Twenty-three new powerful voices for Florida’s clean water-driven economy have emerged out of our first Preserving Paradise leadership program — a partnership between SCCF, Captains for Clean Water, the Everglades Foundation, and the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce. 

After an official graduation ceremony on Dec. 2, the 2024 Preserving Paradise cohort is more equipped and motivated than ever to advocate for Florida’s economic and ecological future. 

Graduates, their guests, and representatives from the leading organizations all attended the dinner and ceremony at the Pink Shell Resort on Fort Myers Beach to celebrate the end of the program.

“Effective advocacy starts with education, and by giving leaders in our communities the tools they need to protect the resources we all rely on, this program starts the conversation needed to ensure we have the engaged and informed population necessary to protect the future of Florida,” said SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis.

Since August, our class of 23 executives and professionals have been immersed in discussions and field experiences focused on the connection between water quality and our economies. 

The inaugural program already has a waitlist for the 2025 cohort!

They’ve traveled to Everglades restoration sites, observed seagrass and oyster habitat in Pine Island Sound, unpacked the science and policy behind harmful algal blooms in our estuary, and bonded over  the importance of good water quality. 

“I hope these graduates take what they have learned to excite their colleagues to fight for the protection of our ecosystems and to become thought leaders dedicated to both environmental sustainability and community engagement,” DePaolis said.

DID YOU KNOW? Another harmful algal bloom like the ones in 2017-18 or 2005-06 could cost Charlotte, Collier, and Lee Counties 43,000 jobs and $5.2 billion in local economic output.

For Vice President of Bank of the Islands and Preserving Paradise Graduate David Lowden (below center), this program helped elevate and further connect him to a network of likeminded leaders.

“The Preserving Paradise program helped bring in a group of qualified advocates who can help take this mission to the next level where it needs to go. I look forward to being part of the clean water synergy moving forward,” Lowden said. 

Graduate Calli Johnson duPont, fourth-generation owner/manager of The Island Store and Bailey’s General Store on Sanibel, plans to spread the word as much as possible.

“I hope the 1,000+ people that move to Florida each day and the others that moved before them learn to see the value in our water quality both near and far,” she said. “If we fail to protect our waters, we will fail to protect our cherished way of life.”

Businesses & Organizations the 2024 Preserving Paradise Graduates Represent

• Bank of the Islands
• Benchmark General Contractors
• Big Nick’s BBQ
• Dixie Fish Co.
• Doc 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

The Preserving Paradise program will resume in 2025. To learn more or express your interest in participating, visit preservingparadise.org.