CVB first in Florida to partner with Leave No Trace

importance of protecting nature, waterways, wildlife, local businesses and beaches so future generations can enjoy unspoiled beauty for years to come.

BY JASON SCHAFFER SUN CORRESPONDENT | jschaffer@amisun.com

SARASOTA - The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB) Love it Like a Local campaign, launched in 2022, has helped visitors to Anna Maria Island and other area destinations understand the

The latest evolution to this effort is a recently formed partnership with Leave No Trace, making the CVB the first in Florida to partner with this organization.

Leave No Trace is an international nonprofit organization that uses the powers of science, education and stewardship to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet, according to the CVB.

WHERE‛S YOUR COMFORT ZONE?

“With our Love it Like a Local campaign, we set out to educate visitors to the Bradenton area of simple actions they can take to leave less of a footprint. Through partnering with Leave No Trace, it gives us the opportunity to take our commitment to sustainable travel from a campaign to an integral part of who we are as a travel destination,” said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the CVB. “I urge our community to join us in working together to showcase this incredibly important message that will ultimately enhance the quality of life for our residents.”

CVB officials invited local business owners and managers, conservationists, media and the public to join community leaders at a luncheon on May 4 at the historic Powel Crosley estate in Sarasota in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week. At the luncheon, the CVB introduced a promotional video showcasing the Leave No Trace approach to sustainability and conservation. The short video features commercial fishermen, business owners, members of the CVB and others sharing a message about not only the history of the Manatee

Scholarships available through Roser Guild

The Roser Women’s Guild has scholarships available for graduating seniors entering college during 2023-24. Scholarships of $375 per semester will be awarded to part-time students enrolling in 6-11 credit hours of undergraduate courses. Scholarships of $750 per semester are available to full-time students enrolling in 12 credit hours or more of undergraduate classes. All scholarships are limited to a maximum of $1,500 per year and can be renewed for all four years of undergraduate study. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the school, must be used for tuition, books, supplies or fees, are limited to courses leading to an undergraduate degree and are only available as long as the student maintains a 2.75 cumulative grade point average. The deadline for applications is May 26. For more information, or to download an application, visit www.RoserChurch. com/roser-guild-scholarships. All Guild scholarships are funded by sales from the Roser Guild Thrift Store.

County coastal community, but ways to ensure its future.

The video is available on the CVB’s YouTube page or by searching “Leave No Trace guide to the Bradenton area” on YouTube. To learn more about the Love it Like a Local campaign, visit www.bradentongulfislands.com.

Ten years ago, The Anna Maria Island Sun launched its Live Like a Local campaign to educate young readers about marine mammals, sea turtles, shorebirds, native plants and how to live with and conserve them. Visit www.amisun.com/live-like-local.