In this episode of Water for Fighting, host Brett Cyphers sits down with longtime friend and colleague Mandi Rice, Assistant Executive Director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, for a wide-ranging conversation that weaves together her personal story and her professional journey in Florida’s water world.
Mandi shares how her upbringing in Palm Beach County and her family’s deep connection to Florida’s coast helped shape a lifelong passion for water. From her early days as an engineer to her pivotal role at Tampa Bay Water during the height of the region’s “water wars,” Mandi reflects on the enormous challenges that came with building projects like the Bill Young Reservoir and the Tampa Bay Seawater Desalinization Plant, and the lessons learned from both success and setback.
Now leading at one of the state’s most important water management districts, Mandi offers candid insights on the future of Florida’s water supply — from the promise of potable reuse to the importance of sustainable planning as growth accelerates across the state. Along the way, she talks about the people and mentors who influenced her career, her move to Citrus County, and what continues to drive her commitment to public service.
The discussion brings together Mandi’s family background, career experiences, and perspective on the future of Florida’s water.
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.
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.
