It Takes a Village: New Community Initiative Connects Cortez’s Working Waterfront

It Takes a Village: New Community Initiative Connects Cortez’s Working Waterfront to a Healthy Sarasota Bay

Cortez, FL (January 21, 2026) — The Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS), in partnership with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) and with additional support from the Florida Maritime Museum, is launching It Takes a Village, a community education initiative that highlights the connection between a healthy estuary, sustainable seafood, and Cortez’s historic working waterfront. Through bilingual signage, restaurant table cards, walking guides, a new web page, and public events, the project encourages residents and visitors to learn how everyday actions can help protect Sarasota Bay. “Our grant from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program has made it possible for us to move forward with our mission of preserving Cortez by focusing on maintaining a healthy estuary – a key element of our Village’s commercial fishing tradition. This incredible estuary has been a food source for humans for thousands of years and the backbone of the Cortez economy for over a century. Now we will connect thousands of “boat to table” seafood customers, Village residents, and visitors with an opportunity to help in large and small ways. Bottom line – a healthy estuary is essential to our cultural and economic survival,” said Cindy Rodgers, President of CVHS.

The project will be introduced during Cortez: Coffee, Culture & Conservation on Saturday, January 31, from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, hosted by SBEP, the CVHS, the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (FISH), and Florida Sea Grant/UF/IFAS Extension. The program will include a discussion of It Takes a Village and its goals, followed by a guided tour of the restored FISH Preserve featuring its new trails and bridges. This nearly 100-acre coastal preserve, protected through decades of community effort, has been restored to improve estuarine habitat and public access, with recent enhancements made possible by support from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. Attendees will also be invited to take a self-guided tour of Cortez using the new map featuring places of interest, key environmental features and our boat-to-table restaurants and markets.

“The Cortez community is an important partner for SBEP. Residents deeply care about the health and cultural significance of their local environment, and their new educational initiative, It Takes a Village, along with their stewardship of the FISH Preserve, exemplifies that commitment,” said Megan Barry, Public Outreach Manager for SBEP.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Visit sarasotabay.org/events to learn more and register.

Figure 1: An aerial image of FISH Preserve (2022) Credit: SBEP

### About the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program: The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is a cooperative partnership among communities, researchers, and governments that strives to improve the health of Sarasota Bay and enhance the area's natural resources for public benefit. Learn more at www.sarasotabay.org

Media Contact:

Megan Barry, Public Outreach Manager

megan@sarasotabay.org

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to Offer Free Therapeutic Kayak Trips for Veterans

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Partners with Wayne Adventures to Offer Free Therapeutic Kayak Trips for Veterans

Sarasota, FL (January 7, 2026) — The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), in partnership with Wayne Adventures, is offering free therapeutic kayak tours for local veterans, with a special focus on those living with PTSD. These guided outings provide veterans with a peaceful opportunity to connect with nature, build camaraderie, and experience the restorative power of Sarasota Bay and its tributaries.

Designed to be accessible and welcoming, the kayak trips require no prior paddling experience. All equipment, instruction, and on-water support are provided. The program emphasizes healing, connection, and shared experience in a safe and supportive environment.

“I want to share with others what water means to me—its unique ability to calm my mind and nourish my spirit,” said Wayne Douchkoff, program guide and owner of Wayne Adventures. “These trips are about more than kayaking—they’re about creating space for healing, understanding, and renewal.”

The kayak tours are made possible through a grant from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and sponsorship by Wayne Adventures, allowing veterans to participate at no cost. In addition to the therapeutic benefits, participants will learn about Sarasota Bay’s coastal ecosystems and the importance of protecting and preserving local waterways. “Our estuary’s natural resilience offers healing and connection, and when we care for it, we all benefit. Through our mission, we create meaningful opportunities for the community, especially those with limited access, to unwind, heal, and reconnect with this restorative space,” said Dr. Ryan Gandy, Executive Director of the SBEP. Several outings will also include coastal cleanup events, giving participants the chance to give back to the environment while enjoying time on the water.

2026 Kayak Trip Schedule All trips are guided and open to participating veterans.

• Saturday, January 10 – Ken Thompson Park, 10 a.m.

• Saturday, January 17 – Whitaker Bayou, 10 a.m.

• Saturday, February 14 – Bowlees Creek, 10 a.m.

• Saturday, March 7 – Philippi Estate Park, 10 a.m.

• Saturday, April 18 – Neal Preserve, 9 a.m.

• Saturday, May 16 – Ken Thompson Park, 9 a.m.

• Saturday, June 13 – Robinson Preserve, 9 a.m.

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program 111 South Orange Avenue, Suite 200W, Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.955.8085 | www.sarasotabay.org | info@sarasotabay.org

The program is currently seeking both veteran participants and volunteers. Volunteers do not need to be veterans to participate. Veterans and community members interested in learning more or signing up are encouraged to contact wdouchkoff@aol.com.

Mote Successfully Releases First Two Manatee Rehabilitation Patients

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is proud to announce that its first two manatee rehabilitation patients, Sleet and Cabbage, were successfully released back into Florida waters last week following months of dedicated rehabilitation from Mote’s expert animal care teams. The manatees are Mote’s first rehabilitation patients following its new designation as a secondary care holding facility for manatee rehabilitation under the direction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Sleet and Cabbage arrived at Mote on April 28, 2025, after receiving initial treatment at Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) acute-care centers. Both presented signs of cold stress and significant weight loss. Once at Mote, the manatees continued to receive routine medical care to meet the appropriate weight and body condition, a requirement for their return to the wild. Under Mote’s exemplary rehabilitative care, the manatees steadily increased in weight until deemed fully prepared for release by the cooperative care team.

Sleet was released in Crystal River on Tuesday, December 9, and Cabbage was released at Tampa Electric’s (TECO) Big Bend discharge canal the following day, Wednesday, December 10. The releases were conducted in partnership with USFWS, FWC, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, and the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.

Over the past several years, Florida has seen unusually high numbers of manatee mortalities due to seagrass loss, harmful algal blooms, cold stress, vessel strikes, and other threats. These pressures created an urgent need for increased holding and rehabilitation capacity statewide. With the new designation as a secondary care holding facility, Mote is answering the call by housing non-critical patients in its expanded facilities, overseeing the final stages of rehabilitation, and preparing the manatees for release.

“The successful release of these two patients represents significant progress in statewide manatee conservation efforts,” said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, Mote’s President & CEO. “It reflects the strength of our rehabilitation team and Mote’s commitment to advancing science-based care that directly benefits this vulnerable species.”

As part of this cooperative network, MRP partners work together to rescue, rehabilitate, release, and monitor manatees while advancing research and public education. By contributing essential rehabilitation capacity and scientific expertise, Mote continues to enhance Florida’s collective ability to protect manatees across the region.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium reports record sea turtle nesting numbers; also warns of rising di

Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program (STCRP) documented a historic nesting season in 2025, with 5,735 total nests recorded along 35 miles of Sarasota County beaches, from Longboat Key to Venice. This marks the highest number of nests ever recorded in Mote’s 43-year monitoring history, far surpassing 2024’s 4,369 nests.

Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), a threatened species protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, made up the vast majority of nests (5,384), followed by green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), which accounted for 351 nests. Sarasota County occasionally hosts rare nests from Kemp’s ridley and leatherback turtles as well.

Unfortunately, the unprecedented number of nests is not the only trend STCRP’s data revealed. This year also marked the highest number of disorientations ever documented by Mote (716 events). Disorientations occur when artificial lighting along the shoreline misleads hatchlings or returning nesting females away from the ocean, often resulting in exhaustion, dehydration, or death. 

“This year’s record numbers show that Mote’s conservation measures are working,” said Dr. Jake Lasala, Manager of Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program. “However, we’re seeing new challenges emerge, such as the rise in disorientations. It’s more important than ever for our community to turn off or shield beachfront lights, remove beach furniture at night, and keep nesting areas clear to give every hatchling the best possible chance at survival.”

Mote’s STCRP has monitored and protected sea turtle nesting activity since 1982, collecting long-term data essential to understanding population trends, reproductive success, and how environmental and human factors affect nesting behavior. The program’s dataset represents one of the longest continuous sea turtle monitoring efforts in the U.S.

The dedicated individuals of Mote’s Sea Turtle Patrol are at the heart of this mission. Comprising STCRP staff, interns, and more than 300 volunteers, the Sea Turtle Patrol conducts daily surveys from April 15 through October 31, documenting every crawl, nest, and hatchling emergence. In an uncommon occurrence, this season is still showing nests incubating into November. STCRP’s careful monitoring helps ensure each nest is properly marked and protected.

STCRP scientists use the data they collect to study phenological shifts (changes in the timing of nesting), nest density, hatching success, and the influence of environmental factors, work that supports management decisions by local, state, and federal conservation partners.

To learn more about joining Mote’s Sea Turtle Patrol or doing your part to keep sea turtles safe on our beaches, visit mote.org/seaturtles.

Lido Beach renourishment project begins Jan. 20

Renourishment of Lido Beach will begin Tuesday, Jan. 20. Lido Beach will remain open for the duration of the project.

Sections of the beach may be temporarily inaccessible as renourishment takes place, beginning at the north end of the beach and moving south as work progresses. Signage will be posted notifying the public of temporary closures. Contractors will stage large equipment in the parking lot south of the Lido Beach Pavilion. The pavilion, concessions area, Lido Pool, and north parking lot will continue regular operations throughout the project.

This comprehensive coastal protection project will be conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with the City of Sarasota, part of a 50-year agreement for the renourishment of Lido Beach at approximately 5-year intervals.

Lido Beach has experienced accelerated shoreline degradation due to the cumulative impacts of multiple hurricanes in 2024. This critical infrastructure project, paid for by $12 million in federal funding, will restore 1.2 miles of eroded shoreline and improve resiliency by depositing 200,000 - 300,000 cubic yards of sand sourced locally from the dredging of New Pass.

Renourishment is expected to be completed in early April ahead of sea turtle nesting season.

For more information and project updates, visit engage.sarasotafl.gov/lido-beach-renourishment.

Field Note: The Mullet Run – Nature’s Winter Signal

Summary of Pilot Study on Fecal Bacteria Sources in Palma Sola Bay

A limited pilot study was recently conducted to better understand potential sources contributing to fecal bacteria levels in Palma Sola Bay. The study used a testing method called Microbial Source Tracking (MST), which identifies genetic material from fecal bacteria associated with humans, birds, horses, and a general category of fecal bacteria. These were the focus of this effort, though they are not the only possible sources.

The study was coordinated with the Suncoast Waterkeeper’s weekly Enterococcus bacteria sampling from August 25 through October 21, 2025. It is important to note that this study does not replace or alter the Enterococcus sampling results or the health advisories issued by the Department of Health. Its purpose was simply to determine whether genetic markers from specific sources could be detected. 

A limited pilot study was recently conducted to better understand potential sources contributing to fecal bacteria levels in Palma Sola Bay. The study used a testing method called Microbial Source Tracking (MST), which identifies genetic material from fecal bacteria associated with humans, birds, horses, and a general category of fecal bacteria. These were the focus of this effort, though they are not the only possible sources. 

The study was coordinated with the Suncoast Waterkeeper’s weekly Enterococcus bacteria sampling from August 25 through October 21, 2025. It is important to note that this study does not replace or alter the Enterococcus sampling results or the health advisories issued by the Department of Health. Its purpose was simply to determine whether genetic markers from specific sources could be detected. 

Key Findings: 

• Genetic material from fecal bacteria associated with birds and horses was detected during the sampling period, even when these animals were not visibly present in the area. 
• The study could not determine how much each source contributed—only that their genetic material was present. 
• Bird-related bacteria is a naturally occurring source and cannot be mitigated. 
• Horse-related bacteria can be managed, and efforts are underway to reduce its impact through active waste collection by vendors. 

Study Limitations: 

• The study did not measure the quantity of bacteria from each source. 
• Not all potential sources of contamination were examined. 
• A more comprehensive and potentially costly study would be required to identify all sources and develop management strategies. 

This pilot study provides valuable insight but is only an initial step toward understanding fecal bacteria sources in Palma Sola Bay. 

Read earlier posts on this topic:

• November 6, 2025: Tracking our bay's health - what about bacteria?
• September 3, 2025: Potential sources of bacteria along Palma Sola Bay
• August 20, 2025: Bacteria Source Identification Efforts

Walking on sunshine: Sunrise Beach Walks kick off at Siesta and Nokomis beaches

SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County’s annual Sunrise Beach Walks series is returning this February.

Join Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources 8-9:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road in Sarasota or 8-9:30 a.m. Thursdays at Nokomis Beach, 100 Casey Key Road in Nokomis from Feb. 4 through March 26 for self-guided walks along Sarasota County’s award-winning beaches.

Participants will register for the event on-site in front of the Beach Ambassador kiosk at Siesta Beach or in front of the Plaza Room at Nokomis Beach. There is a one-time registration fee of $5. Only credit cards will be accepted.

For over 20 years, Sunrise Beach Walks has promoted healthy habits, outdoor recreation and appreciation of coastal habitats. In 2025, nearly 400 people participated in this wellness event.

“Sunrise Beach Walks encourage residents to get outside, be active and experience a beautiful beach park,” said Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources specialist Aaron Carson. “We love seeing people return week after week and celebrating their progress when they complete the series.”

After completing four walks, participants will receive a custom event shirt. Participants who complete all eight weeks will receive an additional gift.

To learn more about Sunrise Beach Walks and other Sarasota County events and activities, visitSarasotaCountyParks.com.

Sarasota County acquires WCIND property on Venice Island through Land Acquisition and Management Pro

SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County has acquired property formerly owned by the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND). This is part of the county’s ongoing commitment to environmental preservation and parkland acquisition under the Land Acquisition and Management Program (LAMP). The closing date was Dec. 10, 2025.

Located on South Tamiami Trail on Venice Island, the 3.59-acre property overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. It has functioned as part of the Venetian Waterway Trail where residents can bike and walk on a paved trail. The property contains 1.52 acres of remnant coastal hammock habitat and 2.15 acres of freshwater wetland. Protecting these habitats helps provide safe spaces for many threatened and native species such as gopher tortoises.

“This acquisition strengthens the continuity and long-term vision of the Venetian Waterway Trail. By acquiring this property, we’re able to enhance the trail experience, improve connectivity and ensure safe, accessible recreation for everyone,” said Nicole Rissler, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.

The funding for this acquisition was provided through the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program (NPP). NPP is a voter-approved, taxpayer-funded program established to acquire and protect natural lands and parklands under the Sarasota County Land Acquisition and Management Program.

For more information on the Sarasota County Land Acquisition and Management Program, visit bit.ly/landacquisitions.

Sarasota County acquires 100th property through land management program

SARASOTA COUNTY - Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources completed the 100th land acquisition through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program (ESLPP). On Friday, Oct. 17, the county closed on the property formerly known as Camp Venice RV Resort, 4085 E. Venice Ave., Venice. 

Located adjacent to Sarasota County’s Snook Haven Park and near Sleeping Turtles Preserve South, another ESLPP site, the 20-acre property has operated as a campground for the past 40 years. Approximately six acres consist of mesic hammock and riverine habitat along the Myakka River, with native vegetation including oaks, southern red cedar, cabbage palm, beautyberry and wild coffee. 

Current plans include reopening the property as a riverfront campground, with improvements such as upgrading utilities and enhancing accessibility, establishing a connection to Snook Haven Park and exploring future connectivity with the surrounding preserves.

The funding for the acquisition is provided through ESLPP and the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program (NPP). The ESLPP and NPP are voter-approved, taxpayer-funded programs established to acquire and protect natural lands and parklands under Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition and Management Program. The campground property was nominated for land acquisition by a previous landowner in 2008 and again in 2018. In addition to being the 100th acquisition through ESLPP, this property marks the first joint acquisition between ESLPP and NPP. 

“This acquisition highlights the county’s ongoing commitment to preserving diverse ecosystems and continuing the legacy of conservation for our community. It’s especially meaningful to reach this milestone during the 25th anniversary year of the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program,” said Nicole Rissler, Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.

Since the first acquisition in 2000, more than 42,000 acres of land have been protected through land purchases and conservation easements as part of ESLPP, including 32 diverse and environmentally sensitive areas within the County. These lands provide safe and protected habitats for many threatened and native species, including gopher tortoises, Florida scrub-jays, bald eagles, West Indian manatees, longleaf pine, red maple, red, black and white mangroves, sweet-bay magnolia, cabbage palm and butterfly orchids. Additionally, approximately 12 different habitat types have been protected through ESLPP including dry prairie, mesic flatwoods, hydric hammock, baygall and basin marshes ensuring these critical areas are preserved for future generations.

Residents are invited to celebrate the campground acquisition, and the 99 acquisitions that preceded it, at Sarasota County’s Environmental Lands Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve (South Entrance), 10201 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. 

For more information on Sarasota County’s Land Acquisition and Management Program or Sarasota County’s Environmental Lands Celebration, please visit  SarasotaCountyParks.com/LandAcquisitions or call 311.