On July 9, volunteers helped restore important coastal habitat at North Lido Beach Park. Local contractors working with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program have completed the development of a new tidal tributary at North Lido Park adjacent to the beach access.

The tidal wetland was created to provide essential habitat for estuarine dependent fish species, according to Jay Leverone, PhD, SBEP's staff scientist. "The restoration also provides improved habitat for birds, reptiles and other wildlife," he added. "Local citizens have already reported seeing eagles, ospreys, a gopher tortoise, and numerous schools of small fish in the park."

The City of Sarasota and Around the Bend Nature Tours also provided support to hold this native planting event.

With the arrival of Spring, trees are not the only things turning green – Gulf Coast lodging facilities are also “greening” by becoming designated Florida Green Lodges. These properties represent just a few leaders in the hospitality industry who have adopted sustainable practices that protect Florida's natural resources while improving economic performance. With these recent designations, a total of 679 facilities are now designated in the Florida Green Lodging Program. The Hampton Inn and Suites in Sarasota and the Country Inn and Suites in Panama City are two such facilities located on Florida’s Gulf Coast. "These properties truly understand the value of protecting our natural resources for future generations," said DEP Director of Sustainable Initiatives Brad Stombock. "By adopting sustainable business practices, these facilities are not only planning for Florida's future but are able to see immediate positive benefits in their daily operations."

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Seagrass communities are among the most productive ecosystems in the world and monitoring this habitat has quickly become one of the best methods to determine the overall health and condition of the aquatic environment. The flowering underwater grasses are found in estuaries, lagoons and shallow, open shelves along Florida’s coastline.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection helps protect natural resources like seagrasses which are an invaluable component of Florida’s coastal waters. “Seagrass habitat provides a variety of functions that contribute to a healthy and viable marine ecosystem,” said DEP Secretary. “These valuable underwater grasses are one of the many natural resources that Floridians and visitors can work together to protect and preserve now and for future generations.”

Port Charlotte: Population 46,000 (2000). This is the most populated area in unincorporated Charlotte County.   Port Charlotte continues to recover after severe damage by Hurricane Charley in 2004.

Sarasota: Population:  52,000 (2005). The County seat of Sarasota County, Sarasota is known for its arts, theater, music, film, beautiful beaches, and dining opportunities. Popular sites are Sarasota Bay and its outlying barrier islands, including the world renowned sandy beaches of Lido and Siesta Keys.

Tampa: Population:  382,000 (2007).  Tampa is the County seat of Hillsborough County.  With the third largest population in Florida, the Greater Tampa Bay Area is home to over 4 million residents.  Ranked "5th Best Outdoor City" in the US by Forbes magazine, Tampa is perfect for those who enjoy a humid, subtropical climate.  But, be cautious during storms in this "Lightning Capital of North America."  Major economic contributors include the service, tourism, agriculture, retail, finance, insurance and real estate industries. As Florida's largest tonnage port, Tampa's port is 7th largest in the nation - handling half of all commerce that passes through state.  In fact, Tampa's port handles over 19 million tons of petroleum products annually!  The highest point in Tampa is 48 feet.

Regional Attractions:  University of South Florida.  Busch Gardens Africa.  Florida Aquarium.  Mote Marine Laboratory.  Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Three-week Sarasota Music Festival.

FWC 2007. "Where to Fish," by Rich Abrams, in Fishing Lines: An Angler's Guide to Florida's Marine Resources, 6^th Edition.  Dan Ellinor and Michelle Owen (editors).  Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Division of Marine Fisheries Management.