More Changes in Crist Administration as DEP Chief Mike Sole Bows Out

While Gov. Charlie Crist has received more attention for his independent bid for the U.S. Senate than his actual job performance as governor these days, his administration continues to preside over the state for the next five months.

There are some changes going on in the leadership of the administration as it enters its final months.

On Friday, Crist tapped Jerry McDaniel, who had been in charge of the Office of Policy and Budget since Crist took office back in January 2007, to serve as deputy chief of staff of the executive office, taking the place of David Foy. Crist also named Ken Granger as his own personal deputy chief of staff, replacing Kathy Mears.

On Monday, Crist announced that DEP Secretary Michael Sole, who handled the states response to the oil spill, will be stepping down in early September.

For more than 20 years, Secretary Sole has shown tremendous leadership in safeguarding one of Floridas greatest assets our beautiful natural environment, said Crist. During his time at the helm of the Department of Environmental Protection, he has championed Floridas Everglades restoration, including expanding our efforts to the northernmost parts of an ecosystem that is essential to the water quality of millions of Floridians, as well as the vital estuary of Florida Bay.

Mike has also been instrumental in Floridas first efforts to address climate change by increasing state governments energy efficiency and reliance on alternative fuels such as solar energy and ethanol, continued Crist. He also worked to pass groundbreaking bipartisan energy legislation that set Florida on its first steps to diversify the states energy sources, promote energy conservation and efficiency, and spur economic growth.

Crist closed with warm words of praise for Sole.

As the point person for Floridas response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Mike has demonstrated unwavering commitment and invaluable insight into what actions must be taken, concluded Crist. Now that the well is close to being capped permanently, we wish Mike well as he leaves next month to pursue other opportunities. We wish him the very best in his new endeavors.

Sole will be replaced by Deputy Secretary of Regulations Mimi Drew who has worked on environmental issues in the Sunshine State for 30 years.

Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.