provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Twenty-three new powerful voices for Florida’s clean water-driven economy emerged from the first Preserving Paradise leadership program — a partnership between Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, Captains for Clean Water, the Everglades Foundation, and the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce.
After an official graduation ceremony on Dec. 2, the 2024 Preserving Paradise cohort is more equipped and motivated than ever to advocate for Florida’s economic and ecological future.
Graduates, their guests, and representatives from the leading organizations all attended the dinner and ceremony at the Pink Shell Resort on Fort Myers Beach to celebrate the end of the program.
“Effective advocacy starts with education, and by giving leaders in our communities the tools they need to protect the resources we all rely on, this program starts the conversation needed to ensure we have the engaged and informed population necessary to protect the future of Florida,” said SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis.
Since August, the class of 23 executives and professionals has been immersed in discussions and field experiences focused on the connection between water quality and our economies.
They’ve traveled to Everglades restoration sites, observed seagrass and oyster habitat in Pine Island Sound, unpacked the science and policy behind harmful algal blooms in our estuary, and bonded over the importance of good water quality.
“I hope these graduates take what they have learned to excite their colleagues to fight for the protection of our ecosystems and become thought leaders dedicated to environmental sustainability and community engagement,” DePaolis said.
For Vice President of Bank of the Islands and Preserving Paradise Graduate David Lowden, this program helped elevate and further connect him to a network of like-minded leaders.
“The Preserving Paradise program helped bring in a group of qualified advocates who can help take this mission to the next level where it needs to go. I look forward to being part of the clean water synergy moving forward,” Lowden said.
Graduate Calli Johnson duPont, fourth-generation owner/manager of The Island Store and Bailey’s General Store on Sanibel plans to spread the word as much as possible.
“I hope the 1,000-plus people that move to Florida each day and the others that moved before them learn to see the value in our water quality both near and far,” she said. “If we fail to protect our waters, we will fail to protect our cherished way of life.”
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