South District Outreach - Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is responsible for:

• Assisting citizens who have questions or complaints
• Clarifying or explaining complicated issues
• Resolving disagreements
• Responding to legislative requests
• Responding to media inquiries
• Coordinating outreach and volunteer activities
• Fulfilling public records requests for multiple programs

Brooke Keck - Ombudsman/Media Relations/External Affairs

Contact: Brooke.Keck@FloridaDEP.gov or 239-344-5660

Martha Avila - Outreach Coordination/Citizen Service/Watershed Enhancement

Contact:  Martha.Avila@FloridaDEP.gov or 239-344-5644

Media Relations
When reporters have questions, the South District's Ombudsman is available to answer them.  As a liaison between reporters and South District staff, the Ombudsman also lets the media know about environmental news in the district and schedules interviews between the media and district staff if necessary.

• Office of the Ombudsman and Public Services
• Press Office

Outreach
The department takes a proactive approach to protecting Florida’s environment through education and outreach. These proactive activities increase environmental awareness and enhance the department’s commitment to protecting Florida’s environment. The purpose of outreach is to prevent environmental harm rather than address violations after they have occurred. DEP routinely conducts free training workshops for the regulated community. This training helps ensure environmental compliance while also saving businesses money.    

In addition, DEP is working to proactively communicate a clear and consistent message both internally and externally. One of the ways we are working to achieve this is by sharing information frequently through newsletters and fact sheets designed for both the regulated community as well as the general public.

Speakers
DEP's South District can provide your school, community or organization with speakers and presentations on a variety of environmental conservation and protection topics.  The list below reflects major topic areas that staff members can address, but if you don't see the subject you're interested in, call us. If DEP cannot provide a speaker for you, we will help you locate another resource.