Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for DEP

DEP

Gov. Scott: DEP Launches Grant Program to Help Local Governments Clean Up Algal Blooms

Posted on

Clean Florida Waterways Affected by Algal Blooms

Following Governor Rick Scott issuing Executive Order 18-191, declaring a state of emergency in response to impacts from federal water releases, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today launched a $3 million grant program to help local governments clean up waterways affected by harmful algal blooms caused by federal discharges from Lake Okeechobee.  [Read more…] about Gov. Scott: DEP Launches Grant Program to Help Local Governments Clean Up Algal Blooms

Gov. Scott Visits Utility Linemen in Collier County

Posted on

IMMOKALEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott visited utility linemen in Collier County to thank them for their work restoring power to Florida homes and businesses. This week, Governor Scott announced that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will accept official utility workers’ identification in lieu of a Florida freshwater or saltwater fishing license through June 30, 2018, and that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering free day-passes to Florida State Parks that can be used on an unlimited basis until October 2018 for all utility workers.

Gov. Scott Announces License-Free Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing for Florida Law Enforcement and First Responders

Posted on

SANFORD, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida’s law enforcement officers and first responders will be able to enjoy license-free freshwater and saltwater fishing beginning today through June 30, 2018. This is in recognition of their lifesaving work preparing and responding to Hurricane Irma. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will accept official first responder identification in lieu of a Florida fishing license during this period. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is also offering free day-passes to Florida State Parks that can be used on an unlimited basis until October 2018 for all law enforcement officers, first responders and utility workers.

 Governor Scott said, “Before and after Hurricane Irma, Florida’s brave law enforcement officers and first responders have been tirelessly working around the clock to meet the needs of our families and communities. Even as their own families were evacuating or working to begin the recovery process, they have been putting their own lives on the line to keep our state safe. We owe these brave heroes a debt of gratitude, and I am proud to announce this license-free fishing opportunity as a gesture of appreciation and recognition for their service to our state.”

Brian Yablonski, FWC Chairman, said, “These true heroes of hurricane response efforts will be able to enjoy Florida’s world class freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities without buying a fishing license. It is our hope this small token of appreciation will give these dedicated men and women an opportunity to get a break from stressful recovery work so they can relax and enjoy good times fishing with family and friends.”

Governor Scott Appoints Ryan Matthews as Interim Secretary of DEP

Posted on

Governor Rick Scott appointed Ryan Matthews as the Interim Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Governor Scott said, “Ryan’s hard work and dedication to protecting Florida’s environment have led the way to improved water quality and stronger environmental policies for Florida. I am confident that he will continue to fight to protect Florida’s pristine environment as Interim Secretary.”
Ryan has been at DEP since 2015 serving as Director of the Office of Water Policy, and most recently, Deputy Secretary of Regulatory Programs. Prior to joining DEP, Ryan served as the Associate Legislative Affairs Director for the Florida League of Cities. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2008. In 2009, Ryan obtained his Master of Laws degree Environmental/Natural Resources Law from the University of Denver – Sturm College of Law.
The Cabinet Governance Guidelines adopted by the Governor and Cabinet call for the Governor to name an interim appointee to temporarily fill this vacancy, subject to approval of the interim appointments by the Cabinet. The process of making a permanent appointment will also be governed by the Cabinet Governance Guidelines. Next week, the Governor and Cabinet will meet via phone to discuss this interim appointment.