This episode was recorded live at Where Waters Meet: Stories of Hope from Florida’s Gulf Coast Estuaries, a National Estuaries Week event hosted by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and Sarasota Bay Estuary Program at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton.

The conversation brings together scientists, journalists, and working waterfront advocates to explore stories of hope in estuary recovery, the connection between land and water, and how communities can protect Florida’s natural resources amid continued growth.

The panel, hosted by Mason Gravley, featured:

• Max Chesnes (Tampa Bay Times),
• Karen Bell (A.P. Bell Fish Company),
• Ryan Schloesser (Mote Marine Laboratory),
• Courtney Saari (Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute),
• Shaun Swartz (City of St. Petersburg)

Why it matters now: On November 3, 2026, voters in seven counties, including Manatee and Sarasota, will consider local conservation measures that could help protect natural lands, drinking-water sources, wildlife habitat, and public preserves. Learn more about each of the seven ballot measures here: 2026 Land Conservation Measures - 1000 Friends of Florida

Read more about the event below:

• sarasotabay.org/stories-of-hope-from-floridas-gulf-coast-estuaries
• Read the event coverage in the Anna Maria Island Sun

The takeaway: Healthy bays begin with healthy land. Protecting the places between our communities and our coast is essential to Florida’s conservation future.