Everglades Coalition Conference celebrates momentum

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that scientists, educators, contractors, conservationists, the media, students and citizens, as well as decisionmakers and representatives from federal, state, local and tribal governments, convened on Jan 26-28 for a singul a r g o a l : c o n t i n u e t h e w o r k t o r e s t o r e A m e r i c a ’ s Everglades.

The theme of this year’s 38th annual Everglades C o a l i t i o n C o n f e r e n c e i n C o r a l S p r i n g s w a s “ A Watershed Moment,” reflecting on the historic amount of progress, support and funding that has been spent and allocated to Everglades restoration projects

The SCCF and Conservancy of Southwest Florida sponsored the dinner on Jan 27 In his welcoming remarks, Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis highlighted the SCCF's commitment to the Everglades and the importance of continuing restoration efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, emphasizing how the resilience of Sanibel and Captiva was connected to the theme of the conference

“The Everglades is central to this resilience. Even now, we are dealing with added stressors of water releases from Lake Okeechobee,” he said “With every step of Everglades restoration, we are closer to being able to send that water south, reinvigorating one of the most unique ecosystems in the world instead of adding undue pressures to our already struggling estuaries ” DePaolis was followed by the dinner's keynote speak- er, Florida Chief Resilience Officer Wes Brooks He reflected on his time growing up in Miami and fishing in the waters of the Florida Bay

“It was good to hear Dr Brooks reiterate the governor’s commitment to improving Florida’s water quality and that the Everglades is central to any progress we hope to make,” DePaolis said.

Panels provided updates on a host of topics concerning Everglades restoration, including updates on Florida panther and Tree Island research and legal analyses of recent Supreme Court decisions and how they could affect restoration efforts Planning sessions focused on how to strengthen partnerships and continue the momentum that has been built

Lee Health seeks blood donations

Lee Health is seeking blood donations to help replenish supply levels

Blood and blood products are not only used in the trauma center, but also to treat cancer patients, premature babies, anemia and a variety of other conditions Lee Health’s blood centers are the sole supplier of all products for the health system About 800 units of blood are needed per week, and the blood centers rely on life to saving donations from the community to maintain inventory levels

The Lee Health Blood Mobile will be at the following locations: ∫

Starnes and Holt, at 715 Monroe St , Fort Myers, from

∫ of

Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, from 8:30 p m

∫ F e b 1 9 : S t C e c i l i a ’ s C a t h o l i c

Church, at 5632 Sunrise Drive, Fort Myers, from 8 a m to 1 p m

∫ Feb 20: Minnesota Twins Health Fair, at 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, from 10 a m to 2 p m

∫ F e b . 2 1 : N o v a S o u t h e a s t e r n University, at 3650 Colonial Court, Fort Myers, from 9 a m to 2 p m

All blood donated at Lee Health stays within the system to care for patients in Southwest Florida If unable to attend a drive, donations can also be made at one of Lee Health’s blood centers

For more information on how and where to donate, visit https://www leehealth org/our-services/blood-centers