Senate committee recommends Joshua Callum for Fish and Wildlife seat amid debate over development ties and bear hunt

Tallahassee — The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday recommended the confirmation of Joshua Callum to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission after a 5-2 roll-call vote following testimony and public comment.

Callum, introduced by Chair Rodriguez and sworn before the committee, said he views himself as a conservationist with experience in land stewardship and housing development. "It's an honor to stand before you today," he told the panel, saying his company, Garcia Companies, operates across Florida in agriculture, land management and real estate and that he wants to "leave a legacy of honor and integrity to the stewardship of our natural resources in Florida."

The confirmation hearing focused on three themes: whether developers are overrepresented on the seven-member commission, Callum's support for a recently approved black bear hunt, and the Fish and Wildlife Foundation's reported contribution to a campaign known as "Yes on 2." Senator Hill asked Callum to explain criticism that commissioners with development backgrounds dominate the panel; Callum replied the development label is too narrow and said he favors bringing agencies and stakeholders together "far before an application is submitted" to reduce impacts on species and wetlands.

Senator Smith questioned whether the commission needs a scientist or biologist commissioner and pressed Callum on his "yes" vote on the bear hunt. Callum said he "did cast a yes vote on the final reading of the bear hunt" and that he relied on staff recommendations and agency science. He added the vote was part of a larger effort to develop a long-term management program for Florida's black bear.

Public commenters split on Callum's nomination. Robin Blevins said the commission already has "five developers" and opposed adding another, citing recent ecosystem problems including manatee mortalities and water-quality issues at Lake Okeechobee. A Sierra Club representative urged senators to consider the commission's overall makeup and the scale of public opposition to the bear hunt. By contrast, Ernie Barnett, executive director of the Florida Land Council and a member of Garcia Family Farms, called Callum a "conservationist who might do some development on the side," describing Garcia operations as primarily open-space agriculture and land stewardship.

During debate, some senators said they appreciated Callum's willingness to meet individually and answer direct questions. Senator Mayfield, the committee vice chair, praised his stewardship and engagement with members; Senators Smith and Arrington announced they would vote no, citing concerns about commission balance and wildlife policy. The committee roll call was recorded as: Arrington — No; Avila — Yes; Harrell — Yes; Polsky — Yes; Smith — No; Vice Chair Mayfield — Yes; Chair Rodriguez — Yes. By that vote, the committee recommended confirmation.

The committee record includes public testimony and multiple questions about possible conflicts of interest, whether commissioners will recuse themselves when development interests intersect with commission decisions, and the Fish and Wildlife Foundation's funding role in the "Yes on 2" ballot campaign. Callum said he was vice chair of the Fish and Wildlife Foundation when it contributed $250,000 to the campaign but said he abstained from the foundation's vote on that contribution and defended the foundation's decision as aligned with conservation goals.

The committee forwarded the recommendation to the full Senate. The nomination and the questions raised during the hearing highlight ongoing tensions between conservation and development interests on the commission and underscore scrutiny about regional representation and methods for wildlife management going forward.

The meeting record shows several senators pressed for clearer limits and recusal practices for commissioners with private-sector ties; the committee did not adopt additional conditions at the hearing. If confirmed, Callum told the committee he intends to participate in ongoing discussions about wildlife management, including further work on the recently approved bear hunt.