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.
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Resource Environmental Solutions (RES)
RES is the nation’s leader in ecological restoration, helping to restore Florida’s natural resources
with water quality and stormwater solutions that offer communities guaranteed performance
and outcomes. Check them out at www.res.us
This episode is also brought to you by our friends at Sea and Shoreline.
Sea and Shoreline is the Southeast’s leading innovator in protecting coastal communities from
devastating storms and restoring ecosystems that once faced ecological collapse. Visit their
website at www.Seaandshoreline.com.
Please be sure to check out the Florida Specifier Podcast hosted by Ryan Matthews and Brett as
part of the environmental news and discussion brought to you by the Florida Specifier. To learn
more about our flagship print publication, weekly newsletter and more, visit The Florida
Specifier.
You can follow the show on LinkedIn and Instagram @flwaterpod, and you can reach us directly
at FLwaterpod@gmail.com with your comments and suggestions for who Brett should be
talking with in the future.
Huge thanks goes out to Bo Spring from the Bo Spring Band for giving permission to use his music for the show. The song is called, Doing Work for Free, and you can find it anywhere great music is sold.
Production of this podcast is by Lonely Fox Studios. Thanks to Karl Sorne for making the best of
what he had to work with. And to David Barfield for the amazing graphics and technical assistance.
