active as ever, serving on many boards and clubs, is a Senior Policy Advisor with the Holland & Knight Law Firm, and at 89 years-old, you can still find him on his daily walks or on the tennis court.We hope you enjoy the conversation!To visit Governor Martinez’s page at the Holland & Knight law firm, go here:  https://www.hklaw.com/en/professionals/m/martinez-bobTo see his useful, but woefully incomplete Wikipedia page, head here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_MartinezTo see a decent history of Florida’s land conservation programs, including Governor Martinez’s efforts which led to Preservation 2000, go here: https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/IR/00/00/19/42/00001/FE33100.pdfTo see an image of the menu from the Governor’s family restaurant, check it out here: http://ciadigitalcollections.culinary.edu/digital/collection/p16940coll1/id/14253The Governor was a star athlete at the University of Tampa, and the sports facility there is even named in his honor.  To get a look at that, head to their site here: https://www.tampaspartans.com/information/athletic_info/facilities/Martinez/indexThis episode of Water for Fighting is brought to you by my friends at Sea and Shoreline.  Sea and Shoreline is the Southeast’s leading innovator in protecting coastal communities from devastating storms and restoring ecosystems that once faced ecological collapse. Visit their website at www.Seaandshoreline.com.  This Episode is also thanks to my friends at Resource Environmental Solutions.RES is the nation’s leader in ecological restoration, helping to restore Florida’s natural resources with water quality and stormwater solutions that offer communities guaranteed performance and outcomes. Check them out at www.res.us Please be sure to check out the Florida Specifier Podcast hosted by Ryan Matthews and myself as part of a new venture where we’re striving to become Florida’s first source for environmental news, educational tools, and unique perspectives on our state’s natural environment and the events that shape it.  To learn more about its flagship print publication and more, visit The Florida Specifier.You can follow the show on LinkedIn and Instagram @flwaterpod, and you can reach me directly at [email protected] with your comments and suggestions for who and/or what you’d like to know more about.Production of this podcast is by Lonely Fox Studios. Thanks to Karl Sorne for making the best of what he had to work with. And to David Barfield for the amazing graphics and technical assistance.  And finally, a very special thank you goes out to Bo Spring from the Bo Spring Band  for giving permission to use his music for this podcast.  The song is called Doing Work for Free, (Apple Music | Spotify) and you should check out the band live, or wherever great music is sold. 

  • Hugh Thomas

    Hugh Thomas

    · Water For Fighting

    This week, Brett got to share some time with a true gentleman, friend, and public servant - Hugh Thomas.  Hugh has been the Executive Director of the Suwannee River Water Management District for over seven years, and he has brought a wealth of experience to that role which was earned in the private sector as well as his various roles at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  He’s a big believer in the innovative work of the Suwannee River Partnership, and he shares some insights on how the “Fifth Largest Water Management District in Florida”, is tackling the water quantity and quality challenges of today and tomorrow.They talk about his family’s roots in Gilchrist County; the shocking news that Hugh was born in Tampa; how his professional path has crossed a few times with mutual friend and guest of the podcast, Ann Shortelle; his philosophy for partnership with the agricultural community; his appreciation for governing boards, and his in particular; his questionable advice on whether to build a house with your spouse as a young couple; and of course, his likeness to the mythical lumberjack - Paul Bunyan.  Hugh was generous with his time and insights, and we hope you enjoy the conversation.  To find out more about the Suwannee River Partnership, head here: https://suwanneeriverpartnership.comTo learn about the Suwannee River Water Management District, go here: https://www.mysuwanneeriver.comTo see the cost-share opportunities available through the District’s portal, go here: https://www.mysuwanneeriver.com/366/Agricultural-Cost-Share-Program and here: https://www.mysuwanneeriver.com/374/RIVER-Cost-Share-ProgramAnd because you probably don’t know where Bell, Florida is (or that the town was named after the winner of a beauty contest, Bell Fletcher), check out the town’s website here: https://www.townofbellflorida.comThis episode of Water for Fighting is brought to you by my friends at Sea and Shoreline.  Sea and Shoreline is the Southeast’s leading innovator in protecting coastal communities from devastating storms and restoring ecosystems that once faced ecological collapse. Visit their website at www.Seaandshoreline.com.  This Episode is also thanks to my friends at Resource Environmental Solutions.RES is the nation’s leader in ecological restoration, helping to restore Florida’s natural resources with water quality and stormwater solutions that offer communities guaranteed performance and outcomes. Check them out at www.res.us Please be sure to check out the Florida Specifier Podcast hosted by Ryan Matthews and myself as part of a new venture where we’re striving to become Florida’s first source for environmental news, educational tools, and unique perspectives on our state’s natural environment and the events that shape it.  To learn more about its flagship print publication and more, visit The Florida Specifier.You can follow the show on LinkedIn and Instagram @flwaterpod, and you can reach me directly at [email protected] with your comments and suggestions for who and/or what you’d like to know more about.Production of this podcast is by Lonely Fox Studios. Thanks to Karl Sorne for making the best of what he had to work with. And to David Barfield for the amazing graphics and technical assistance.  And finally, a very special thank you goes out to Bo Spring from the Bo Spring Band  for giving permission to use his music for this podcast.  The song is called Doing Work for Free, (Apple Music | Spotify) and you should check out the band live, or wherever great music is sold. 

  • Ansley Tilley

    Ansley Tilley

    · Water For Fighting

    This week, Brett goes on a deep dive with a friend who exemplifies what this podcast is all about – Ansley Tilley.  Ansley is one of the most talented engineers in Florida who has a wide array of experience from her time with the United States Air Force, the City of Palm Beach Gardens, and the South Florida Water Management District.  But her real talent and passion is for service and problem-solving, so they discuss how her experiences have culminated in her current role as the Director of Alternative Delivery Solutions with our friends, Resource Environmental Solutions (RES).  

    They delve into the “milk story”, and how her parents sacrificed to provide her with the tools to succeed in later life; her dream of being an astronaut and the early disappointments surrounding that dream; a change in heart while attaining massive success in ROTC at the University of Miami; her brief but poignant experience serving her country in Ukraine; the love of family and the heartbreaking losses that have brought her back home over the years; her philosophy for work and service that have carried her since childhood; and how a brain built for problem-solving approaches the challenges of an ever-changing environmental landscape. 

    This conversation was very emotional at times and dealt with some sensitive subjects, but the lessons that can be drawn from it on a personal and professional level are priceless.  We hope you find it as meaningful as we did. 

    To learn more about Ansley’s work and how she can help solve your environmental problems too, go here:  www.res.us or email her at: [email protected]

    This Episode is brought to you by our friends at Collins Land Services.

    When it comes to your disaster recovery and land management needs, you’re looking for the perfect combination of competence, reliability, and affordability.  And that means you’re looking for Collins Land Services.  Check them out at www.collinsland.com

    Please be sure to check out the Florida Specifier Podcast hosted by Ryan Matthews and Brett as part of a new venture where they’re striving to become Florida’s first source for environmental news, educational tools, and unique perspectives on our state’s natural environment and the events that shape it.  To learn more about its flagship print publication and more, visit The Florida Specifier.

    You can follow the show on LinkedIn and Instagram @flwaterpod, and you can reach me directly at [email protected] with your comments and suggestions for who and/or what you’d like to know more about.

    Production of this podcast is by Lonely Fox Studios. Thanks to Karl Sorne for making the best of what he had to work with. And to David Barfield for the amazing graphics and technical assistance.  

    And finally, a very special thank you goes out to Bo Spring from the Bo Spring Band  for giving permission to use his music for this podcast.  The song is called Doing Work for Free, (Apple Music | Spotify) and you should check out the band live, or wherever great music is sold. 

  • Ernie Barnett

    Ernie Barnett

    · Water For Fighting

    This week, Brett sits down with his friend and Executive Director of the Florida Land Council, Ernie Barnett. Ernie has a wealth of experience from his days in leadership positions at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, as well as the South Florida Water Management District.

    They discuss his long and consequential public service career; how a scientist ends up as an effective communicator and policy expert; his eventual shift into a successful career in the private sector; and Florida’s shifting understanding of the science behind water quality impairment in South Florida and beyond.

    Oh, and did we mention that Ernie grew up in a friend group that included dolphins? More on that, too.

    To learn more about Everglades restoration, head here: https://www.evergladesrestoration.gov

    To see how the dolphins in Ft. Walton Beach are doing today, check out the Gulfarium’s website here: https://gulfarium.com

    This episode of Water for Fighting is brought to you by my friends at RES.

    RES is the nation’s leader in ecological restoration, helping to restore Florida’s natural resources with water quality and stormwater solutions that offer communities guaranteed performance and outcomes. Check them out at www.res.us

    This episode is also thanks to my friends at Collins Land Services.

    When it comes to your disaster recovery and land management needs, you’re looking for the perfect combination of competence, reliability, and affordability. And that means you’re looking for Collins Land Services. Check them out at www.collinsland.com

    Please be sure to check out the Florida Specifier Podcast hosted by Ryan Matthews and Brett as part of a new venture where they’re striving to become Florida’s first source for environmental news, educational tools, and unique perspectives on our state’s natural environment and the events that shape it. To learn more about its flagship print publication and more, visit The Florida Specifier.

    You can follow the show on LinkedIn and Instagram @flwaterpod, and you can reach me directly at [email protected] with your comments and suggestions for who and/or what you’d like to know more about.

    Production of this podcast is by Lonely Fox Studios. Thanks to Karl Sorne for making the best of what he had to work with. And to David Barfield for the amazing graphics and technical assistance.

    And finally, a very special thank you goes out to Bo Spring from the Bo Spring Band for giving permission to use his music for this podcast. The song is called Doing Work for Free, (Apple Music | Spotify) and you should check out the band live, or wherever great music is sold.

  • Estus Whitfield

    Estus Whitfield

    · Water For Fighting

    This week, Brett shares some time with friend and Florida’s Environmental Curmudgeon-in-Chief, Estus Whitfield. Estus has a wealth of experience working for SIX Florida governors where he played an integral role in the creation of the Save Our Everglades, Save Our Rivers, and Preservation 2000 programs – just to name a few. In addition to his service to Florida, he also spent over thirty years serving his country in the Florida National Guard, U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Navy Reserves where he retired at the rank of Captain.Estus offers a unique perspective from his time serving so many governors and provides his thoughts on them; the dawn of widespread environmental restoration programs; some thoughts on current water quality issues related to septic tanks; and his somewhat pessimistic view of the future of the environment in Florida.Agree or disagree - Estus is never shy about his thoughts, pulls few punches, and is always generous with his time. We hope you enjoy the conversation.To find out more about the Save Our Everglades Program and other Everglades restoration initiatives, head hereTo learn about the history of the Preservation 2000 (P2000) land acquisition program, head hereTo learn more about the Conservation and Recreational Lands (CARL) program, go here:Because we know you want more Boggy, Florida history:This episode of Water for Fighting is brought to you by my friends at Sea and Shoreline.Sea and Shoreline is the Southeast’s leading innovator in protecting coastal communities from devastating storms and restoring ecosystems that once faced ecological collapse. Visit their website at www.Seaandshoreline.com.This Episode is also thanks to my friends at Resource Environmental Solutions.RES is the nation’s leader in ecological restoration, helping to restore Florida’s natural resources with water quality and stormwater solutions that offer communities guaranteed performance and outcomes. Check them out at www.res.usPlease be sure to check out the Florida Specifier Podcast hosted by Ryan Matthews and myself as part of a new venture where we’re striving to become Florida’s first source for environmental news, educational tools, and unique perspectives on our state’s natural environment and the events that shape it. To learn more about its flagship print publication and more, visit The Florida Specifier.You can follow the show on LinkedIn and Instagram @flwaterpod, and you can reach me directly at [email protected] with your comments and suggestions for who and/or what you’d like to know more about.Production of this podcast is by Lonely Fox Studios. Thanks to Karl Sorne for making the best of what he had to work with. And to David Barfield for the amazing graphics and technical assistance.And finally, a very special thank you goes out to Bo Spring from the Bo Spring Band for giving permission to use his music for this podcast. The song is called Doing Work for Free, and you should check out the band live, or wherever great music is sold.

  • Pepper Uchino

    Pepper Uchino

    · Water For Fighting

    In this episode, Brett sits down with his good friend and Anfield alumnus, Pepper Uchino. Pepper is now the President of the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association, but he has a wealth of experience from his days as the staff attorney, and then Staff Director, of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.Pepper is unique in that he’s the direct descendant of Japanese Samurai as well as Mayflower passengers who landed at Plymouth Rock. They discuss his early life in New England as the son of an environmental activist; the health struggles that nearly derailed his future early on; the successful and growing Resiliency Conference he hosts; and they commiserate on the life of legislative committee staff and how laws are made from the perspective of someone on the “inside”. Did we mention his childhood home was haunted? More about that as well.To find out more about FSBA’s 37th Annual Conference on Beach Preservation Technology National Conference coming up in February, head here: https://www.fsbpa.com/tech-conference.htmlAnd save the date for the 3rd Annual Florida Resilience Conference coming in September. To learn more and get registered, go here: https://floridaresilienceconference.orgTo keep up with Pepper’s old Senate Committee and their deliberations, visit the Senate’s website here: https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/EN/Pepper talked about his work with the Trust for Public Land before he joined the Senate. To find out more about what they do, go here: https://www.tpl.org/state/floridaWhen you’re in Connecticut, why not visit some of New Haven’s most haunted sites? Perhaps Pepper’s childhood home is on the list somewhere. To learn more about that, go here: https://blog.gardencommunitiesct.com/blog/most-haunted-places-new-haven-county-ct/This episode of Water for Fighting is brought to you by my friends at Sea and Shoreline.Sea and Shoreline is the Southeast’s leading innovator in protecting coastal communities from devastating storms and restoring ecosystems that once faced ecological collapse. Visit their website at www.Seaandshoreline.com.This Episode is also thanks to my friends at Resource Environmental Solutions.RES is the nation’s leader in ecological restoration, helping to restore Florida’s natural resources with water quality and stormwater solutions that offer communities guaranteed performance and outcomes. Check them out at www.res.usPlease be sure to check out the Florida Specifier Podcast hosted by Ryan Matthews and myself as part of a new venture where we’re striving to become Florida’s first source for environmental news, educational tools, and unique perspectives on our state’s natural environment and the events that shape it. To learn more about its flagship print publication and more, visit The Florida Specifier.You can follow the show on LinkedIn and Instagram @flwaterpod, and you can reach me directly at [email protected] with your comments and suggestions for who and/or what you’d like to know more about.Production of this podcast is by Lonely Fox Studios. Thanks to Karl Sorne for making the best of what he had to work with. And to David Barfield for the amazing graphics and technical assistance.And finally, a very special thank you goes out to Bo Spring from the Bo Spring Band for giving permission to use his music for this podcast. The song is called Doing Work for Free, and you should check out the band live, or wherever great music is sold.

  • Elizabeth Fernandez and Doug Manson

    Elizabeth Fernandez and Doug Manson

    · Water For Fighting

    The long-awaited return of Water for Fighting is here!

    In the first episode of Season 3, Brett travels to Tampa to record live in front of the National Association of Administrative Law Judiciary’s (NAALJ) National Conference.  His conversation partners were Elizabeth Fernandez and Doug Manson.  Elizabeth is the Deputy General Counsel at the Southwest Florida Water Management District.  Doug is President of the Manson, Bolves, Donaldson, Tanner Law Firm.  

    They discuss Western versus Eastern Water Law, and where Florida’s water resource philosophy fits on that spectrum.  They also talk about the genesis of conflict as it relates to water resources in Florida, and more importantly, the path to conflict resolution when stakeholders disagree.  

    To learn more about what Elizabeth’s great organization is up to and how they’re working to protect West Central Florida’s water resources, head here: 

    https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us

    To find out how Doug and his partners can put their decades of legal expertise in water resource regulation and conflict resolution, visit them here:

    https://www.mansonbolves.com/attorneys/douglas-manson/

    A special thank you goes out to Judges Brian Newman, Bruce Culpepper, Francine Ffolkes, and Bill Horgan from the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings for inviting me to the conference and for supporting the mission of the show.  To learn more about my gracious hosts from the NAALJ, please visit their website here:

    https://www.naalj.org

    To learn more about the Southern Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA) with Swiftmud, go here:

    https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/projects/southern-water-use-caution-area

    Brett and his guests talk about the Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC) and its goal of meeting water resource needs and protection goals in a place where the demand for water has outpaced supply.  To learn more about that, go here: https://prwcwater.org

    West-Central Florida has been a hotbed for water resource conflict over the decades, but the path to cooperative resolution really culminated with the creation of Tampa Bay Water over 25 years ago.  To find out more about its creation, go here: https://www.tampabaywater.org/about-tampa-bay-water

    This Episode of Water for Fighting is brought to you by my friends at Resource Environmental Solutions.

    RES is the nation’s leader in ecological restoration, helping to restore Florida’s natural resources with water quality and stormwater solutions that offer communities guaranteed performance and outcomes. Check them out at www.res.us 

    Please be sure to check out a relatively new podcast Brett hosts with his friend and colleague, Ryan Matthews, called the Florida Specifier Podcast.  It’s part of a new venture that is striving to become Florida’s first source for environmental news, educational tools, and unique perspectives on our state’s natural environment and the events that shape it.  To learn more about its flagship publication and more, visit The Florida Specifier.

    If you’re enjoying this show, please be sure to subscribe on whatever platform you use, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating and review.

    You can follow the show on LinkedIn and Instagram @flwaterpod, and you can reach me directly at [email protected] with your comments and suggestions for who and/or what you’d like to know more about.

    Production of this podcast is by Lonely Fox Studios. Thanks to Karl Sorne for making the best of what he had to work with. And to David Barfield for the amazing graphics and technical assistance.  

    A very special thank you goes out to Bo Spring from the Bo Spring Band for giving permission to use his music for this podcast.  The song is called Doing Work for Free, and you should check out the band live, or wherever great music is sold. 

  • Mary Szafraniec

    Mary Szafraniec

    · Water For Fighting

    In this episode, Brett gets to talk with Mary Szafraniec, a Florida scientist with a remarkable personal story.  They talk about her grandparents’ survival in Nazi work camps during World War II and her parents’ eventual escape from communism in Europe to arrive in the United States, ready to start a new life; how a chance meeting at a music festival changed her career path toward environmental issues and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; how she moved into the Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program at the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the importance of mentorship there; how her time in government created value in the private sector; and of course, her new role at Resource Environmental Solutions (RES) and how she strives to do good by creating accountability in her work and measuring long-term outcomes for Florida’s natural systems.To check out the things Mary and her colleagues at RES are doing to restore and protect water quality and habitat all over the U.S., visit their website here: res.usTo find out what Mary can do to help you and your community, email her at this address: [email protected] Mary is batting cleanup for Season 2 of Water for Fighting, there’s a connect between her work partners and the first guest of this season, Steve Hawley.  In Steve’s book, Cracked, he discusses the restoration of the Klamath River out west.  To see what RES is doing to bring life back to that natural treasure, go here: https://res.us/home/restoring-at-scale/klamath-river-restoration/ and here: https://res.us/news/res-swiftwater-films-release-restoring-balance/To learn more about Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) planning and implementation are going at Mary’s old stomping grounds at the Southwest Florida Water Management District, go here: https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/projects/swim Please support our sponsors, RES and Sea & Shoreline.Sea & Shoreline is a Florida-based aquatic restoration firm that is on a mission to restore Florida’s water bodies and to protect our coastline communities against severe storms.  You can check out their projects at www.seaandshoreline.comRES is a national leader in ecological and hydrological restoration, offering nature-based solutions with guaranteed performance through innovative delivery options. Discover more about their work and commitment to Florida and its environmental challenges by visiting www.res.us. Our theme song is â€œDoing Work For Free”, by Bo Spring Band (Apple Music) (Spotify) (Pandora)

  • Jeff Littlejohn

    Jeff Littlejohn

    · Water For Fighting

    In this episode, Brett heads to the empire headquarters of Florida’s most prolific environmental professional, Jeff Littlejohn. Jeff is a principal at the National Stormwater Trust, OnSyte Performance, and the Florida Environmental Network (host of the Environmental Permitting Summer School in Marco Island); a Senior Advisor with the Adams and Reese Law Firm; and the Founding Editor of the newly revamped Florida Specifier.They talk about growing up the son of Florida environmental royalty; how Top Gun and his step-father influenced his decision to attend the U.S. Naval Academy; what brought him back to Florida to work as an engineer; his sometimes controversial tenure at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; and whether he’s the Nicolas Cage of Florida environmental entrepreneurs.To check out The Florida Specifier – Jeff’s latest endeavor, visit the website here: Floridaspecifier.comTo learn more about what Jeff is doing at the National Stormwater Trust, go here: Nationalstormwater.comTo find out how if Jeff can help you from his chair at the Adams and Reese Law Firm, email him here: [email protected] you’re looking to see how Jeff and his team at OnSyte Performance are innovating the way we think of wastewater management in Florida, go here: www.onsyte.comIf you want to see what’s going on at the 37th Annual Environmental Permitting Summer School, look here: www.floridaenet.comPlease support our sponsors, RES and Sea & Shoreline.Sea & Shoreline is a Florida-based aquatic restoration firm that is on a mission to restore Florida’s water bodies and to protect our coastline communities against severe storms. You can check out their projects at www.seaandshoreline.comRES is a national leader in ecological and hydrological restoration, offering nature-based solutions with guaranteed performance through innovative delivery options. Discover more about their work and commitment to Florida and its environmental challenges by visiting www.res.us.Our theme song is â€œDoing Work For Free”, by Bo Spring Band (Apple Music) (Spotify) (Pandora)

  • Carter Henne

    Carter Henne

    · Water For Fighting

    In this episode, Brett gets a visit from his friend and President of Sea & Shoreline – Carter Henne. They talk about growing up outdoors and on the water in Polk County; how his desire to create sustainable marine ecosystems drew him first to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and then Sea & Shoreline founder Jim Anderson; the things we’ve been getting wrong about seagrass restoration in the past and how that’s changed; and a look at some of the work he’s doing to now to protect coastlines and natural systems that extend far beyond just seagrasses.On a lighter note, they also discuss the importance of securing boat’s motor before reaching the middle of a lake as well as the world of competitive underwater bicycle racing (yes, that’s a real thing).  If you want to hear Carter’s alligator stories, you’ll have to ask about those in person.To check out the things Carter and the good folks at Sea & Shoreline to make Florida better, visit their website here: https://seaandshoreline.comTo check out some stories about the great work Sea & Shoreline are doing to restore manatee habitat in the Crystal River, go here: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/full-circle/saving-our-springs-a-day-with-the-underwater-gardeners-at-sea-and-shoreline and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HscircgSUFU and here: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/gma3/video/rehabilitation-efforts-protect-dying-groups-manatees-98730763 and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwANZ9GOI2Y and here: https://www.chronicleonline.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-l-state-officials-tour-waterways-under-restoration/article_bd29bf3b-bcca-5cf4-9900-c35af44b7d40.htmlWant to see Carter’s team feed manatees? Go here: drive.google.com/file/d/1QmpruTsRWwX8TsejsopOgj0-Hhf6EH5C/viewYou can also see what the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are doing to restore vital habitat here: https://floridadep.gov/dear/water-quality-restoration/content/impaired-waters-tmdls-and-basin-management-action-plansWhat is the Southwest Florida Water Management District doing to help this habitat?  Plenty – so check out their partnering efforts here: https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/projects/swim/crystal-river-kings-bay Please support this episode’s sponsor, RES. RES is a national leader in ecological and hydrological restoration, offering nature-based solutions with guaranteed performance through innovative delivery options. Discover more about their work and commitment to Florida and its environmental challenges by visiting www.res.us.Our theme song is â€œDoing Work For Free”, by Bo Spring Band (Apple Music) (Spotify) (Pandora) 

  • Matt Leopold

    Matt Leopold

    · Water For Fighting

    In this episode, Brett gets to spend some time with the former top attorney for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Matt Leopold. In addition to his time at the EPA, Matt served as General Counsel at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; handled environmental issues for Governor Jeb Bush; and was an environmental attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice.

    They talk about growing up in West-Central Florida; split(?) allegiances between his undergrad and law schools; his consequential tenures as the top environmental lawyer on the state and national stages; what happened in the Sackett v. EPA case; and what the Supreme Court’s decision means for regulators and the regulated moving forward.

    If you want to get in touch with Matt, email him here: [email protected]

    To check out the Hunton, Andrews, Kurth Law Firm, go to their website here: https://www.huntonak.com/en/

    To read the Sackett v. EPA decision, go here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/21-454_4g15.pdf

    To get a quick view of how the United States Department of Justice’s case against BP turned out in relation to the Deepwater Horizon disaster, follow this link: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/bp-exploration-and-production-inc-agrees-plead-guilty-felony-manslaughter-environmental

    Please support our sponsors, RES and Sea & Shoreline.

    Sea & Shoreline is a Florida-based aquatic restoration firm that is on a mission to restore Florida’s water bodies and to protect our coastline communities against severe storms. You can check out their projects at www.seaandshoreline.com

    RES is a national leader in ecological and hydrological restoration, offering nature-based solutions with guaranteed performance through innovative delivery options. Discover more about their work and commitment to Florida and its environmental challenges by visiting www.res.us.

    Our theme song is “Doing Work For Free”, by Bo Spring Band (Apple Music) (Spotify) (Pandora)

  • Matt Posner

    Matt Posner

    · Water For Fighting

    In this episode, Brett travels to Pensacola for a conversation with the prolific Executive Director of the relatively new Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program – Matt Posner. They talk about growing up in Pensacola; the value of the education and experiences he gained on the way to his current role; the importance of fostering partnerships as the head of a small agency; and the exciting new programs his team is spearheading that could breathe new life into the region’s estuaries.

    See for yourself how things are going at the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program

    Check out the remarkably well done 2023 State of the Bays webpage.

    See how the Estuary Program’s work relates to that of the Northwest Florida Water Management District, and here.

    You can also review the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s interactive map showing the water quality challenges in the Pensacola and Perdido bays area and beyond.

    Please support our sponsors, RES and Sea & Shoreline.

    Sea & Shoreline is a Florida-based aquatic restoration firm that is on a mission to restore Florida’s water bodies and to protect our coastline communities against severe storms. You can check out their projects at www.seaandshoreline.com

    RES is a national leader in ecological and hydrological restoration, offering nature-based solutions with guaranteed performance through innovative delivery options. Discover more about their work and commitment to Florida and its environmental challenges by visiting www.res.us.

    Our theme song is â€œDoing Work For Free”, by Bo Spring Band (Apple Music) (Spotify) (Pandora)

  • Jon Steverson

    Jon Steverson

    · Water For Fighting

    In this episode, Brett is joined by lobbyist, consultant, policy expert, and former Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection – Jon Steverson. They talk about growing up the son of an accountant and an English teacher; working for three different governors; his unintentionally controversial tenure as the DEP Secretary; and his approach to working in the legislative process. And of course, no conversation with Jon is complete without a mention of the Williams/Steverson Family Reunion and the Bonifay Rodeo.

    Learn more about Jon’s work as Senior Policy Advisor with the Holland & Knight law firm and how he can help you.

    See what all the fuss about the Bonifay Rodeo is.

    Jon talks about his time with the Florida Association of Counties. See what those good folks are up to.

    Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s State Parks website

    Please support our partners, RES and Sea & Shoreline.

    Sea & Shoreline is a Florida-based aquatic restoration firm that is on a mission to restore Florida’s water bodies and to protect our coastline communities against severe storms. You can check out their projects at www.seaandshoreline.com

    RES is a national leader in ecological and hydrological restoration, offering nature-based solutions with guaranteed performance through innovative delivery options. Discover more about their work and commitment to Florida and its environmental challenges by visiting www.res.us.

    Our theme song is “Doing Work For Free”, by Bo Spring Band (Apple Music) (Spotify) (Pandora)

  • Greg Knecht

    Greg Knecht

    · Water For Fighting

    Learn more about the work Greg did to help restore the Everglades and its associated natural systems with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.Learn all about The Nature Conservancy’s presence and mission in Florida.Learn more about how you can help support the mission of The Nature ConservancyPlease support our sponsors, RES and Sea & Shoreline.Sea & Shoreline is a Florida-based aquatic restoration firm that is on a mission to restore Florida’s water bodies and to protect our coastline communities against severe storms.  You can check out their projects at www.seaandshoreline.comRES is a national leader in ecological and hydrological restoration, offering nature-based solutions with guaranteed performance through innovative delivery options. Discover more about their work and commitment to Florida and its environmental challenges by visiting www.res.us.Our theme song is â€œDoing Work For Free”, by Bo Spring Band (Apple Music) (Spotify) (Pandora)

  • Mike Register

    Mike Register

    · Water For Fighting

    In this episode, Brett travels to Palatka to sit down with the Executive Director of the St. Johns River Water Management District – Mike Register. They discuss how a young engineer out of the University of Florida charts a path to a more than three decade-long career at the agency he now runs; his approach to solving problems and working with stakeholders; the complicated processes involved in the development of Regional Water Supply Plans and Minimum Flows and Levels; and his thoughts on the future of water in Florida.Learn more about Regional Water Supply Plans.Learn more about how the District is working with farmers to meet their needs and the needs of the environment.  Learn about the Indian River Lagoon, its challenges, and the District’s role in restoration. If you want to find out how you can protect drinking water supplies in the St. Johns River and beyondDon’t forget to support our sponsors, RES and Sea & Shoreline.Sea & Shoreline is a Florida-based aquatic restoration firm that is on a mission to restore Florida’s water bodies and to protect our coastline communities against severe storms.  You can check out their projects at www.seaandshoreline.comRES is a national leader in ecological and hydrological restoration, offering nature-based solutions with guaranteed performance through innovative delivery options. Discover more about their work and commitment to Florida and its environmental challenges by visiting www.res.us.Our theme song is â€œDoing Work For Free”, by Bo Spring Band (Apple Music) (Spotify) (Pandora)

  • Dean Saunders

    Dean Saunders

    · Water For Fighting

    In Episode 2 of Season 2, Brett travels to Lakeland for the opportunity to hear from the person who brought the idea of conservation easements (they called it something different in the early 90’s) to Florida: 8th generation Floridian, long time real estate broker, and former member of the Florida House of Representatives - Dean Saunders. They talk about his time with Senator and then Governor Lawton Chiles; how conservation easements and Bright Futures were born; and how a young pancake dinner salesman became one of the most prolific land brokers in the state.If you’d like to learn more about conservation lands in Florida, including easements, check out the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) Learn more about the Bright Futures Scholarship program.Get to know who Senator and then Governor Lawton Chiles was. If you’re buying or selling real estate and want Dean’s help, find him here: https://www.saundersrealestate.com You can also reach Dean directly by email If you’re interested in finding out more about my day job and the amazing folks I work with, head here: www.anfieldflorida.comThis season of Water for Fighting is brought to you by my friends at Resource Environmental Solutions and Sea & Shoreline.Sea & Shoreline is a Florida-based aquatic restoration firm that is on a mission to restore Florida’s water bodies and to protect our coastline communities against severe storms.  You can check out their projects at www.seaandshoreline.com.RES is a national leader in ecological and hydrological restoration, offering nature-based solutions with guaranteed performance through innovative delivery options. Discover more about their work and commitment to Florida and its environmental challenges by visiting www.res.us.

  • Steven Hawley

    Steven Hawley

    · Water For Fighting

    In our Season 2 opener, Brett has a conversation with noted filmmaker and author, Steve Hawley. Steve has a brand new book out called, Cracked: The Future of Dams in a Hot, Chaotic World. They discuss the mythology surrounding the benefits of many of the world’s dams; the benefits of restoring once-dammed rivers; Dam Removal 101; and why he’s cautiously optimistic about the future of the world’s natural systems.Go buy Steve’s new book here: To get it straight from the publisher, Patagonia  To buy it from Steve’s favorite book store  To find it at Amazon Read Steve’s first book, Recovering a Lost River.Watch Steve’s film, Dammed to Extinction Watch on Amazon Prime Watch on VimeoTo learn more about restoration work being done on the Klamath River, check out this amazing video.I encourage you to find out more about what my friends at Sea & Shoreline and RES are doing to restore and protect Florida’s natural places and communities here: https://seaandshoreline.com and here: https://res.usOur theme song is â€œDoing Work For Free”, by Bo Spring Band (Apple Music) (Spotify) (Pandora) 

  • Ann Shortelle

    Ann Shortelle

    · Water For Fighting

    In the last episode of the season, Brett sits down with limnologist, business owner and two-time water management district executive director – Ann Shortelle.  They talk about building a family and career in Florida; being one of only three people to serve as executive director of two different water management districts; how she wants young women and girls to embrace math and science more; Notre Dame super fandom; and how she became a “Lake Doctor”. To learn more about the North Florida Regional Water Supply Partnership, go here: https://northfloridawater.comTo learn more about the Central Florida Water Initiative, check here: https://cfwiwater.com and here: https://floridadep.gov/water-policy/water-policy/content/central-florida-water-initiative-cfwiTo find out more about DEP’s Office of Water Policy and Ecosystems Restoration, head here: https://floridadep.gov/water-policyTo see what they’re up to at the Suwannee River Water Management District these days, check out their website here: https://www.mysuwanneeriver.comTo wade through the Wikipedia page on the Rodman Dam and Reservoir, go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodman_ReservoirYou can email Ann directly here: [email protected] theme song is â€œDoing Work For Free”, by Bo Spring Band (Apple Music) (Spotify) (Pandora) 

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