This special joint episode from Water for Fighting and the Florida Specifier Podcast—a product of the Specifier Media Group—was recorded in front of a live audience at the American Water Resources Association’s annual conference in Key West. Host, Brett Cyphers sits down with three of Florida’s most influential voices in water policy and advocacy: Kim Shugar, Senior Advisor and Environmental Policy Lead at the Arrow Group; Adam Blalock, Deputy Secretary for Ecosystem Restoration at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; and Omar Franco, head of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.’s federal lobbying practice in Washington, D.C.
Together, they traced their personal paths into public service and policy, sharing how early experiences shaped their commitment to Florida’s waters. From childhood fishing trips to navigating the intricacies of legislative chambers, each guest offered a unique perspective on how decisions at both the state and federal levels ripple through local communities.
The discussion tackled some of the most pressing issues in Florida’s water future, including the state budget, Everglades restoration, basin management action plans, nutrient reduction challenges, and the complex balance between federal funding, state priorities, and local responsibilities—all while highlighting the importance of mentorship, persistence, and partnerships in tackling long-term environmental challenges.
This collaboration offers a window into the strategies, struggles, and successes of those working every day to secure Florida’s water future.
To read the Specifier online (where we hope you’ll subscribe if you haven’t already), go here: https://floridaspecifier.com
To get the word out about how you’re making waves (pun intended) in Florida’s environmental world, make sure you reach out to Brett, Ryan, or Jamie at:
A huge thank you goes out to Bagels and Biscuits for giving permission to use their music for the podcast.
This episode is a production of The Florida Specifier. Audio production and editing is by Karl Sorne and Dave Barfield at Lonely Fox Studios.
A special shout out goes to our very own Jamie Sheehan, Tracy Kistler and Meg Holley for keeping us organized and moving forward.
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