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POLITICO Pro: DEP blesses major modification to St. Johns River conservation easement

Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · 19d

DEP says proposal does not remove protections.

"What is being considered is an amendment that would allow the land to be restored from its historical use as a timber operation back into a functioning wetland system, which would increase the ecological value of the property," DEP spokesperson said.

Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · 19d

DEP blesses major modification to St. Johns River conservation easement.

"This amendment is not in the public interest, sets an alarming precedent and will cause harm to the St. Johns River," Lisa Rinaman of St. Johns Riverkeeper said.

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Environmentalists are criticizing the proposal to allow a wetlands mitigation bank to be established on private property along the river.

Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · 21d

Gil Smart, who tracks the state budget for VoteWater, said the price of more than $80 million seems "insane" and that an independent appraisal is needed.

"In the era of DOGE, there's no excuse for not trying to get the best deal for the taxpayer," Smart said.

Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · 21d

UPDATE: Florida Cabinet asked to buy Destin waterfront parcel for more than $80M.

DEP recommends the purchase based on the budget language while including a pair of appraisals submitted by the landowner that sets value compared to a high-rise condominium.

subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...

POLITICO Pro: Florida Cabinet asked to buy Destin waterfront parcel for more than $80M

Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · 21d

Florida Cabinet asked to buy Destin waterfront parcel for more than $80M.

DEP recommends purchase based on the budget language while including a pair of appraisals submitted by the landowner that sets value compared to a high-rise condo + marina.

subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...

The Department of Environmental Protection is recommending the 3.9-acre purchase after the Legislature promoted the deal in last-minute budget language.

‘We can’t delay any longer’: Trump urges Bondi to prosecute his rivals

Reposted by Bruce Ritchie

Politico @politico.com · 24d

On Saturday, Trump publicly urged AG Bondi to prosecute his rivals and said the lack of charges was “killing our reputation and credibility.”

“We can’t delay any longer,” the president wrote on Truth Social.

In a Truth Social post Saturday, the president specifically called out Sen. Adam Schiff, former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James for prosecution.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles were lobbyists in their past lives. Their former firms are reaping the benefits.

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Reposted by Bruce Ritchie

Politico @politico.com · 24d

Here’s what happens when big-time lobbyists become big-name Trump officials

POLITICO Pro: DeSantis says electrical grid capacity for data centers 'isn’t even close' to what's needed

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Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · 27d

FL Gov. Ron DeSantis says electrical grid capacity for data centers 'isn’t even close' to what's needed.

"Consumers will see electricity rates spike — and to what end?" DeSantis continued on X.

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"Consumers will see electricity rates spike — and to what end?" said the governor.

POLITICO Pro: State agencies request nearly $500M for land conservation but face headwinds

Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · 28d

Ohio won the national parks gold medal award this year at
@NRPA_news annual conference in Orlando. Florida was up for an unprecedented fifth award this year.

aapra.org/Portals/0/Go...

aapra.org

Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · 28d

FL DEP is requesting $100M for its signature FL Forever land-buying program.

"The properties on the Florida Forever list need to be acquired but that's not going to happen without significantly more funding for Florida Forever," said Ryan Smart of the Florida Springs Council.

Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · 28d

Florida agencies request nearly $500M for land conservation but face headwinds.

"This industry relies on available agricultural lands to grow and remain strong," Ag Comm Wilton Simpson said.

subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...

Sotomayor rebukes calls to ‘criminalize free speech’ in apparent swipe at Pam Bondi

Reposted by Bruce Ritchie

Politico @politico.com · 29d

Justice Sonia Sotomayor appeared to rebuke calls to target “hate speech” in an apparent swipe at Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“Every time I listen to a lawyer-trained representative saying we should criminalize free speech in some way, I think to myself, that law school failed,” said Sotomayor.

The justice, in public remarks, didn’t name the attorney general, who has come under fire for comments to target people over “hate speech.”

POLITICO Pro: PSC hearing officer rejects public counsel's counter-settlement in FPL rate case

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Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · 29d

Florida Constitution:
SECTION 24. Access to public records and meetings.—
(a) Every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or persons acting on their behalf, ...

Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · Sep 14

Florida PSC hearing officer rejects public counsel's counter-settlement in FL Power & Light rate case.

Chair Mike La Rosa wrote in an order that the alternative proposal, backed by energy justice groups but opposed by FPL, won't resolve the case.

subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...

POLITICO Pro: Local governments plan challenge to regulatory restrictions in new hurricane emergencies law

Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · Sep 12

Florida local governments plan challenge to regulatory restrictions in new hurricane emergencies law.

"It is the worst growth management legislation I've seen in my career," land use lawyer Richard Grosso said.

subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...

Seventeen local governments have agreed to join a lawsuit filed after the 2024 hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

Chassahowitzka River campground will likely stay in public hands

Reposted by Bruce Ritchie

Craig Pittman @craigtimes.bsky.social · Sep 11

After public outrage at #Florida water agency's talk of selling it, Chassahowitzka River campground will likely stay in public hands. www.tampabay.com/news/environ... via @maxchesnes.bsky.social

After public apprehension over a potential sale, the campground appears slated to stay open.

www.tampabay.com

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Reposted by Bruce Ritchie

Politico @politico.com · Sep 10

DeSantis has been clamoring for open carry despite pushback from local sheriffs.

Now, a Florida appeals court has thrown out the state's nearly 40-year-old prohibition on openly carrying guns, saying that it is unconstitutional due to recent Supreme Court rulings.

Florida may soon allow open carry of guns after court strikes down ban

The decision by the 1st District Court of Appeal comes as Gov. Ron DeSantis clamors for open carry despite wide resistance from local sheriffs

Farmers' loyalty to Trump is about to be tested

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Reposted by Bruce Ritchie

Marcia Brown @marciabrown.bsky.social · Sep 10

Farmers have a record harvest.

But with Trump’s tariff war, they may have nowhere to sell it.

Smart new piece from my colleagues Daniel Desrochers and Grace Yarrow for @politico.com.

www.politico.com/news/2025/09...

The agriculture industry has stuck by the president even as his trade wars have hit their bottom lines. This fall harvest may see the limits of the their patience.

POLITICO Pro: Federal appeals court blocks judge’s order shutting down Alligator Alcatraz

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Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · Sep 9

You missed the latest:

www.politico.com/news/2025/09...

In response to the ruling, Gov. Ron DeSantis posted on X that the "mission will continue" at Alligator Alcatraz.

Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · Sep 9

Earthjustice specifically asked the FL Retail Federation if
Publix is a member. So I asked too.

"The Federation's membership covers the gamut," FRF lawyer James Brew told me. "Whether a particular business is a member really isn't the point."

Bruce Ritchie @brucebritchie.bsky.social · Sep 9

"Our issue is, do they represent the diverse body of customers they say they do?" Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler said. "When we've asked those questions, they objected and said it's privileged and protected."