Bruce Ritchie
@brucebritchie.bsky.social
Florida environment and energy reporter. I appreciate nature, healthy communities and agriculture..
FL Ag Comm Simpson takes swipe at Passidomo after Florida ag department bill vote delayed.
"The bill sponsor TP’d the bill, and when he’s ready to present it again, I look forward to a thoughtful discussion on the proposed policy," Passidomo responded.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
"The bill sponsor TP’d the bill, and when he’s ready to present it again, I look forward to a thoughtful discussion on the proposed policy," Passidomo responded.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
POLITICO Pro: Simpson takes swipe at Passidomo after Florida ag department bill vote delayed
The state agriculture commissioner said it was "unconscionable" that a single committee chair would "reverse the gains we've made" on agriculture.
subscriber.politicopro.com
January 27, 2026 at 6:41 PM
FL Ag Comm Simpson takes swipe at Passidomo after Florida ag department bill vote delayed.
"The bill sponsor TP’d the bill, and when he’s ready to present it again, I look forward to a thoughtful discussion on the proposed policy," Passidomo responded.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
"The bill sponsor TP’d the bill, and when he’s ready to present it again, I look forward to a thoughtful discussion on the proposed policy," Passidomo responded.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Recalling 2010 offshore spill, FL officials voice opposition to Gulf drilling expansions.
"These impacts were not temporary, but significant, to Florida’s habitats, threatened and endangered species, fisheries, tourism and the economy," the letter said.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
"These impacts were not temporary, but significant, to Florida’s habitats, threatened and endangered species, fisheries, tourism and the economy," the letter said.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
POLITICO Pro: Recalling Deepwater Horizon spill, Florida officials voice opposition to Gulf drilling expansions
Drilling off Florida's coast is a threat to the environment, tourism and military training, state agencies said.
subscriber.politicopro.com
January 26, 2026 at 10:52 PM
Recalling 2010 offshore spill, FL officials voice opposition to Gulf drilling expansions.
"These impacts were not temporary, but significant, to Florida’s habitats, threatened and endangered species, fisheries, tourism and the economy," the letter said.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
"These impacts were not temporary, but significant, to Florida’s habitats, threatened and endangered species, fisheries, tourism and the economy," the letter said.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Florida, feds tell court to dismiss new documents request in Alligator Alcatraz appeal.
DHS and FDEM told appeals court the records, contrary to claims of environmental groups, do not show the immigration detention center is a federal facility.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
DHS and FDEM told appeals court the records, contrary to claims of environmental groups, do not show the immigration detention center is a federal facility.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
POLITICO Pro: State, feds tell court to dismiss new documents request in Alligator Alcatraz appeal
DHS and the Florida Division of Emergency Management told an appeals court that the records, contrary to the claims of environmental groups, do not show the immigration detention center in the Evergla...
subscriber.politicopro.com
January 23, 2026 at 10:47 PM
Florida, feds tell court to dismiss new documents request in Alligator Alcatraz appeal.
DHS and FDEM told appeals court the records, contrary to claims of environmental groups, do not show the immigration detention center is a federal facility.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
DHS and FDEM told appeals court the records, contrary to claims of environmental groups, do not show the immigration detention center is a federal facility.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Reposted by Bruce Ritchie
Trump steps back from the brink on Greenland. But the damage has been done.
Trump steps back from the brink on Greenland. But the damage has been done.
The president’s effort to acquire Greenland, even with the threat of force off the table, has changed the way allies see the U.S.
dlvr.it
January 21, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Trump steps back from the brink on Greenland. But the damage has been done.
Florida Senate committee passes bills on curtailing ‘forever chemicals’ use. via Kylie Williams. subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
POLITICO Pro: Florida Senate committee passes bills on curtailing ‘forever chemicals’ use
The GOP sponsors cited concerns about the chemicals’ long-term impacts on human health and the environment.
subscriber.politicopro.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Florida Senate committee passes bills on curtailing ‘forever chemicals’ use. via Kylie Williams. subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
For Russia, Greenland offers an ‘ideal solution’ to its Ukraine problem with the United States.
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
For Russia, Greenland offers an ‘ideal solution’ to its Ukraine problem
Moscow’s approach to the showdown over the Arctic island: Troll and hope the West falls apart.
www.politico.eu
January 20, 2026 at 8:05 PM
For Russia, Greenland offers an ‘ideal solution’ to its Ukraine problem with the United States.
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Florida Senate panel advances data center bills amid industry concerns.
One bill would provide a public records exemption for 12 months for data center planning records held by cities and counties.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
One bill would provide a public records exemption for 12 months for data center planning records held by cities and counties.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
POLITICO Pro: Florida Senate panel advances data center bills amid industry concerns
Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed an artificial intelligence "bill of rights" that includes environmental and utility customer protections from data centers. But Senate leadership appears to be backing a...
subscriber.politicopro.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Florida Senate panel advances data center bills amid industry concerns.
One bill would provide a public records exemption for 12 months for data center planning records held by cities and counties.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
One bill would provide a public records exemption for 12 months for data center planning records held by cities and counties.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
FL Gov. Ron DeSantis now seems to be standing in the way of Ocklawaha River restoration more than 50 years after the Cross Florida Barge Canal was halted.
January 16, 2026 at 4:10 PM
FL Gov. Ron DeSantis now seems to be standing in the way of Ocklawaha River restoration more than 50 years after the Cross Florida Barge Canal was halted.
"Florida House passes phosphate lands bill that died last year"
Rep. Lawrence McClure told FL House had been rewritten to find a "middle ground." It passed 87-24 with Dems arguing that it would leave residents vulnerable.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Rep. Lawrence McClure told FL House had been rewritten to find a "middle ground." It passed 87-24 with Dems arguing that it would leave residents vulnerable.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
POLITICO Pro: Florida House passes phosphate lands bill that died last year
State Rep. Lawrence McClure told the House the bill, which last year failed to pass both chambers, had been rewritten to find a "middle ground."
subscriber.politicopro.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:03 PM
"Florida House passes phosphate lands bill that died last year"
Rep. Lawrence McClure told FL House had been rewritten to find a "middle ground." It passed 87-24 with Dems arguing that it would leave residents vulnerable.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Rep. Lawrence McClure told FL House had been rewritten to find a "middle ground." It passed 87-24 with Dems arguing that it would leave residents vulnerable.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Florida land swap transparency bills begin moving with bipartisan support.
"We almost lost a real treasure," Rep. Dean Black told Rep. Kim Kendall before the House subcommittee vote. "Thanks to your leadership, that didn't happen.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
"We almost lost a real treasure," Rep. Dean Black told Rep. Kim Kendall before the House subcommittee vote. "Thanks to your leadership, that didn't happen.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
POLITICO Pro: Florida land swap transparency bills begin moving with bipartisan support
State Rep. Kim Kendall said she introduced her bill after the public last year was provided only a one-week notice of a proposed swap for 600 acres of state land along the Guana River.
subscriber.politicopro.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:48 PM
Florida land swap transparency bills begin moving with bipartisan support.
"We almost lost a real treasure," Rep. Dean Black told Rep. Kim Kendall before the House subcommittee vote. "Thanks to your leadership, that didn't happen.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
"We almost lost a real treasure," Rep. Dean Black told Rep. Kim Kendall before the House subcommittee vote. "Thanks to your leadership, that didn't happen.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Bills filed to encourage cattle grazing on Florida state lands, ban local ‘net zero’ policies
Some environmentalists said they already playing defense against a flurry of bills ahead of a legislative session they're labeling "sprawl on steroids."
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Some environmentalists said they already playing defense against a flurry of bills ahead of a legislative session they're labeling "sprawl on steroids."
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
POLITICO Pro: Bills filed to encourage cattle grazing on Florida state lands, ban local ‘net zero’ policies
Some environmentalists said they already playing defense against a flurry of bills ahead of a legislative session they're labeling "sprawl on steroids."
subscriber.politicopro.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:44 PM
Bills filed to encourage cattle grazing on Florida state lands, ban local ‘net zero’ policies
Some environmentalists said they already playing defense against a flurry of bills ahead of a legislative session they're labeling "sprawl on steroids."
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Some environmentalists said they already playing defense against a flurry of bills ahead of a legislative session they're labeling "sprawl on steroids."
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Florida environmental groups ask appeals court to consider new records they say show Alligator Alcatraz had federal funding — before a district court order to close the facility was overturned.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
POLITICO Pro: Enviros ask appeals court to consider new records they say show Alligator Alcatraz had federal funding
Environmental groups argue Alligator Alcatraz is a threat to water quality in the Everglades and endangered species.
subscriber.politicopro.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Florida environmental groups ask appeals court to consider new records they say show Alligator Alcatraz had federal funding — before a district court order to close the facility was overturned.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Newly filed Florida bill would push Gov. Ron DeSantis' efforts to curb data centers.
DeSantis said last month he was proposing legislation to prevent Floridians from having to foot the bill for the massive projects.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
DeSantis said last month he was proposing legislation to prevent Floridians from having to foot the bill for the massive projects.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
POLITICO Pro: Newly filed Florida bill would push DeSantis’ efforts to curb data centers
The Florida House measure would establish, as a state policy, that local governments are encouraged and empowered to protect residents against the negative effects of data centers.
subscriber.politicopro.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Newly filed Florida bill would push Gov. Ron DeSantis' efforts to curb data centers.
DeSantis said last month he was proposing legislation to prevent Floridians from having to foot the bill for the massive projects.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
DeSantis said last month he was proposing legislation to prevent Floridians from having to foot the bill for the massive projects.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Florida's First District Court of Appeal will take up Gainesville utility referendum. Via @politico.com FL Playbook.
January 7, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Florida's First District Court of Appeal will take up Gainesville utility referendum. Via @politico.com FL Playbook.
Bills directing Ocklawaha River restoration filed in Florida House, Senate.
The legislation follows Gov. Ron DeSantis' state budget veto last June of $6.25 million for restoring the river, which would include removing the Rodman Reservoir dam.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
The legislation follows Gov. Ron DeSantis' state budget veto last June of $6.25 million for restoring the river, which would include removing the Rodman Reservoir dam.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
POLITICO Pro: Bills directing Ocklawaha River restoration filed in Florida House, Senate
The legislation follows Gov. Ron DeSantis' state budget veto last June of $6.25 million for restoring the river.
subscriber.politicopro.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Bills directing Ocklawaha River restoration filed in Florida House, Senate.
The legislation follows Gov. Ron DeSantis' state budget veto last June of $6.25 million for restoring the river, which would include removing the Rodman Reservoir dam.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
The legislation follows Gov. Ron DeSantis' state budget veto last June of $6.25 million for restoring the river, which would include removing the Rodman Reservoir dam.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Florida officials say 52 bears killed during first hunt in a decade.
FWC is calling the hunt, in which 172 kill permits were issued, a success. Meanwhile hunting opponents are claiming victory after buying permits or paying hunters not to shoot bears.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
FWC is calling the hunt, in which 172 kill permits were issued, a success. Meanwhile hunting opponents are claiming victory after buying permits or paying hunters not to shoot bears.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
POLITICO Pro: Florida officials say 52 bears killed during first hunt in a decade
State wildlife officials said the hunt was needed to manage Florida's growing bear population, while opponents said the agency was using flawed data to allow what they called a "trophy hunt."
subscriber.politicopro.com
December 30, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Florida officials say 52 bears killed during first hunt in a decade.
FWC is calling the hunt, in which 172 kill permits were issued, a success. Meanwhile hunting opponents are claiming victory after buying permits or paying hunters not to shoot bears.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
FWC is calling the hunt, in which 172 kill permits were issued, a success. Meanwhile hunting opponents are claiming victory after buying permits or paying hunters not to shoot bears.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
State bond finance director: Florida in 'more sustainable place' after paying off environmental debt.
But some environmentalists say borrowing from 1990 to 2008 helped protect irreplaceable lands from development.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
But some environmentalists say borrowing from 1990 to 2008 helped protect irreplaceable lands from development.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
POLITICO Pro: State financial director: Florida in 'more sustainable place' after paying off environmental debt
But some environmentalists who say the state should be spending more for land also argue borrowing from 1990 to 2008 helped protect irreplaceable lands from development.
subscriber.politicopro.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:01 PM
State bond finance director: Florida in 'more sustainable place' after paying off environmental debt.
But some environmentalists say borrowing from 1990 to 2008 helped protect irreplaceable lands from development.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
But some environmentalists say borrowing from 1990 to 2008 helped protect irreplaceable lands from development.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Bruce Ritchie
The fight over the Colorado River has become a political nightmare
The fight over the Colorado River has become a political nightmare
The Trump administration is stuck between two key political swing states and two of the nation’s reddest as they duke it out over access to the West’s most important river.
dlvr.it
December 19, 2025 at 2:03 PM
The fight over the Colorado River has become a political nightmare
Reposted by Bruce Ritchie
Halfway into #Florida black bear hunt, FWC still keeping mum on kill count: “They’re acting as though this is a private hunt club, and we’re intruding on their members’ right to privacy, and that’s not the case." www.wmnf.org/halfway-into... via @wmnf.org
Halfway into Florida black bear hunt, kill count is still unknown
Florida’s black bear hunt kicked off on December 6th, and some are looking for answers on how many bears have been killed so far.
www.wmnf.org
December 18, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Halfway into #Florida black bear hunt, FWC still keeping mum on kill count: “They’re acting as though this is a private hunt club, and we’re intruding on their members’ right to privacy, and that’s not the case." www.wmnf.org/halfway-into... via @wmnf.org
Florida Cabinet signs off on Collier deal with few details
Some Cabinet watchers say the panel has been delegating too much authority to the DEP outside of public view. But DEP said it's close to a deal and wants to "keep the process moving."
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
Some Cabinet watchers say the panel has been delegating too much authority to the DEP outside of public view. But DEP said it's close to a deal and wants to "keep the process moving."
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
POLITICO Pro: Florida Cabinet signs off on Collier deal with few details
Some Cabinet watchers say the panel has been delegating too much authority to the Department of Environmental Protection outside of public view. But DEP said it's close to a deal and wants to "keep th...
subscriber.politicopro.com
December 17, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Florida Cabinet signs off on Collier deal with few details
Some Cabinet watchers say the panel has been delegating too much authority to the DEP outside of public view. But DEP said it's close to a deal and wants to "keep the process moving."
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
Some Cabinet watchers say the panel has been delegating too much authority to the DEP outside of public view. But DEP said it's close to a deal and wants to "keep the process moving."
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Bruce Ritchie
"Water politics are not fun. Nobody wants to deal with them." Annie Snider of @politico.com talks with several people who explain why the Colorado River talks are at an impasse, and what they stand to gain or lose if negotiators can’t come to a solution. www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
The brawl over the Colorado River is about more than water
The lifeblood of the West is drying up — and scrambling state and local politics.
www.politico.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:48 PM
"Water politics are not fun. Nobody wants to deal with them." Annie Snider of @politico.com talks with several people who explain why the Colorado River talks are at an impasse, and what they stand to gain or lose if negotiators can’t come to a solution. www.politico.com/news/2025/12...
Offering few details, DEP seeks Cabinet OK for deal on nearly 11K acres of Collier family property.
Price, appraisals and future use of property are among the details lacking ahead of Wednesday's Cabinet vote.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
Price, appraisals and future use of property are among the details lacking ahead of Wednesday's Cabinet vote.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
POLITICO Pro: Offering few details, DEP seeks Cabinet OK for deal on nearly 11K acres of Collier property
The governor’s deputy chief of staff called the proposal a “big deal” that protects the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.
subscriber.politicopro.com
December 15, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Offering few details, DEP seeks Cabinet OK for deal on nearly 11K acres of Collier family property.
Price, appraisals and future use of property are among the details lacking ahead of Wednesday's Cabinet vote.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
Price, appraisals and future use of property are among the details lacking ahead of Wednesday's Cabinet vote.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
Florida Senator files bill to ease restrictions on development rules in new Florida law changes.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
POLITICO Pro: Senator files bill to ease restrictions on development rules in new Florida law changes
subscriber.politicopro.com
December 15, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Florida Senator files bill to ease restrictions on development rules in new Florida law changes.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
'Blue ribbon' developments bill advances in Florida House.
The bill would allow developers to seek expedited approval for projects more than 10,000 acres in size if 60 percent is reserved for agriculture or conservation.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
The bill would allow developers to seek expedited approval for projects more than 10,000 acres in size if 60 percent is reserved for agriculture or conservation.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
POLITICO Pro: 'Blue ribbon' developments bill advances in Florida House
State Rep. Lauren Melo said large landowners need incentives to conserve areas while providing affordable housing. But her bill faces opposition from environmentalists and Florida counties.
subscriber.politicopro.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:32 PM
'Blue ribbon' developments bill advances in Florida House.
The bill would allow developers to seek expedited approval for projects more than 10,000 acres in size if 60 percent is reserved for agriculture or conservation.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
The bill would allow developers to seek expedited approval for projects more than 10,000 acres in size if 60 percent is reserved for agriculture or conservation.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
DeSantis unveils spending for state parks, conservation and countering proposed offshore oil drilling
"We promise more on environmental restoration than anybody thought possible," the Florida governor said.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
"We promise more on environmental restoration than anybody thought possible," the Florida governor said.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
POLITICO Pro: DeSantis unveils spending for state parks, conservation and countering proposed offshore oil drilling
"We promise more on environmental restoration than anybody thought possible," DeSantis said.
subscriber.politicopro.com
December 10, 2025 at 11:29 PM
DeSantis unveils spending for state parks, conservation and countering proposed offshore oil drilling
"We promise more on environmental restoration than anybody thought possible," the Florida governor said.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
"We promise more on environmental restoration than anybody thought possible," the Florida governor said.
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...