Area advocates meet with elected officials
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) hit the road to Tallahassee to meet with elected officials on Everglades-related priorities during the height of this year’s recent legislative session.
Joining SCCF Policy Associate Allie Pecenka on the trip were Kyra Sadat Ruben with the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, Sanibel resident Vijay Sarthy, and Tammy Ash with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
The group attended as part of Everglades Action Day, the Everglades Coalition’s annual advocacy trip, during which nonprofit staff, scientists, students and passionate citizens present the coalition’s legislative priorities to elected officials from their districts.
“We had a great team and couldn’t have been prouder to represent Sanibel and Captiva at the Florida Capitol, advocating for protection of our ecosystems and what makes these islands magical,” Pecenka said.
The legislative priorities included:
– Fully funding Everglades restoration
– Further protecting Florida waters
– Building resilience into restoration infrastructure
– Advocating for smart growth while protecting the ecosystems from harmful development
“Given the connection of the Calooshatchee to the Everglades system, advocating for these priorities with local officials is critical for protecting water quality and ecosystems in Southwest Florida,” she said.
Together, the group formed the Lee and Collier County team and met with senators, representatives and staff from those districts. They met with the offices of Sen. Jonathan Martin and Reps. Yvette Bennaroch and Lauren Melo. For offices busy with committee hearings, which occurred daily in the midst of the session, legislative priorities were dropped off with staff for later review.
“When you have Sanibel residents willing to travel all the way to Tallahassee to help toward this effort, I think that shows what a special community we have here,” Pecenka said. “We are grateful to all who aided in making this trip possible and look forward to further advocacy at the local and state levels.”
To reach SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, please email