Florida Specifier Podcast

Ryan and Brett continue their look back at the Environmental Permitting Summer School through the eyes of its founders and supporters – both past and present – to provide a snapshot of who they are, what they do, why they’ve continued their support over the years; and what the conference means to them.  

This episode begins with Mark Thomasson from National Stormwater Trust.  He discusses the difference between attendi...

In this first of five special editions of the Florida Specifier Podcast, Ryan and Brett take a look back at the Environmental Permitting Summer School through the eyes of its founders and supporters – both past and present – to provide a snapshot of who they are; what they do; why they’ve continued their support over the years; and what the conference means to them.  

This volume begins with the Florida Chamber of Commerce’...

In this episode, the Florida Specifier’s editorial board is back during the “quiet season” to discuss the September/October issue of the Specifier.  Ryan gives the rundown on the Legislative Budget Request (LBR) and grants processes; Jeff gives an update on Florida’s legal wrangling with the federal government regarding Ch. 404 assumption; Brett directs readers’ attention to the federally mandated triennial water quality stand...

In this episode, Ryan and Brett sit down with Spencer Tuell of Gulf Coast Underground to discuss his work in the Gulf Coast, see what he did there, on municipal infrastructure and the work that GCU does to improve aging wastewater pipelines. Spencer and GCU have worked extensively in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and now Florida. Spencer discusses the updated technology that will allow communities to improve lateral lines, mains...

In this episode, Ryan and Brett host David Rathke and Pepper Uchino to talk about their work and the upcoming 3rd Annual Florida Resilience Conference, taking place from September 11-13.  David is the Executive Director of Resiliency Florida, and Pepper is the Executive Director of the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association. Together, their organizations have teamed up to put on one of the most interesting and impact...

In this episode, Ryan and Brett sit down at the Environmental Permitting Summer School to record with one of Florida’s premier experts in bioremediation, Nick Albergo, P.E., DEE, WRE, FASCE, FEWRI. Nick is a Professional Engineer who serves as a Senior Advisor to GHD Services, and also serves on the engineering faculty at the University of South Florida. He has been a pioneer in his field, including holding patents in the area of b...

In this episode, Ryan, Brett, Jeff, and Pat get together and talk about the Environmental Permitting Summer School in Marco Island, now in its 38th year. They talk tips for a better time while you’re there, such as some breakout sessions that are anticipated to be particularly interesting, and some nearby restaurants worth checking out.  They also discuss Florida’s budget; the statewide stormwater rule ratification; ...

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 some other projects besides that famous one on Doctor’...

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 issue; and of course, how you can support and get involved ...