Stay in the know about wildlife, water quality, and ecosystems on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and in Southwest Florida
Preserving Paradise Program Immerses Business Leaders in Water Quality Science and Advocacy
By involving key business players in water quality advocacy, we can better protect our ecosystems, our communities, and our economies.
That’s why, SCCF, Captains for Clean Water, the Everglades Foundation, and the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce launched our inaugural Preserving Paradise program on Aug. 6. Over the next two months, we’ll meet with over 20 local business leaders every two weeks to educate them on the science and politics behind Southwest Florida’s water quality issues so they can become better advocates and environmental stewards.
“We’re proud to be partnering with the Sanibel & Captiva Chamber, Captains for Clean Water, and the Everglades Foundation to bring this important program to life,” said SCCF CEO James Evans. “This group will learn just how connected our water is to the health of our communities and economies, and how Everglades restoration is critical to protecting our coastal ecosystems for future generations.”
On top of classroom sessions and lectures with water quality experts and advocates, Preserving Paradise will include boots-on-the-ground field experiences such as a trip to the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, a boat tour of the Caloosahatchee, and an airboat tour of America’s Everglades.
What Motivates Our Participants
“I’ve seen the water quality issues locally impact businesses, tourists, residents, and I’m here to educate myself so I can advocate for better water quality.”
Katy forret, general manager at doc fords rum bar & grille
“The water, the environment, everything this program stands for is near and dear to my heart, near and dear to my company and all of the customers who we serve. Without our water, we really have nothing, so I can’t wait to be a part of this program and help advocate for clean water going forward.”
Kyle DeCicco, president and CEO of the Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
“I’m here at the Preserving Paradise program to learn more about water quality and how we can help educate our staff and our guests on being better stewards of our area — where people come to vacation, where we live, and where I have two children.”
sean niesel, owner of shalimar beach resort
From the program, cohorts will take away a deeper level of advocacy that they can share with their peers and business teammates to facilitate more widespread understanding of the role our water quality plays in the health of our economy.
Businesses and Organizations Our Participants Represent
- Bank of the Islands
- Benchmark General Contractors
- Big Nick’s BBQ
- Dixie Fish Co.
- Dock Fords Rum Bar & Grille
- Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
- Gulfshore Life
- IMAG History & Science Center
- Indra Yoga
- Island Inn
- The Island Store
- Keep Lee County Beautiful
- Lake Michigan Credit Union
- MHK Architecture
- Pink Shell Beach Resort
- St. Michael’s Church
- Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
- Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of REALTORS
- Shalimar Beach Resort
- State Farm
- Storm Smart
- Sun Broadcasting
- Waste Management
- Traverse Technologies