Miri Hardy: Executive Director, Friends Of Myakka River Florida Uncut podcast

1:18:26

Alex Freeze has been part of the movement to connect and protect wild Florida for well over a decade and now works as the Corridor Connect Director at the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. Alex brings a wealth of experience as a conservation photographer, environmental educator, and advocate for Florida's natural landscapes. Did I mention she was a field producer for the Emmy award-winning film, Path of the Panther? In this conversation, Alex shares her journey from being a 6th-generation Floridian to a leading voice in conservation, highlighting her work in visual storytelling and her role in coordinating collaborative conservation efforts across the state. We explore the challenges and triumphs of preserving Florida's unique ecosystems, the importance of community engagement, and the innovative collaborative strategies Alex employs to advance the Corridor an acre at a time. Alex is also the driving force behind the upcoming Corridor Connect summit, Florida’s premiere statewide gathering of conservation professionals happening June 3-5, 2025. It’s a powerful convening of storytellers, scientists, landowners, and policymakers to collaborate on one of the most urgent conservation efforts in the country. Be sure to follow the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation on socials to hear and see what goes on! Resources mentioned in the episode: Alex’s master’s thesis on students’ impression of conservation photography: https://www.montreat.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/exploring-student-impressions-of-conservation-photographs-a-potential-strategy-for-classroom-environmental-education.pdf Dear Tampa Film: https://www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Waters/Gulf-Restoration/Dear-Tampa 10 things you can do to help the Florida Wildlife Corridor: https://floridawildlifecorridor.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/10-things.pdf Connect with Alex Freeze: Website: alexfreeze.com Instagram: @alexofthewild Learn More About the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation: Website: floridawildlifecorridor.org Instagram: @floridawildlifecorridor Facebook: Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation Learn more about the summit: corridorconnect.org/page/summit-2025…

Florida Uncut

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Brent Setchell: Wildlife Crossings 1:03:38

8 weeks ago1:03:38

1:03:38

In this episode of Florida Uncut, we sit down with Brent Setchell, Drainage Design Engineer with the Florida Department of Transportation’s District 1, to talk about something most drivers rarely see—but Florida’s wildlife depends on: wildlife crossings. Brent grew up immersed in the outdoors, and now he’s helping ensure Florida’s wild places remain connected. From panthers and bears to otters and deer, these crossings save lives—animal and human alike. But what goes into building one? When and where is the right time to act? And how many crossings do we actually need? We dig into the data, the planning, and the unexpected benefits that come with making Florida’s highways a little more humane and its wild spaces more connected. Brent also shares the story behind one of the state’s standout crossings near the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area, as well as the first overpass wildlife crossing currently under construction on I-4. Resources/links from episode: Watch FDOT and fStop’s film, Building Wild Spaces, Connectivity on I-4 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3TPkSaQ4e8&t=51s Map of current and upcoming Florida wildlife crossings: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a105b26615f64b19b543eb9ab61fe197&extent=-9237486.6341%2C2933269.2122%2C-8868754.4097%2C3305670.414%2C102100 Learn more about the Lakeland Mural Unveiling with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation on 4/18 at 3pm. I’ll be there! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lakeland-mural-unveiling-tickets-1308877881979 Request an invitation to the Corridor Connect Summit, happening June 3-5! https://corridorconnect.org/page/summit-2025 Support Florida Uncut on Patreon . Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations…

Florida Uncut

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Damon Moore: Oyster River Ecology 1:29:51

14 weeks ago1:29:51

1:29:51

Damon is a restoration ecologist and practitioner with 20 years of experience designing and implementing habitat restoration projects in southwest Florida. He played an instrumental role in local large-scale habitat restoration projects including the restoration of Perico and Robinson Preserve, among many other habitat improvement projects across Manatee County. In late 2022 Damon founded the nonprofit Oyster River Ecology to scale up local habitat restoration projects including large scale oyster restoration in the Tampa Bay & Sarasota Bay watersheds. Damon has led an effort to conduct a massive oyster restoration project in the Manatee River, once called the "Oyster River" with a goal of restoring 132 acres of oyster reefs in the river. Damon will provide a deep dive into the local history of oysters in the Manatee River and share details about work already in progress to bring oysters back to their historical abundance in the Manatee River. You can find out more about Damon and opportunities to get involved at oysterriverecology.org . You can also follow along: https://www.instagram.com/oyster_river_ecology_inc/ https://www.facebook.com/OysterRiverEcologyInc https://www.youtube.com/@oysterriverecology Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations…

Florida Uncut

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Mike Elfenbein: Protecting Big Cypress 1:08:45

20 weeks ago1:08:45

1:08:45

For this episode I'm sitting down with Mike Elfenbein, an incredibly dedicated advocate for wild Florida. You might find Mike hunting pythons barefoot in the Everglades, or dressed in a suit and tie (shoes optional) on Capitol Hill pushing for further focus and protection for Florida's wildlands. Mike now resides on Florida's southwest coast where he serves as the executive director for the Cypress Chapter of the Izaak Walton League. of America. Mike’s conservation journey started in the fishing industry and evolved after a pivotal invitation to go hunt in Big Cypress as a kid. His passion for wildlife conservation is now highlighted by his desire to show people the places and provide similar opportunities and invitations he was given. From airboats to fishing trips, Mike has learned that getting more folks to see wild Florida is the best way to protect it. “My mission is to protect the Big Cypress National Preserve and everything connected to her." Mike’s previous leadership positions include serving on the board and as executive director of the Fishing and Conservation Trust and as a delegate for the Everglades Coordinating Council. Whether you're a newcomer to Florida or have roots that run deep, Mike is sure to fire you up for protecting our precious state. Learn more about and follow Mike’s work: Mike’s Instagram: instagram.com/mike_2lf/ Cypress Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America: cypressiwla.org Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations…

Florida Uncut

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Blair Updike: The Florida Gallery 1:09:43

25 weeks ago1:09:43

1:09:43

In this episode, we hear the inspiring story of a Lake Wales native, Blair Updike, who turned a childhood passion into a professional art career—and is now working to put Florida art back on the map. With no artistic background in her family—her father invented the Grove Goat, and her mother was an accountant—her journey began after an inspiring demo by Highwaymen artist Robert Butler. After years working in marketing and sales at her family’s manufacturing business, art resurfaced when she painted her youngest child. That moment sparked a full-time career and, most recently, the launch of The FL Gallery online in June with the support of AllFla. Florida art, she believes, is neglected, and its stories are vital to the state’s identity. By combining artist promotion with engaging art history, The Florida Gallery has struck a chord with Floridians, reaching over 2 million people and gaining 20k+ followers. Participating artists are seeing huge growth in awareness, and future collaborations with museums and organizations are in the works. Join us as we explore how art can tell Florida’s story and why working together is key to supporting its artists and the protection of wild Florida. All Blair’s links: Find Blair’s prints here: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/blair-updike Personal website www.bupdikeart.com Personal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bupdikeart/ Florida Gallery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloridagallery/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations…

Florida Uncut

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Ned Hancock: Fifth-Generation Landowner 1:19:53

32 weeks ago1:19:53

1:19:53

I don’t know about you, but I am not land rich. My quarter-acre yard won’t be doing much for the conservation of wild Florida. I don’t have the opportunity or burden of the decision to put my land in conservation. I don’t know what it’s like to weight the pros and cons, go through the application process, talk with my family, etc. That’s why I was thrilled to sit down with the fifth-generation citrus grower and landowner, Ned Hancock, to hear about his family’s decision to apply to put their 2,600-acre parcel in conservation. I wanted to know the motivations behind their efforts to apply for a Rural and Family Lands Protection Program easement, the difficulty of the process and getting all stakeholders onboard, and how other nearby landowners feel about the future of Florida. Ned is passionate about his land, his county, and his state with roots going back generations. Their land is situated in the Peace River Valley, a critical economic and environmental region, as well as an important piece of the Florida Wildlife Corridor but not as well protected as other parts of the state. Read more about Ned’s story at Florida Conservation Group’s blog: https://floridaconserve.org/2024/08/20/ned-hancock-peace-river-valley/ Learn more about Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Rural and Family Lands Protection Program: https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Protect-Our-Environment/Rural-and-Family-Lands-Protection-Program Reach out to Travis Thompson or Mike Elfenbein about Amendment 2: Mike: https://www.instagram.com/mike_2lf/?hl=en Travis: https://www.instagram.com/travisthompson Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations…

Florida Uncut

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Travis Thompson: All Florida 1:05:57

33 weeks ago1:05:57

1:05:57

Travis Thompson is a 5th generation Floridian from Winter Haven, Florida. He’s the Executive Director of the conservation non-profit All Florida, as well as a co-owner of Duck Ranchin’ the state’s largest waterfowl hunting operation. Through his work, he advocates for the things that make Florida special - our woods, water, wildlife, and the way of life that connects us to those things. From spraying to snook fishing, cattle to citrus, Travis and his team are in rooms every day around the state of Florida working on authentic conservation solutions. Travis has been a huge part of Amendment 2, the Right to Fish and Hunt. I had a lot of questions about this amendment that Travis was gracious enough to answer. If you have more questions after our conversation, Travis makes the invitation to reach out directly to him. You can learn more about Travis and his work below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travisthompson All Florida: https://allfla.org/ Don’t forget to vote! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations…

Florida Uncut

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Kaylyn Glenn: Gladeswoman 51:48

39 weeks ago51:48

51:48

Kaylyn, a proud 10th generation Floridian, is deeply connected to the unique landscape of Southwest Florida, near the Western Everglades. Raised barefoot among oak hammocks and cypress tree domes, she inherited a legacy of pioneering ancestors who settled in this region, fueling her passion for protecting this remarkable place. Overcoming the challenges of teen single motherhood and poverty, Kaylyn has gained invaluable experiences that have shaped her commitment to safeguarding Florida’s natural treasures. With over a decade of hands-on experience in agriculture, land management across the Southern United States, and invasive species removal, she has become a proactive advocate and spokesperson for the state’s environmental challenges. Outside of her professional life, Kaylyn enjoys backpacking, exploring new destinations, embarking on historical adventures with her son and family across Florida, and relishing trail rides and hikes with her beloved hound dogs. Thank you for joining and supporting her on this journey. Together, let’s work to protect Learn more about Kaylyn and the works she does: https://www.instagram.com/kaylynglenn/ https://www.kaylyngladeswomanglenn.com/ https://conservationfla.org/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations…

Florida Uncut

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State Park Development Update 42:28

42 weeks ago42:28

42:28

There have been a ton of updates since the last episode about the proposed plan to develop nine Florida state parks. Namely, part of the project proposal has been withdrawn. Great news but the story isn’t over… Places to follow for most up-to-date news and additional info: Max Chesnes - Environmental Reporter, Tampa Bay Times Florida Wildlife Federation , who broke the story Ryan Worthington , the Florida Excursionist Florida Madcaps Podcast - Crisis in the State Parks Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations…

Florida Uncut

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State Parks Development Proposal 5:43

42 weeks ago5:43

5:43

Hey folks! This is a unique call to action to let your voice be heard about the new proposed developments (golf courses, resorts, etc.) inside of our state parks. Listen to the episode and read the article below to learn more about what is being proposed, as well as how to make your voice heard and be involved. Tampa Bay Times article: https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2024/08/20/are-changes-coming-floridas-state-park-system/ Numbers to call: Governor's office: 850 717 9337 All meetings are Tuesday, August 27th from 3-4pm ET. Locations and emails are listed below: Hillsborough River State Park Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa , Community Room D HillsboroughRiverSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov Honeymoon Island State Park The District, 11141 U.S. 19 N., Suite 204, Clearwater HoneymoonIslandSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov Oleta River State Park Florida International University, Biscayne Bay campus, Kovens Conference Center, Room 114, 3000 NE 151 Street North, Miami . OletaRiverSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov Jonathan Dickinson State Park The Flagler of Stuart, 201 SW Flagler Ave., River Room, Stuart JonathanDickinsonSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park Downtown Event Center, 416 NE First St., Fort Lauderdale, Lecture Hall, Building C, second floor (Enter at Main Entrance B — clearly marked on the outside of the building.) Dr.VonD.MizellEulaJohnsonSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov Anastasia State Park, First Coast Technical College The Character Counts Conference Center, Building C, 2980 Collins Ave., St. Augustine AnastasiaSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov Camp Helen State Park Lyndell Conference Center, 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach CampHelenSPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park Watercolor Inn & Resort, Watercolor LakeHouse, 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach WaltonCountySPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov Florida Wildlife Federation info sheet and email template here To email the governor: https://www.flgov.com/email-the-governor/ Example email: Subject: Concern Regarding Development of Golf Courses and Resorts on Environmentally Sensitive Land Body Dear Governor DeSantis, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed development of golf courses and resorts on environmentally sensitive land within our state parks. Florida's state parks are home to some of the most unique and delicate ecosystems in the world, providing critical habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species. These hard fought areas are not only essential for biodiversity but also serve as natural buffers against our harsh climate and hurricanes and attract millions of tourists seeking natural settings away from Florida’s bustling roadways and entertainment opportunities. Developing these lands for commercial purposes threatens to not only disrupt these ecosystems, potentially leading to the loss of endangered species, degradation of water quality, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters, but also the economics that will continue Moreover, preserving these natural areas is vital for maintaining the ecological balance that supports our state's tourism industry, which relies heavily on the beauty and accessibility of our natural landscapes. While golf courses and resorts may attract short-term economic gains, the long-term environmental costs could far outweigh these benefits. I urge you to consider the lasting impact that such development would have on our state's natural heritage and to seek alternative locations for these projects that do not compromise the integrity of our state parks. Protecting our environment should be a top priority, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from Florida's natural beauty. In Florida, the environment is the economy. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Email Address] Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations…

Florida Uncut

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Dr. Tom Hoctor: The Corridor Before It Was the Corridor 1:12:11

43 weeks ago1:12:11

1:12:11

There are not many folks more central to the idea of a “connected and protected” Florida than Dr. Tom Hoctor. He’s the director of the Center for Landscape Conservation Planning at the University of Florida and is the co-founder of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, considered one of the most ambitious landscape conservation plans in the country. As we’ll learn, the concept of a statewide ecological corridor is not new. Decades of scientific research has led to the understanding that connected landscape-scale conservation is imperative to the survival of many species and among the best methods of preventing habitat loss and fragmentation. Before it was called the Florida Wildlife Corridor, this idea of a connected greenspace in the Sunshine state was known as the Florida Ecological Greenways Network, More info about Dr. Hoctor and links to topics discussed: Faculty page, University of Florida Florida Wildlife Corridor History University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation Planning University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) Do you have an idea for a guest for the show? Submit guest suggestions here . Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations…

Florida Uncut

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The Florida Madcaps 1:13:13

45 weeks ago1:13:13

1:13:13

I have missed posting an episode for the last couple of months, but the good news is I’m catching up today with three guests at once! Joining us for a talk about conservation, recreation, and education are the Florida Madcaps, made up of Chelsey and Chris Stevens and Ryan Worthington. They’re three friends who love to volunteer, guide, and educate Floridians on our best natural resources. Although they all do their own form of volunteering and advocacy, they join forces weekly to produce the Florida Madcaps podcast to talk about these topics. I figured I’d start sharing other podcasts to listen to as they’re more consistent and do a great job sharing new places to explore in wild Florida. Episode resources: Listen to the Florida Madcaps anywhere you get podcasts. Website: https://thefloridamadcaps.buzzsprout.com/ Social: https://www.instagram.com/florida_madcaps_podcast/ You can follow Chelsey and Chris, aka the Sunshine State Seekers here: https://www.instagram.com/sunshinestateseekers/ You can follow Ryan, aka the Florida Excursionist here: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/ Their episode about the 2024 Legislative Session and Environmentally Harmful Bills with Ryan Smart of the Florida Springs Council can be found here . Bradenton Herald’s recent feature of Florida Uncut can be read here: https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article289855064.html If you have an idea for a future FU guest, please submit that to our guest suggestion form here . Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations…

Florida Uncut

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Show Update! 5:34

46 weeks ago5:34

5:34

Hey folks! The show was recently featured in the Bradenton Herald and we have a lot of new listeners. You can read that article here: ‘Saved or paved.’ Palmetto-based podcast host explores Florida conservation stories If you have an idea for a future Florida Uncut guest, please fill out this form . Looking forward to bringing you more stories very soon! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations…

Florida Uncut

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Joshua Daskin: The Florida Wildlife Corridor and Climate Change 56:00

1 year ago56:00

56:00

How does the Florida Wildlife Corridor help provide resilience to climate change? Florida is ground-zero for climate change impacts as our natural and human communities grapple with increasing heat, flooding, sea level rise, and wildfire risk. In today's episode, we talk with Joshua Daskin, the Director of Conservation at Archbold Biological Station, about a recent assessment with Florida Atlantic University that identified the overlaps between land conservation in the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the resilience of the state's nature and people to advancing climate change. Archbold's conservation program uses the report's results to credibly motivate the Corridor's protection. At Archbold, Josh works to expand the use of science in conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. He leads Archbold's conservation strategy, connecting researchers with agencies, landowners, NGOs, and science collaborators to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of conservation actions from Archbold's own 20,000 acres to the statewide Florida Wildlife Corridor and beyond. Since 2021, he has been a leader of the scientific arm of the campaign to conserve the Corridor. Josh earned a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Studies from Brandeis University, a M.Sc. in Zoology while a Fulbright Scholar at James Cook University in Australia, and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University. Previously, Josh researched the impacts of war on African wildlife and helped reestablish scientific capacity in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique following the country's civil conflict. He was also a Donnelley Postdoctoral fellow at Yale University, a biologist in the US Fish and Wildlife Service headquarters office, and a research assistant at Archbold. Articles and links mentioned in the episode: Climate and Wildlife Corridors overview page: https://www.archbold-station.org/projects/climate-and-wildlife-corridors/ The Florida Wildlife Corridor and Climate Change Full Report: https://archbold-cms.payloadcms.app/media/ClimateReport_FINAL_04152024-1.pdf Planning Future Landscapes report: https://www.archbold-station.org/projects/cfrpc/ Florida Wildlife Corridor Planning and Development Data (database of current building permit requests): https://archbold-cms.payloadcms.app/media/FLWC%20Statewide%20Study%20-%20Summary%20Report%20(2023-10-23).pdf The full interactive ‘Bear Necessities’ Story Map of M34, the Black Bear that inspired the FWC: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/0cdea7371c874357a9307ac8ea701568 FWC and Climate Change Water Report Executive Summary: https://archbold-cms.payloadcms.app/media/Climate%20Report%20-%20Executive%20Summary%20FINAL-2.pdf Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/florida-uncut/donations…

Florida Uncut

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Craig Pittman: Welcome to Florida 52:12

1 year ago52:12