Cela Tega

This program, hosted by Florida Gulf Coast University, brought residents of Southwest Florida together to help make positive change in the health of the Estero Bay Region. We have long been aware of the problems of excess nutrients in out waters. The red tide and cyanobacteria blooms of 2018 brought the issue to the forefront of our collective minds. Our beaches were littered with dead sea life; our rivers were full of a blue-green algae bloom that was releasing toxins into the environment, and likely fueling red tide even further. The economic vitality of the region is based on a healthy environment for visitors and residents alike. The need to address these problems has never been more immediate. Attendees to this conference heard from experts in science, policy and civic engagement. The goal was to help residents obtain the knowledge, information and skills to be a positive influence in addressing these issues.