Media Coverage | Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

May 1 – Transformation Magazine – Randy Moore in his monthly column Positive Change wrote about the recent Sarasota Bay Awards Program and the significance of presenting Blue Dolphin Awards.

May 1 – Sarasota Bay Today – An interview with Tim Rumage, a faculty member at Ringling School of Art & Design, about cognitive ecology and many related topics.

May 1 – Sarasota Patch – News article about the Sarasota Bay Water Festival set for Saturday, October 6 at Ken Thompson Park.

May 1 – Maddux Press – Online news service features a news article about the Sarasota Bay Water Festival set for October 6 at Ken Thompson Park.

May 1 – Bradenton Patch – News article about the Sarasota Bay Water Festival set for October 6 at Ken Thompson Park.

April 30 – County Health Rankings – Click here to see the health rankings of the various counties in Florida. Sarasota is ranked number three in the state behind St. Johns and Seminole Counties. Manatee County is ranked number 20 and Charlotte County is ranked number 25. The website provides click through options for obtaining specific variables related to health, morbidity and mortality.

April 27 – Bradenton Patch – Article about Bradenton City Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey giving up her City Council seat to enter the mayor’s race in November. The news article references that Barnebey serves on the board of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.

April 26 – Bradenton Herald – Article announcing that Bradenton City Commissioner Marianne Barnebey plans to make a bid for mayor of Sarasota references her position on the SBEP Policy Board.

April 24 – Seal Lit Society – Blog for American Littoral Society Southwest Chapter features a news item based on the SBEP media release about using slow release fertilizers in May to help protect Sarasota Bay from excess fertilizer.

April 24 – Sarasota Patch – News item about SBEP promoting the use of slow release fertilizers in May to help protect Sarasota Bay.

April 24 – Maddux Press – Online news wire features the SBEP media release about using slow release fertilizers in May to help protect Sarasota Bay from excess fertilizer.

April 24 – Bradenton Patch – News item about SBEP promoting the use of slow release fertilizers in May to help protect Sarasota Bay.

April 22 – Boston Globe – Website for the major newspaper featured an interesting article about a recent study about how state environmental projects boost the economy. The report indicated that every $1 million spent on restoration generated an average of $1.5 million in economic activity, and that the number would rise to $1.8 million if all direct spending were done in-state. The report also showed that restoration projects create an average of 12.5 jobs per $1 million spent.

April 21 – The Bradenton Times – Online newspaper features an article about the Army Corps of Engineers welcoming public comments about the recently approved Longboat Pass Inlet Management Plan until May 16. Manatee County is requesting approval of a plan to construct a terminal groin and two permeable adjustable groins at the north end of Longboat Key.

April 20 – Bradenton Patch – Online news service featured an article about the SBEP Bay Guardians volunteer outing set for Emerson Point Preserve on Saturday, May 12.

April 20 – Sarasota Patch – Online news service featured an article about the SBEP Bay Guardians volunteer outing set for Emerson Point Preserve on Saturday, May 12.

April 19 – The Bradenton Times – Online newspaper featured a news item about Stu Wilson and Ken Pierce joining the SBEP Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). Wilson is a retired engineer and Pierce is a retired publishing consultant.

April 19 – Sarasota Patch – Online news service featured a listing in their volunteers needed section about the SBEP Bay Guardians looking for volunteers to support the next volunteer outing at Emerson Point Preserve in Manatee County.

April 19 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – Newspaper featured an article about the Eco Kids Club searching for sharks and fossils recently in the Myakkahatchee Creek. The club is sponsored by People for Trees based in North Port. One of the goals of the Eco Kids Club is to provide environmental education to area youth.

April 19 – Bradenton Patch – Online news service featured a listing in their volunteers needed section about the SBEP Bay Guardians looking for volunteers to support the next volunteer outing at Emerson Point Preserve in Manatee County.

April 18 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – Article by Kate Spinner about dolphins and whales dying in the northern Gulf of Mexico. More than 600 dolphins have been found fatally ill or dead since oil reached the Louisiana shoreline following the BP Oil Spill disaster on April 20, 2010. A marine scientist with Oceana estimates that the 600 dolphins represent two percent of the overall number killed. The article reports that dolphins remain healthy in Sarasota Bay, where scientists have tested for similar problems for comparison.

April 17 – Sarasota Patch – News item about Stu Wilson and Ken Pierce joining the SBEP Citizens Advisory Committee.

April 17 – Bradenton Patch – News item about Stu Wilson and Ken Pierce joining the SBEP Citizens Advisory Committee.

April 16 – Maddux Press – Online news service featured an article about the SBEP Bay Guardians removing 342 pounds of air potato vines and seeds at North Water Tower Park in Sarasota. The next Bay Guardian event is set for May 12 at Emerson Point Preserve in Manatee County.

April 16 – SWFWMD – News item from Southwest Florida Water Management District about SWFWMD and Manatee County presenting a special Water School Program for interested citizens. The two day event is set for April 26 and the cost is $30. SBEP will have faculty participation by Mark Alderson, the program director, and Dr. Jay Leverone, the program staff scientist.

April 16 – Sarasota Patch – Online news service features the SBEP media release about the Bay Guardians removing 342 pounds of air potato vines and seeds April 14 at North Water Tower Park in Sarasota.

April 16 – Bradenton Times – Online newspaper featured a news item about the renovations to the historic Manatee County Courthouse featuring native Florida plants in partnership with Keep Manatee Beautiful.

April 16 – Bradenton Patch – Online news service features the SBEP media release about the Bay Guardians removing 342 pounds of air potato vines and seeds April 14 at North Water Tower Park in Sarasota.

April 11 – SWFWMD News – News article from Southwest Florida Water Management District promotes April as Water Conservation Month. Outdoor water use typically accounts for up to 50 percent of water consumed by households. This link provides helpful tips for home owners.

April 10 – Sarasota Patch – Article about the City of Sarasota Utilities Department beginning two major projects to replace aging sewer lines on Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Coon Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key and downtown. The City of Sarasota Commission has allocated $15 million over 10 years for infrastructure capital improvements with force mains and lift stations receiving the highest priority.

April 9 – Sarasota Audubon Society – A brief reference to SBEP being supported by a bird census of North Lido Park. The author referenced SBEP doing massive restoration in the park which will benefit birds and other species.

April 8 – Maddux Press – Online news service featured the SBEP media release about Blue Dolphin Awards being presented to local champions of Sarasota Bay.

April 8 – The Bradenton Times – Online newspaper featured a listing in their Manatee Spotlight Section about the Sarasota Bay Awards Program April 4 and the presentation of SBEP Blue Dolphin Awards. More than 140 community leaders attended the event.

April 7 – The Bradenton Times – Article about Judge Casey Rodgers ruling in favor of three environmental groups who brought a suit against the EPA in 2009. The editorial asserts the court decision could mean cleaner water for Florida. The lawsuit was the fourth one against Florida’s Impaired Waters Rule in the past 11 years, all of which have been won by environmental groups that filed the suits.

April 6 – Sarasota County Water Atlas – News item about the presentation of SBEP Blue Dolphin Awards to local individuals and groups who are champions of Sarasota Bay. News item included a photo of Jack Merriam and Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton.

April 5 – Maddux Press – Article about Raindrops Cisterns being recognized with a SBEP Blue Dolphin Award at the inaugural Sarasota Bay Awards Program Wednesday, April 4.

April 5 – AMI Turtle Watch Facebook Page – The non-profit group included a photo of Suzi Fox receiving a SBEP Blue Dolphin Award from Manatee Commissioner Michael Gallen at the Sarasota Bay Awards Program held April 4 at Crosley Mansion. More than 40 individuals posted comments regarding the news posting. The popular group has 590 likes on their Facebook page.

April 5 – Sarasota County Water Atlas – News item about the EPA accepting public comments through May 17, 2012 regarding its draft of the National Water Program 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change. The report describes how EPA water-related programs plan to address the impacts of climate change and provides long-term visions and goals for the management of sustainable water resources for future generations. Click here to review the EPA draft.

April 5 – Bradenton Magazine Blog – Blog features a news item about the winners of the 2012 SBEP Blue Dolphin Awards.

April 5 – Sarasota Patch – Online news service featured an article by Charles Schelle about the Sarasota Bay Awards Program held April 4 at Crosley Mansion. Charles attended the event and he included the SBEP logo and three photos with his report.

April 5 – Topix – Online service featured a listing about the Sarasota Bay Awards Program posted by Sarasota Patch.

April 5 – Bradenton Patch – Online news service featured an article by Charles Schelle that appeared in Sarasota Patch about the Sarasota Bay Awards Program held April 4 at Crosley Mansion. The report referenced Martha B. King Middle School located in Bradenton, AMI Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and the other award recipients. It also included the SBEP logo and three photos.

April 4 – AMI Sun – Newspaper featured a news item about the Manatee County Board of Commissioners approving an erosion control plan for north Longboat Key after changing some plans in response to criticism from County Commissioner Joe McClash, even though the changes did not satisfy him enough to vote for it. The Commissioners voted 6-1 to approve the erosion control plan.

April 4 – Sarasota Patch – News teaser about the Sarasota Bay Awards Program. The editor of the local news service will be attending the event at Powel Crosley Mansion.

April 1 – The Bradenton Times – News item under Manatee Spotlight about the final two kayak trips in April with the Bay Wise Kayak Tour Program.

April 1 – Sarasota Audubon Society – A reference and link to the interview of Sarasota Audubon President Jeanne Dubi by Randy Moore in Sarasota Bay Today, the region’s first Bay-centric blog.

April 1 – The Bradenton Times – Article about Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash dissenting with the recent decision by the board to move forward with the Longboat Key Inlet Management Plan and its major dredging project in Longboat Pass. McClash said the plan failed to incorporate adequate public input. He was also critical of using funding from WCIND which is supposed to be for navigation issues.

April 1 – Longboat Key News – Editorial by Peter O’Connor challenges community leaders to be proactive in considering the problem with sewer line pipes needing to be replaced and their potential impact on future development projects. The writer pointed out many of the technical issues associated with the underground system.

April 1 – The Bradenton Times – Online newspaper featured a news brief about the final two free kayak trips of Sarasota Bay set for April 7 and April 21. The trips are part of the SBEP Bay Wise Kayak Tour Program and the season runs from December through April.

March 28 – Raindrops Cisterns Blog – Sarasota business featured the SBEP media release announcing the winners of the SBEP Blue Dolphin Awards for 2012. Raindrops Cisterns is one of the five aware winners.

March 28 – Bradenton Patch – News item about two free guided Bay Wise Kayak Tour trips in Sarasota Bay on April 7 and April 21. These are the final two trips for the current season that runs from December through April.

March 28 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – An article by J. Nielsen about the efforts at Sunbow Bay Condo Association in Holmes Beach to develop Bay-friendly landscaping. Article credited support from the SBEP Bay Partners Grant Program and quoted Sara Kane with SBEP. The key organizers were Denise and Don Elliott who moved into Sunbow Bay after living in Michigan previously. They were supported by 20 volunteers and the association board of directors. A photo accompanying the article shows Sara Kane with Christine Callahan, a resident of Anna Maria Island and a volunteer member with the SBEP Citizens Advisory Committee.

March 28 – Sarasota Patch – News item about two free guided Bay Wise Kayak Tour trips in Sarasota Bay on April 7 and April 21. Prior outings explored other popular destinations throughout Sarasota Bay spanning Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

March 28 – Maddux Press – News item about the final two guided kayak trips of Sarasota Bay for the current season of 10 free trips from December through April.

March 26 – Sarasota Patch – News item about Mote Marine Laboratory hiring Tom Waters to be their new Chief Advancement Officer. Waters will lead the non-profit organization’s fundraising and brand development efforts adopted by Mote’s Board of Trustees in early 2011.

March 25 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – Article in the Community Central section announcing the winners of the SBEP Blue Dolphin Awards. The awards recognizing local champions of Sarasota Bay will be presented at a private event April 4 at Powel Crosley Mansion.

March 24 – Maddux Press – News service article about the SBEP Bay Guardians Air Potato Roundup April 14 at North Water Tower Park.

March 24 – The Advertiser – Gannett news service featured an article about dolphins in Barataria Bay, an estuary in Southeast Louisiana, suffering sickness from heavy, long-term exposure to oil from the 2010 BP oil spill. The research of 32 dolphins was conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Other studies are underway throughout the Gulf Coast region.

March 23 – Sarasota County Water Atlas – News item about the SBEP Bay Guardians Air Potato Roundup April 14 at North Water Tower Park.

March 23 – The Bradenton Times – Guest editorial from Clifford Olson regarding the Longboat Pass debate concerning efforts to manage beach erosion. The author who reports a Masters Degree in Sedimentology says that building on a beach or barrier island is a bad idea. He explains that the shoreline will migrate in and out causing the width of the beach to change. He believes the best solution is to remove structures that are threatened instead of trying to control beach erosion. Last year, according to the author, Longboat Key spend 5 million dollars to place 150,000 cubic yards of sand on the north end of the Key. He estimates 80 percent of the sand is gone or relocated to other places. Mr. Olson proceeds to present an in depth discussion of the geologic forces impacting on Longboat Key.

March 22 – Sarasota Patch – An article announcing four free fishing days when people in Florida can fish without a license. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission set the following days for free fishing: April 7 (freshwater), June 2 (saltwater), June 9 (freshwater), and September 1 (saltwater). The license-free fishing designation applies only to recreational fishing and not commercial.

March 22 –Sarasota Patch – Article about the SBEP Bay Guardians Air Potato Roundup April 14 at North Water Tower Park. This is the fourth annual event focused on removing invasive air potato vines and seeds.

March 21 – The Islander – Article about the Sunbow Bay Condo Association Open House scheduled for Saturday on Anna Maria Island. Article indicated that SBEP supported the effort at Sunbow Bay to develop Bay-friendly landscaping with Bay Partners Grants. The newspaper also had an event listing about the open house.

March 21 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – Event listing about the Low Impact Development (LID) Expo set for this Friday at Twin Lakes Park. SBEP is supporting the first ever LID Expo with a Bay Partners Grant.

March 21 – The Bradenton Times – Article about the region’s first Low Impact Development (LID) Expo set for March 23 at Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota. The article featured a photo and link to the agenda of expert speakers scheduled to make presentations.

March 20 – Sarasota Patch – Article about the Sunbow Bay Open House Saturday which will showcase Bay-Friendly landscaping. SBEP supported the effort with Bay Partners Grants.

March 20 – Sarasota County Water Atlas – News item about Low Impact Development (LID) Expo March 23 at Twin Lakes Park.

March 18 – Tampa Bay Times – Article about an effort at St. Petersburg Pier’s Underwater Garden to grow seagrass. While the plan has been embraced by city officials, it has been met with skepticism by biologists. The article cites that Jim Culter, a marine ecologist with Mote Marine Laboratory provided input for the Underwater Garden. The cost for the Underwater Garden is estimated to be $879,565. The next step in the process is for city officials to reach out to the scientific community for formal input.

March 18 – Bradenton Patch – News article about the dredging project at Ware’s Creek in Manatee County. According to a spokesperson with the Army Corps of Engineeers, the work is moving at a slower page than expected. The extensive amount of silt being encountered has required some adjustments to the equipment. About 37,000 cubic yards of silt is expected to be removed in the current phase.

March 17 – Sarasota Patch – News article about the Low Impact Development (LID) Expo coming to Twin Lakes Park Friday, March 23. SBEP is supporting the area’s first LID Expo with a Bay Partners Grant.

March 17 – Bradenton Patch – News article about the Low Impact Development (LID) Expo coming to Twin Lakes Park Friday, March 23. SBEP is supporting the area’s first LID Expo with a Bay Partners Grant.

March 15 – FISH Blog – The blog for the non-profit organization FISH reports that Jane von Hahmann spoke with Mark Alderson with SBEP and that Mark indicated that FISH may be eligible for up to $250.000 from Southwest Florida Water Management District for restoration at FISH Preserve. SBEP would manage funding. FISH may have to rezone the Preserve land to conservation with stipulations to protect the land in perpetuity.

March 15 – Bradenton Herald – News item about the Sunbow Bay Condo Association Open House March 24 showcasing Bay-friendly landscaping. The news brief references that part of the funding came from a Bay Partners Grant with SBEP.

March 14 – Sarasota County Water Atlas – News item about the LID Expo March 23 at Twin Lakes Park.

March 14 – Sarasota County Water Atlas – News item about EPA unveiling a new website on nutrient pollution policy and related data. The website at epa.gov/nutrientpollution.com explains the problem, summarizes the sources and provides ideas for reducing the problem. One of the case studies cited on a digital map concerns the response to excessive nutrient enrichment in Sarasota Bay prepared by Mark Alderson with SBEP and Franklin Baker with the EPA’s Region 4.

March 13 – New York Times – Article about the threat of rising sea levels on coastal communities in the U.S. The article indicates that 3.7 million Americans live within a few feet of high tide and risk being hit by more frequent coastal flooding in coming decades because of the sea level rise caused by global climate change. Florida is reported to be the most vulnerable state. Climate change deniers assert that the rising sea levels are the result of “natural climate variability” and that society will be able to adjust to a continuing slow rise. The article indicates few communities in the nation are taking action to prepare for future sea level increases.

March 12 – Maddux Press – News article about 56 Bay Guardian volunteers removing invasive plants and debris at Quick Point Preserve located on Longboat Key. This is the first Bay Guardian outing in 2012. SBEP is planning seven more outings this year.

March 12 – Sarasota Patch – News article with photo about 56 Bay Guardian volunteers removing invasive plants and debris at Quick Point Preserve on Longboat Key. Students with Future Leaders Academy, Martha B. King Middle School and the Mote Marine Labortory High School Intern Program participated.

March 10 – Sarasota Bay Today – Randy Moore interviewed University of Florida researcher and PhD candidate Zachary Cole about his Florida Sea Grant study of the social values associated with the use of Sarasota Bay by residents and tourists.

March 5 – The Bradenton Times – Editorial by the publisher and Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash expresses his opposition to the proposed plan by the Town of Longboat Key to build a jetty on the Longboat Key side of the pass. Commissioner McClash believes the plan is shortsighted and too risky. He points out that LBK officials are trying to fix prior bad decisions when permits were approved for buildings that were too close to the Gulf. He is also critical of prior decisions to build a concrete wall and remove sand offshore near the mouth of the Pass. The cost of the plan is over $6 million and the commissioners will be voting March 13. Commissioner McClash will be voting against the plan.

March 2 – Sarasota Patch – News item about the Sunbow Bay Open House March 24 to showcase Bay-friendly landscaping. SBEP supported Sunbow Bay with Bay Partners Grants in 2010 and 2011.

March 2 – Sarasota County Water Atlas – Website features media release about the Sunbow Bay Open House March 24 showcasing Bay-friendly landscaping. Part of the funding came from SBEP Bay Partners Grants in 2010 and 2011.

March 2 – Seal Lit Society – Blog for American Littoral Society Southwest Chapter features a news item about the open house at Sunbow Bay Condo Association on Anna Maria Island. The new Bay-friendly garden and landscaping was supported by a SBEP Bay Partners Grant.

March 2 – Bradenton Patch – News item about the Sunbow Bay Open House March 24 to showcase Bay-friendly landscaping.

March 1 – Sarasota Bay Today – Randy Moore interviewed Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton for his Bay-centric blog. The interview provides insights about Jon’s journey in becoming a conservationist as well as Jon’s views regarding water quality and water supply issues.

March 1 – The Bradenton Times – News item about the LID Expo coming to Twin Lakes Park on March 23. SBEP is supporting the organizer with a Bay Partners Grant.

March 1 – Search Citrus – An online news story about the Southwest Florida Water Management District increasing water restrictions in five counties due to below normal rainfall this winter. The counties include Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, and Sumter. Sarasota and Manatee Counties continue to have a Phase I alert from SWFWMD, which advocate year-round water conservation measures. That means lawn and landscape watering remains limited to a two-day per week schedule and residents can only water before 10am or after 4pm.

March 1 – The Bradenton Times – News item about SBEP receiving a FISH Partnership Award from the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH).

March 1 – Charlotte Harbor Water Atlas – News item about SBEP receiving a FISH Partnership Award at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

February 29 – The Islander – Anna Maria Island newspaper featured an article about the SBEP Bay Partners Grant Program with a reference to the progress being made at Sunbow Bay Condo Association. The article quotes Mark Alderson and Sara Kane with SBEP.

February 29 – Maddux Press – News wire featured a news item about SBEP receiving a FISH Partnership Award at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

February 29 – Seal Lit Society – Blog for American Littoral Society Southwest Chapter features a news item and photo about the Bay Guardian volunteer event at FISH Preserve near the Cortez Fishing Village in Manatee County.

February 29 – Sarasota Patch – News item about SBEP receiving a FISH Partnership Award from the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH).

February 29 – Sarasota County Water Atlas – Website featured the SBEP media release about SBEP receiving a FISH Partnership Award from the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH).

February 29 – Bradenton Patch – News item about SBEP receiving a FISH Partnership Award from the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH).

February 28 – Maddux Press – Online news wire featured an article about the LID Expo coming to Sarasota’s Twin Lakes Park on March 23. SBEP is supporting the event with a Bay Partners Grant.

February 28 – Sarasota Patch – News item about the LID Expo coming to Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota on March 23.

February 28 – Sarasota County Water Atlas – Website featured a news item about the LID Expo coming to Twin Lakes Park on March 23. SBEP is supporting the expo organizer with a Bay Partner Grant.

February 28 – Bradenton Patch – News item about the LID Expo coming to Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota on March 23.

February 26 – Maddux Press – News wire featured a news item about the SBEP Bay Guardians volunteer event at Quick Point Preserve on Longboat Key March 10.

February 25 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – Article by Kate Spinner about the rise in sewage spills in Southwest Florida. Major plumbing failures and accidents sent nearly 17 million gallons of raw sewage cascading into Southwest Florida neighborhood streets and vital waterways last year. The author points out government regulators seldom crack down on offenders.

February 25 – The Bradenton Times – An article by John Rehill about the recent decision by Judge Hinkle regarding nutrient water quality standards. The article outlines the different positions being taken by Florida DEP and the EPA.

February 24 – Sarasota and Manatee Water Atlas – News item about the SBEP Bay Guardian volunteer event set for March 10 at Quick Point Preserve on Longboat Key.

February 24 – Bradenton Patch – News listing about the SBEP Bay Guardian event scheduled for March 10 at Quick Point Preserve on Longboat Key.

February 24 – Charlotte Harbor Water Atlas – News item about the Bay Guardian volunteer event at Quick Point Preserve on Longboat Key March 10.

February 24 – Sarasota Patch – News listing under Community Bulletin about the Bay Guardian volunteer event at Quick Point Preserve on Longboat Key March 10.

February 24 – Charlotte Harbor Water Atlas – News item about the remaining free guided kayak trips of Sarasota Bay sponsored by SBEP through its annual Bay Wise Kayak Tour Program.

February 24 – Sarasota and Manatee Water Atlas – News item about four free guided kayak trips in Sarasota Bay as part of the SBEP Bay Wise Kayak Tour Program. The remaining trips go to Blind Pass and Lyons and Blackburn Bay.

February 22 – Bloomberg News – Article by Drew Douglas reports that a federal judge has upheld a 2009 formal determination by the EPA that numeric nutrient standards are necessary for Florida’s waters, but invalidated certain aspects of the water quality criteria the agency developed. Judge Robert Hinkle said EPA was correct in determining that standards were needed and that the criteria for lakes and springs were valid. He also invalidated the criteria for streams, saying they were arbitrary and capricious. He upheld the decision to adopt some of the downstream protection criteria, but not all of the criteria set by the EPA.

February 22 – Sarasota Patch – Online news service featured a news item about the SBEP Bay Partner Grant applications being due March 1.

February 22 – Bradenton Patch – Online news service featured the SBEP media release about the Bay Partner Grant applications being due March 1.

February 22 – Maddux Press – Online news service featured a news item about Bay Partner Grant applications being due March 1.

February 22 – Sarasota and Manatee Water Atlas – News item about March 1 being the deadline for SBEP Bay Partner Grant applications.

February 20 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – Article by Tom Becnel about manatees using Salt Creek near Warm Mineral Springs and their interactions with some citizens who are willing to cross private property to view the manatees. Researchers have recorded more than 60 manatees wintering near Salt Creek, which feeds into the Myakka River.

February 20 – WSRQ Radio – The Nilon Report with Susan Nilon featured a report by Tom Darby who took advantage of one of the free SBEP Bay Wise Kayak Tour trips to the Mangrove Tunnels. Tom interviewed Brad Tanner, the professional guide for the SBEP program.

February 19 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – Article by Kate Spinner regarding some of the challenges faced by coastal marine life due to efforts to restore beach areas. Coquina clams, mole crabs and worms live in the sand where water meets land. Beach nourishment projects bury the sand-dwelling creatures alive and can harden the beach, making it more difficult for new clams and other species — and the birds that rely on them — to take up residence long-term.

February 19 – Longboat Observer – A gallery of 17 photos from the recent Science Night at Southside Elementary School. One of the photos shows Christine Sciarrino, an intern with SBEP and graduate of the University of Florida, showing a display that helps explain the problem of stormwater pollution.

February 17 – Bradenton Herald – An editorial critical of the Florida legislature trying to undermine regional and local efforts to reduce water pollution. The editorial points out how special interests dominate the thinking and agenda in Tallahassee at the expense of local home-rule rights. The recent effort to diminish the impact of local fertilizer ordinance in Manatee County and other locations is presented as a recent example. The editorial also points out the progress being made in Sarasota Bay the past two decades to recover from ecological damage.

February 17 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – Local newspaper featured an editorial written by Cynthia Barnett, one of the keynote speakers at the recent Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium. Ms. Barnett makes a case why watersheds are important to the entire community.

February 17 – ASCE Newsletter – Newsletter with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) featured a short article by Jay Leverone, PhD about some of the current SBEP habitat restoration projects. Jay is the staff scientist for SBEP.

February 17 – Bradenton Herald – Article by Sara Kennedy about the Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium with a focus on the panel discussion about Palma Sola Bay.

February 16 – Pelican Press – Article about dog beaches with a sidebar article about the TBEP and SBEP Pooches for the Planet program.

February 15 – Longboat Key Observer – News item about former Longboat Key mayor Ron Johnson joining the SBEP Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). Ron served on the Town Commission for eight years and he was honored as the 2009 Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key Citizen of the Year.

February 15 – Bradenton Herald – An editorial critical of the state’s continuing intrusion into home rule. Special interest groups are attempting to bypass local authority by targeting state legislators to force unfunded mandates on municipal and county governments.

February 15 – SNN 6 News – Local television news team featured a short report about the Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium. Sara Kane, the SBEP Public Outreach Coordinator, explained the importance of Bay-friendly stewardship.

February 15 – Sarasota Bay Today – Bay-centric blog by Randy Moore features an interview with Cris Costello, a staff organizer with the Sierra Club. The interview provides insights about the organization of the Sierra Club including its current priorities in the region and throughout Florida. Cris also explains why National Estuary Programs like SBEP are important to local communities.

February 15 – Sarasota Patch – Online news service features the SBEP media release about former mayor of Longboat Key joining the SBEP Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).

February 15 – Bradenton Patch – Online news service features the SBEP media release about former mayor of Longboat Key joining the SBEP Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).

February 14 – Sarasota Water Atlas – Website features the SBEP media release announcing the winners of the SBEP Blue Dolphin Awards.

February 14 – Sarasota Patch – News item about SBEP announcing the 2012 Blue Dolphin Award winners.

February 14 – Bradenton Patch – News item about SBEP announcing the 2012 Blue Dolphin Award winners.

February 13 – Maddux Press – News item featured the SBEP media release announcing the 2012 Blue Dolphin Award winners.

February 9 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – Guest editorial by SBEP Director Mark Alderson and Julie Morris with New College of Florida about the origin of SBEP and the upcoming Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium.

February 9 – Community Connections – Sarasota County E-Newsletter featured a news item about the Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium.

February 7 – WWSB ABC News – Local news station featured a report about the Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium at New College of Florida sponsored by SBEP and other local organizations. The five minute report referenced SBEP and included brief comments by Julie Miller with New College of Florida.

February 7 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – Sarasota County Commissioners put off a vote on a $3.6 million dam project to restore Dona Bay after they said they needed more information on the plans.

February 6 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – Report by Zac Anderson that environmental advocates defeated legislation aimed at weakening fertilizer restrictions adopted by Sarasota County and dozens of other cities and counties throughout Florida. The legislation would have undermined fertilizer bans by allowing professional landscapers to ignore the rules and fertilize at their own discretion.

February 6 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – Article by Carrie Wells about Sarasota County commissioners voting on $3.6 million in funding to build a weir to slow water flow in Cow Pen Slough that pours into Dona Bay. The weir, to be built east of I-75, is a type of dam that allows water to flow over the top when water levels get high. Over the years, millions of gallons of fresh water from Cow Pen Slough have deluged Dona Bay, desalinating the water and hurting oyster production, fish spawning and sea grass growth. Future related projects could include flooding 120 acres of land around Cow Pen Slough to restore it to its original wetlands state. Having more wetlands will help filter polluted water before it hits Dona Bay. A water treatment plant is also planned as part of the long term project. Sarasota County estimates it would produce 15 million gallons of drinking water a day when complete.

February 6 – EPA Website – EPA references the improvements in Roberts Bay as a success story. The summary cites retrofits that helped remove pollutants. The retrofits included installing nutrient-separating baffle boxes and promoting Florida-friendly landscaping. SBEP was cited as one of the partners along with many other local organizations associated with Sarasota County and Southwest Florida Water Management District.

February 6 – The Bradenton Times – Online newspaper featured an article about the Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium at New College of Florida being sponsored by SBEP.

February 3 – The Bradenton Times – Online newspaper featured an article about a number of well informed citizens arguing against Mosaic, a phosphate mining company, that was trying to get approval from the Manatee County Board of Commissioners to expand its mining at their Duette operation. The commissioners voted 5-2 to delay a decision until March 1.

February 1 – Maddux Press – News item about the Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium. News item references SBEP as a key partner.

February 1 – The South Gator – Monthly newsetter for the Southgate Community of Sarasota featured a short article about the Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium at New College of Florida sponsored by SBEP.

February 1 – Transformation Magazine – Randy Moore referenced the importance of the SBEP mission in his most recent column Positive Change. Transformation is the region’s most respected personal growth magazine distributed throughout the Gulf Coast.

February 1 – Observer – Article about Tanner Stults, a student at Riverview High School, using a waterproof camera to take pictures of aquatic species around Sarasota Bay. The set of pictures have been turned into a printed field guide. Stults was supported by Amanda Dominguez, an environmental specialist for Sarasota County, his father and other volunteers.

January 31 – Observer – Local newspaper features a calendar listing about the Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium set for February 15-17.

January 31 – New College Blog – Blog featured a media release about the Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium set for February 15-17.

January 31 – Bradenton Herald – Article about dredging beginning in Wares Creek. The effort is part of the first phase of a $51.8 million Cedar Hammock-Wares Creek Flood Control project. The whole project calls for 37,000 cubic yards of material to be dredged from the channel.

January 31 – The Bradenton Times – Article about Mosaic Fertilizer going before the Manatee Board of County Commissioners today for approval of a land use code change and a permit to mine for phosphate on 661 acres of eastern Manatee county. Opposition to the mining comes from residents and environmental groups challenging the phosphate company claims that they are of little risk to water supply and air quality, and that they produce significant economic benefits. Critics say the project will result in the loss of wetlands.

January 31 – The Oracle – An interesting article by a student in the school newspaper for the University of South Florida challenging the practice of some farmers in Florida to pump water on to their crops as a strategy to protect crops from freezing overnight. According to Southwest Florida Water Management District, a night of pumping can use up nearly 1 billion gallons of water from Florida’s aquifer. This in turn can dry up the aquifer and result in a sinkhole. The article references a cost-sharing reimbursement program with SWFWMD called FARMS that provides an incentive for farmers to use artificial covering and alternative methods for protecting the crops.

January 30 – Sarasota Herald Tribune – Guest column by Cris Costello with the Sierra Club outlining the case why Senate Bill 604 and House Bill 421 should be rejected. The bills are an attempt to gut local fertilizer ordinances according to Costello. She asserts that strong local fertilizer ordinances are the cheapest and easiest way to protect our waterways from nutrient pollution.

January 29 – Sarasota Patch – Sarasota Yacht Club recognized by DEP Clean Marina Program. The club was cited for its commitment to environmental stewardship by starting a recycling program, offering pumpout service and adding a pet sanitation area with signage and waste collection bags. Established in 2000, the Florida Clean Marina Program is a voluntary, non-regulatory designation program that acknowledges and rewards environmentally conscious marine facilities.

January 28 – Maddux Press – Online news service featured the SBEP media release about the organization’s priorities for 2012 as well as its plans to host the first ever Sarasota Bay Awards Program April 4 and the first ever Sarasota Bay Water Festival October 6.

January 28 – Sarasota Bay Today – Blog focused on Sarasota Bay features an interview with Jeanne Dubi, the president of Sarasota Audubon. Jeanne shares insights about year round and migrating birds as well as helpful information about the Sarasota Audubon mission and activities.

January 27 – Bradenton Times – Online newspaper featured an article about the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee giving initial approval to proposed state water quality standards that would replace federal pollution limits that opponents say are too expensive to implement. Representatives from Sierra Club and Clean Water Action continue to argue that there are not enough protections in the proposed state rule to protect state waterways.