In 1987, the Environmental Permitting Short Course packed its bags, headed south, and found a new home on the coast.
Held for the first time at Marriott’s Marco Island Resort, this was the first “Summer School” in both name and spirit—and the first time the conference was officially numbered as the 1st Annual Environmental Summer School.
1987: The 1st Annual Environmental Summer School
Held July 16–17, 1987
Location: Marriott’s Marco Island Resort
Participants selected from 17 course topics, including:
- 1987 Legislative Overview
- Development of Regional Impact (DRI)
- Groundwater Discharge Permitting
- Consumptive Use and Water Well Construction
- Stormwater Permitting and Surface Water Discharge
- Dredge and Fill Jurisdiction + Sovereign Lands
- Local and Regional Comprehensive Planning
- Wetlands for Stormwater & Water Quality Enhancement
- Permit Streamlining and Enforcement Procedures
- Coastal Construction and Hurricane Recovery
- Case Study: Coastal Development Project
- Environmental Audits: Liability & Regulatory Considerations
Moderator and Featured Speakers:
- William L. Earl, Moderator, senior partner, Peoples, Earl & Smith, and former DER Deputy Secretary
- Thomas G. Pelham, Secretary, Florida Department of Community Affairs
- John S. Shearer, Assistant Secretary, Florida Department of Environmental Regulation
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and on-site at the 2026 event.