TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – The head of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is stepping down. Gov. Rick Scott’s office announced Wednesday that Secretary Herschel Vinyard is resigning Dec. 1. Scott appointed Vinyard in January 2011. Vinyard praised Scott in his letter of resignation for improving water quality in the Everglades, investing more in springs and improving state parks. Scott named Clifford Wilson III as interim secretary. Wilson serves as the deputy secretary for regulatory programs and previously served as assistant deputy secretary of land and recreation.