Stay in the know about wildlife, water quality, and ecosystems on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and in Southwest Florida
Preserving Paradise Day 2: Water Quality Economics & Advocacy
Water quality is directly tied to the health of our economies, as our Preserving Paradise participants explored in the program’s second session on Aug. 20 at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa.
From personal stories about the 2018 red tide crisis, to panels on Everglades restoration and water quality advocacy on Capitol Hill, attendees came out of the day with a stronger passion to protect our coastal ecosystems for generations to come.
An advocacy panel included:
- Chris Davison, Island Inn
- Calli Johnson, Island Store and Bailey’s General Store
- Ozzie Lessinger, Local fishing guide
- Bill Robinson, Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of REALTORS
- Bill Waichulis, Pink Shell Beach Resort and Boykin Management
The Everglades and economics panel included:
- Matt DePaolis, SCCF environmental policy director
- Paul Hindsley, Everglades Foundation chief economist
- MaryBeth Saunders, DO, Lee Health infectious disease specialist
New perspectives were shared about the impact of water quality on human health, the importance of coalition building, how to work against competing interests, and solutions to ensure progress continues.
Before leaving, program participants, leading organizations, and their guests enjoyed an evening dinner cruise aboard the Sanibel Harbour Princess!
Preserving Paradise is a collaborative program between SCCF, Captains for Clean Water, the Everglades Foundation, and the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce to immerse business leaders in water quality advocacy through classroom sessions and boots-on-the-ground field experiences. The first meeting was held Aug. 6, and there will be five more sessions through October.
