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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
• [email protected]

Honeymoon Island State Park

• The District, 11141 U.S. 19 N., Suite 204, Clearwater
• [email protected]

Oleta River State Park

• Florida International University, Biscayne Bay campus, Kovens Conference Center, Room 114, 3000 NE 151 Street North, Miami.
• [email protected]

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

• The Flagler of Stuart, 201 SW Flagler Ave., River Room, Stuart
• [email protected]

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.)
• [email protected]

Anastasia State Park, First Coast Technical College

• The Character Counts Conference Center, Building C, 2980 Collins Ave., St. Augustine
• [email protected] 

Camp Helen State Park

• Lyndell Conference Center, 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach
• [email protected] 

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park

• Watercolor Inn & Resort, Watercolor LakeHouse, 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach
• [email protected] 

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

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