Ag Commisioner Adam Putnam Raises Concerns About State's Water Supply

WFSU | By Kate Payne

Published September 28, 2016 at 5:09 PM EDT

Florida Agricultural Commissioner Adam Putnam.

A Florida politician expected to be a front-runner in the 2018 governor’s race is raising concerns about the state’s water supply.

The 2016 election is far from over, but the 2018 governor’s race is already underway. And some politicos have their eyes on Agricultural Commissioner Adam Putnam. The Bartow Republican is considered a leading contender, and he’s raised more than $5.9 million for his political action committee “Florida Grown”. Wednesday, Putnam outlined what he sees as the most pressing issues in Florida’s future. Chief among them: water.

“We can’t take our eye off the ball when it comes to water policy for supply and quality in the Sunshine State, where it is our golden goose,” he said.

Putnam says the state's cultural identity and economy are built on water.

“If we didn’t have the Everglades in Florida we would be most famous for being the only place on earth that has the number of first magnitude springs that we have. Saving the Apalachicola Bay communities and the economies that depend on it. And saving that oyster! That’s the best oyster on the planet! The St Johns River which is the key to Jacksonville’s identity and part of its quality of life! Tampa Bay!” he exclaimed.

Putnam is also concerned with education, economic development, the citrus industry, and tourism, but believes the long-term health of the state is directly tied to its water supply.