In a bid to engage the community with pressing environmental issues, Suncoast Searchlight is organizing a panel discussion titled “Beneath the Surface: The Environmental Stories Shaping our Community” on April 15 at The Bay Park. This event will feature leading experts who will delve into critical topics such as microplastics in local waters and the loss of natural habitats.
The panel will be moderated by Suncoast Searchlight and is set to begin at 3 p.m. at the Bayfront Community Center. It is part of an ongoing series supported by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and presented in collaboration with the Science and Environment Council. This initiative aims to illuminate the vital environmental work happening in the region.
Join us for the free event! Register here for Beneath the Surface.
The panel discussion coincides with the Giving Challenge, a biennial fundraising event supporting local nonprofits, including Suncoast Searchlight. As part of the event, organizers will set up nearly a dozen pop-up stations throughout the community, providing information on supporting these organizations.
Emily Le Coz, executive editor-in-chief of Suncoast Searchlight, emphasized the significance of such initiatives, stating, “There’s a lot of important environmental research and work happening in this region that doesn’t get a lot of public attention.”
Visit this page to donate through Suncoast Searchlight’s Giving Challenge page
Meet the Panelists
Randy Wells – Director of the Dolphin Research Program
Randy Wells has dedicated 56 years to dolphin research in Sarasota Bay, significantly contributing to the understanding and protection of bottlenose dolphins. His research highlights concerning findings, such as microplastic concentrations in dolphins that sometimes surpass those found in humans.
“They breathe the same air, eat the same fish and swim in the same waters,” Wells notes, pointing out the parallels with human exposure to pollutants.
Abbey Tyrna – Executive Director of Suncoast Waterkeeper
Abbey Tyrna leads efforts at Suncoast Waterkeeper to raise public awareness of water-related challenges. Despite the region’s water restrictions, Tyrna observes a lack of public understanding regarding the importance of water conservation.
“People love the beach, the bay and the water,” she says, highlighting the need for greater engagement on maintaining water quality.
Jennifer Shafer – Co-executive Director of the Science and Environmental Council
Jennifer Shafer focuses on fostering public understanding through collaboration with various organizations. The Science and Environmental Council aims to enhance awareness of environmental systems and recently launched EcoBeat to connect reporters with local experts.
“We have to think of our ecosystem as a utility and maintain it accordingly,” Shafer asserts.
Jon Thaxton – Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Jon Thaxton’s longstanding commitment to environmentalism highlights the impact of habitat loss. He stresses the importance of protecting native ecosystems that play a crucial role in water management and flood prevention.
“Pine flatlands hold water and purify it, protecting property from flooding,” Thaxton explains.
RSVP: Register here for Beneath the Surface.
“`
Original Story at suncoastsearchlight.org