I have been blessed to live on a barrier island in Manatee County since 1980. I was drawn to the area by family but moved here because of my love of fishing and the natural world. I realized I’d found what I loved most in one place. After almost 40 years, I am now focused on giving back. I want to help assure that future generations have some of the same opportunities that have made my life both rich in nature and profitable in business.
Seen firsthand
The combination of my love for fishing and my business has, over the years, made me aware of critical connections between the health of our local environment and the health of the businesses that sustain all of us on the Suncoast. You don’t have to look any farther than the broad negative effect of all-too-frequent red tide events on our tourist economy.
Unfortunately, as soon as red tide events pass, that awareness fades as waters clear and people assume everything is “back to normal.” Being a waterman, I have witnessed the changes in our bays and estuaries over almost four decades. In the first 20 years, there were some notable successes as awareness of water quality led to a dramatic increase in seagrass coverage in Tampa and Sarasota Bay.
Changes
That has all changed, and now, seagrass meadows are disappearing at an alarming rate. The loss of seagrass (and fish) is fueled by excess nitrogen that encourages the growth of algae. The cause? Habitat loss, sewage releases (primarily a result of inadequate infrastructure), stormwater runoff (exacerbated by rampant development) and myriad other minor insults result in elevated nitrogen levels. This threatens not only the natural beauty of the region, the fish, birds and mammals, but the very foundation of our economy. Whether you’re a restaurant owner on the water or a carpenter hammering nails at Lakewood Ranch, everyone will be impacted.
What we can do
But we can do something about it. On Nov. 3, voters in Manatee County have the opportunity to approve a referendum voteforwaterandland.org. The referendum, if approved, will establish dedicated funding to protect water quality, water resources, and fish and wildlife habitat. The need has never been greater. If we don’t act soon and decisively, I fear our children and future generations will never have the opportunity to experience the natural wonderland that we all often take for granted. The cost? The average homeowner will pay the equivalent of two fast-food burgers a month. Please vote YES on the Manatee County Bond Referendum and encourage your neighbors and friends to do the same. The kids will thank you and remember you for it.
