Administrator Zeldin Completes 4-Day Swing Across Florida, Meeting with Ranchers, Scientists, Energy Producers, and Manufacturers
WASHINGTON — Last weekend, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin traveled across Midwestern and Southeastern Florida where he met with Florida ranchers, manufacturers, storm recovery professionals, and scientists. The visit to the Sunshine State highlighted the importance of protecting water infrastructure and resources needed to adequately treat wastewater against natural disasters, erosion, outdated pesticides, and inadequate wastewater treatment procedures.
On Friday, October 30, Administrator Zeldin visited Duke Energy’s Storm Recovery Command Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. While there, he discussed the importance of coordination between electric utilities, EPA, and state and local emergency responders to protect communities, prevent environmental emergencies, and accelerate recovery efforts following hurricanes.
Later that day, Administrator Zeldin visited the M&B Bottling and Processing Facility in Tampa, Florida. They discussed how farming, wastewater management, hay fields, and milk production connect with an operation that has lasted for nearly 40 years.
On Saturday, October 31, Administrator Zeldin toured Soilcea Citrus Field in Seffner, Florida. Administrator Zeldin witnessed CarriCea T1, Soilcea’s precision-bred citrus rootstock that helps trees defend themselves against citrus greening. This technology was approved by the Trump EPA in April, 2026, after the agency completed its safety review. The visit highlighted the Trump EPA’s commitment to using gold-standard science to provide solutions to environmental issues impacting communities.
The next day, Administrator Zeldin visited the Doc Partin Ranch in St. Cloud, Florida. He toured the working cattle ranch with the Osceola County Commissioner, Ricky Booth, and Florida State Representative, Erika Booth, and met with the Partin family to learn about their nearly two-century family history of farming in Florida. The Administrator also discussed the ranch’s partnership with the South Florida Water Management District and highlighted how private landowners and agricultural producers can play a role in protecting water resources and supporting the restoration of the Everglades.
On Monday, November 2, Administrator Zeldin met with Sox Erosion Solutions in Boca Raton, Florida. They discussed their erosion-control technology designed to stabilize shorelines, prevent soil erosion, and protect waterways. Companies such as Sox Erosion Solutions advance the Trump EPA’s commitment to gold-standard science and environmental problem solvers to strengthen and protect water resources.
Administrator Zeldin wrapped his four-day swing touring the FPL West County Energy Center in Loxahatchee, Florida, and witnessing their emissions-control technology and facility. The Trump EPA’s commitment to protecting water infrastructure, water resources, and promoting gold-standard science used by environmental problem solvers were major topics throughout the visit. The visit focused on the Trump EPA’s commitment to unleashing American energy and promoting gold-standard science to protect and power communities across the state.