For Immediate Release
2005 FLORIDA OCEANS DAY HIGHLIGHTS
TALLAHASSEE – Florida legislators are joining scientists, researchers and maritime interests on April 20 to celebrate and promote awareness and stewardship of the state's ocean resources.
This year’s theme, “Supporting Florida’s Ocean Resources: Science, Management, Commerce,” highlights the Legislature’s efforts to implement the Report of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy.
The Florida Ocean Alliance, Mote Marine Laboratory, and the Florida Institute of Oceanography are sponsoring a legislative reception, ocean exhibits in the Capitol Courtyard, and a Capitol presentation on “Coastal Hazards” to legislators and agency staff.
“We are excited to gather Florida’s best and brightest minds to tackle issues related to our oceans while honoring the sponsors of important oceans legislation,” said David L. McDonald, chairman of the Florida Oceans Alliance.
The Alliance will honor Sen. Ken Pruitt, Sen. Paula Dockery and Rep. Donna Clarke on April 20th in the Cabinet Speaking Room during the special presentation on “Coastal Hazards”.
“We wish to thank Sen. Pruitt, Sen. Dockery, and Rep. Clarke for their leadership in helping Florida move ahead and address the Presidential Commission’s report,” said Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, Vice Chair of the Alliance. “It is great to have them as ocean champions.”
Oceans Day Schedule of Events
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. – Legislative reception at the Capitol Building, 22nd floor. Sponsored by Mote Marine Laboratory, and
9 a.m.- 4 p.m. – Oceans Day exhibits in the Capitol Courtyard. Sponsored by the Florida Institute of Oceanography.
11 a.m.- noon – Special presentation on “Coastal Hazards” in the Cabinet Speaking Room. Sponsored by the Florida Ocean Alliance. Speakers include:
– Dr. Ellen Prager, Marine Scientist at the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School, “Florida’s Risks and Resources”
– Bryan Norcross, Director of Meteorology, CBS Miami, “Hurricane Season 2004 and Florida’s Failure to Communicate.”
Noon Award Presentation to Legislators by the Florida Ocean Alliance
The Florida Ocean Alliance is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public-private partnership of government, academic, and private sector organizations. Formed in 1999, the Alliance promotes awareness and understanding of the ocean’s importance to the ecology and economy of Florida. More information on the Alliance is available at its website: www.floridaoceanalliance.org. The Florida Atlantic University Catanese Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions serves as secretariat for the Florida Ocean Alliance.
The Florida Alliance Board of Directors includes: Chair David McDonald of the Florida Ports Council; Vice Chair Kumar Mahadevan, President and CEO of the Mote Marine Laboratory; Dr. James Cato of Florida Sea Grant; Dr. Andrew Clark, President of the Maritime Communications Services; Dr. Duane DeFreese, Director of Research of the Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute; George Willson, Vice President, Conservation Lands, St. Joe company; Elaine Heldewier, Director of Environmental Health and Safety of Carnival Cruises; Clay Henderson, Attorney at Holland and Knight; Rob Kramer, President of the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum; Dr. John Ogden, Director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography; Dr. Shirley Pomponi, President and CEO at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution; Dr. Ellen Prager, Consultant to the Dean at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami; Richard M. Pruitt, Director of Environmental Programs at Royal Caribbean International Cruises; Jerry Sansom, Executive Director, Organized Fishermen of Florida; Jody Thomas, Director of the Florida Keys Office of The Nature Conservancy. Staff includes James F. Murley and Dr. Lenore Alpert of the Catanese Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions at Florida Atlantic University.
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