Involving business and community leaders in water quality advocacy can help us better protect Southwest Florida’s ecosystems, communities, and economies.

That’s why, SCCF, Captains for Clean Water, the Everglades Foundation, and the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce launched our second annual Preserving Paradise program on Aug. 5. Over the next several months, we’ll meet with 22 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 couldn’t be more excited to offer this year’s Preserving Paradise cohort a front row seat to the fight for water quality Southwest Florida,” said SCCF Policy Associate Allie Pecenka. “We have an outstanding group of participants this year and look forward to the impact they will make upon completion of the program.”

Throughout the course, participants will become equipped with the knowledge needed to drive positive change through a mixture of classroom and field sessions including estuary tours, Everglades restoration site visits, Everglades airboat tours, and guided excursions with local experts.

Day one of the course was a classroom session titled ‘An Introduction to South Florida’s Water Crisis,’ which featured in-depth presentations from SCCF CEO James Evans, Everglades Foundation CEO Erik Eikenberg, and Captains for Cleans Water Co-founders Daniel Andrews and Chris Whitman. 

Evans’ talk focused on the science and history behind water mismanagement in Southwest Florida, while Eikenberg explained the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and the various politics and government entities at play. Finally, Andrews and Whitman discussed the influence that major water supply users, such as the sugar farming industry, can have on important environmental decisions from the top down.

After a full day of networking, learning, and engagement, participants enjoyed a social hour at the Pink Shell Resort on Fort Myers Beach.

The next Preserving Paradise class on Aug. 19 will focus on Everglades restoration and economic sustainability.

“New to the course this year is a group project component, where participants will collaborate on projects based on water quality advocacy and stewardship,” Pecenka said. “SCCF looks forward to building community members into strong advocates for the waters of Southwest Florida and further integrating this standard into the business community.”