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Hopping, Green & Sams Welcomes Eileen Stuart as Government Affairs Shareholder

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Hopping, Green & Sams (HGS), one of the state’s top environmental, land use and special district law firms, today announced the addition of Eileen Stuart as Government Affairs Shareholder with the firm.

“We are thrilled to welcome Eileen to the firm. Having worked closely with her over the last decade, we appreciate firsthand Eileen’s substantial talents,” said Gary Hunter, shareholder, Hopping, Green & Sams. “Her deep relationships, substantive command and understanding of the key levers in state and federal government will greatly enhance our growing presence in the Florida government affairs arena. Most important, our clients will benefit from her expertise.”

A well-respected name in Tallahassee, Stuart most recently served as Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs for The Mosaic Company, directing the Fortune 500’s state and federal government affairs strategy and engagement in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.  She also previously served as Vice President, Public Affairs and led the company’s strategic communications and community engagement.

Prior to joining Mosaic, Stuart’s experience included positions in the Executive Office of the Governor where she served as Deputy Policy Director. She also has served in roles in the Florida Senate, the Florida Public Service Commission and on a gubernatorial campaign. Her expertise in environmental, energy, permitting and tax issues will complement HGS’ deep roster of professionals. 

“Hopping, Green & Sams is a powerful combination of the state’s top environmental and land development lawyers along with a robust and loyal client base. The firm’s widely recognized expertise and reputation provide an unparalleled platform, and I am excited to work alongside the exceptional team at HGS to help our clients achieve their objectives,” said Stuart.

Stuart earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law. She and her husband live in Tallahassee with their two sons.

Governor Rick Scott Highlights $1.7 Billion Proposal for Florida’s Environment

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose a $50 million investment to expedite repairs for the federally operated Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee in his 2018-19 recommended budget. This $50 million is part of the Governor’s historic $1.7 billion investment in Florida’s environment announced last week. See more HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Last week, the State of Florida was proud to secure President Donald Trump’s commitment to accelerating critical repairs needed to the federal Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee. While this partnership is game-changing, we cannot stop there. These repairs are a priority and that’s why I’m proposing $50 million in state funding to help expedite the project. I look forward to working with the Florida Legislature on this important project so we can protect our pristine environment for our future generations.”
Florida Senate President Joe Negron said, “I appreciate Governor Scott’s leadership in ensuring that we make the best use of both state and federal tax dollars as we work to repair the Herbert Hoover Dike and build additional southern storage through the implementation of Senate Bill 10. I look forward to working with him again this session on these important issues to ensure we have an effective state and federal partnership that leads to the elimination of harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee.”
Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “None of what we announced today would’ve been possible without the heavy lifting and tireless effort of Governor Scott.  The fruits of this investment will mean safety and security for the community surrounding the Lake, as well as averting potential environmental dangers. And I’m proud to stand with the governor today and will do all I can to help him hold Washington’s feet to the fire.”
This funding will build on the $50 million in this year’s state budget to kick-start critical repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike. Governor Scott is the first governor in Florida history to invest state money into this critical federal project. This April, Governor Scott met with President Donald Trump regarding the importance of fixing the federally operated Herbert Hoover Dike and received his commitment to fixing the dike. Last week, President Trump instructed White House Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney to accelerate the completion of repairs to Florida’s Herbert Hoover Dike. See more HERE.
Full details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be announced in the coming weeks.

Florida Leaders Applaud Gov. Scott’s Proposed Historic Investment for Environment

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Today, Florida leaders applauded Governor Rick Scott’s announcement that he will propose more than $1.7 billion to protect Florida’s environment as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. This $1.7 billion funding for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is a more than $220 million increase over the current year.
The proposed funding will include:

  • A historic investment of $55 million for Florida’s springs;
  • A historic investment of $100 million for Florida’s beaches;
  • A record $355 million for Everglades restoration;
  • A record $50 million for Florida’s state parks; and
  • $50 million for Florida Forever to help preserve and protect our natural lands

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein said, “DEP applauds Governor Scott for continuing to make the protection of our natural resources a priority. This budget proposal will allow us to continue to make real progress safeguarding our environment through partnerships and projects. We look forward to a busy year ahead as we get to work implementing the crucial projects that will be funded by this budget.”
Erik Eikenberg, CEO of the Everglades Foundation, said, “Governor Scott’s environmental budget recommendation includes significant funding for America’s Everglades. This includes expediting key features of the Central Everglades Plan and getting to work on storage south of Lake Okeechobee. We thank the Governor for this bold Everglades budget and we look forward to working with Senate and House members to make it happen.”
Eric Draper, executive director of Audubon Florida, said, “Audubon Florida is excited about Governor Scott’s environmental budget requests for this upcoming session. This year’s request includes funding for Florida’s premier land conservation program, Florida Forever. The Governor’s budget recommendation also includes funding for Florida’s iconic springs and our award-winning state parks. These budget recommendations put additional focus on land conservation, parks, springs and Everglades and estuary recovery- Audubon’s top priorities for protecting water and wildlife. We were glad to welcome Governor Scott back to Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples and the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland.”
Deborah Flack, president of the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association said, “Governor Scott’s commitment to healthy beaches continues, fully recognizing their economic importance to Florida. $50 million for the traditional statewide program reflects an appreciation for the outstanding performance of existing beach management projects following Hurricane Irma in protecting upland structures and reducing coastal flooding. They worked outstandingly, and we are going to need them again. The additional funding for storm damage recovery for our beaches and dunes demonstrates the Governor’s recognition that critically-eroded beaches not part of any existing solution must be brought into the statewide program. Our coastal communities and local government partners are most appreciative of the Governor’s budgetary commitment to sustaining Florida’s beaches.”
Temperince Morgan, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Florida, said, “Governor Scott’s proposed budget will support critical restoration and protection projects for some of Florida’s most precious resources, including springs and our award-winning state parks.”
Paula Russo, president of Friends of Florida State Parks, said, “We’re pleased that the Governor’s budget includes a historic investment in Florida’s nationally-recognized state park system. Florida State Parks are beloved by residents and visitors alike, and Governor Scott’s budget ensures these resources will be preserved and available for generations to come.”
Duane De Freese, Ph.D., executive director of the IRL Council & Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, said, “This is a historic commitment by Governor Scott to Everglades restoration, water infrastructure projects, and surface water quality improvements for Florida. All are essential to restore the health of the Indian River Lagoon.”
David C. Jones, president of Florida Disabled Outdoors Association, said, “We commend the Governor for his continued support of accessibility improvements in our state parks so that more individuals will be able to enjoy their beauty and recreational opportunities.”
South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Chairman Dan O’Keefe said, “Governor Scott’s proposal for a record $355 million for Everglades restoration in next year’s environmental budget clearly demonstrates his commitment to completing projects that will provide immediate benefits for South Florida’s ecosystems. This infusion of funding would enable the South Florida Water Management District to make significant progress on providing needed clean water for the Everglades while protecting this region’s vital coastal estuaries.”
Brian Armstrong, executive director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, said, “We applaud the Governor’s commitment to Florida’s springs. This vital funding will allow our springs experts to continue working to protect these important natural systems within our District.”
Dr. Ann Shortelle, executive director of the St. John River Water Management District, said, “It’s this type of commitment and leadership by Gov. Scott that allows us to continue working to protect and restore our vital natural resources in Florida. An investment of $55 million in Florida’s springs and $50 million in Florida Forever sends a clear message that the environment is a priority for this administration.”
Hugh Thomas, executive director of the Suwannee River Water Management District, said, “The Suwannee River Valley is a treasure trove of springs, wild and scenic rivers, and pristine shorelines that we work diligently to protect. Governor Scott’s paramount investment in Florida’s natural resources is a powerful promise to the current residents and future generations of our spectacular state.”
Brett Cyphers, executive director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District, said, “We are grateful for the continued vision and leadership shown by Governor Scott. The environmental resources of this region are our hallmark. This continued support for the protection and restoration of our springs, beaches and our award-winning state parks will ensure the health and well-being of our residents, economy and environment.”

Gov. Scott proposes historic investments for environment

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$1.7 Billion for Florida’s World-Class Beaches,
Springs, State Parks, Everglades and Natural Treasures

Governor Rick Scott today announced that he will propose more than $1.7 billion to protect Florida’s environment as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. This $1.7 billion funding for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is a more than $220 million increase over the current year.
The proposed funding will include:

  • A historic investment of $55 million for Florida’s springs;
  • A historic investment of $100 million for Florida’s beaches;
  • A record $355 million for Everglades restoration;
  • A record $50 million for Florida’s state parks; and
  • $50 million for Florida Forever to help preserve and protect our natural lands

Governor Scott said, “People from across the world come to Florida because of our state’s beautiful natural treasures. Over the past seven years, we have made historic strides to protect Florida’s lands, invest record funding in the Everglades and Florida’s springs, and preserve our beloved beaches. To make sure our state remains beautiful for generations to come, I am proud to announce today that my recommended budget will include $1.7 billion to protect and preserve Florida’s environment.
“This funding includes historic investments in our iconic springs, world-renowned Everglades, award-winning state parks and beautiful beaches, which is especially important following impacts by Hurricane Irma. I am also proud to be recommending $100 million to preserve and protect our natural lands, including $50 million for Florida Forever. Our natural treasures are so important to Florida’s economy and tourism industry and the many families that rely on them. I look forward to working with the Legislature during the upcoming session on these strategic investments to help preserve our environment for Florida’s children, future residents and visitors.”
Additional environmental funding will be included in the Governor’s recommended 2018-2019 budget. More details on the Governor’s proposed budget will be made available in the coming weeks.