SBEP Announces Blue Dolphin Award Winners

2012 Blue Dolphin Awards. The awards recognize local champions of Sarasota Bay and the SBEP mission to restore and protect Sarasota Bay spanning Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

The winners include Charles Edwards, a long term volunteer member of the SBEP Citizens Advisory Committee, Jack Merriam, the recently retired environmental manager with Sarasota County and an advocate of low impact development, Martha B. King Middle School in Bradenton, an active supporter of the Bay Guardian volunteer program managed by SBEP in partnership with Around the Bend Nature Tours, Raindrops Cisterns, a Sarasota business focused on rainwater harvesting and water storage solutions, and Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, a non-profit group focused on protecting sea turtles, shorebirds and their habitat.

SBEP will host a private party April 4 at Crosley Estate Mansion to honor the award recipients. Local commissioners that serve on the SBEP Policy Board will present the awards in front of more than 150 guests including many local professionals that support Sarasota Bay waters and habitat. Participating commissioners include Sarasota Commissioner Jon Thaxton, Manatee Commissioner Michael Gallen, City of Bradenton Commissioner Marianne Barnebey, and Town of Longboat Key Commissioner Lynn Larson. Mark Alderson, the Director of SBEP will host the event with his staff. Randy Moore, the SBEP marketing contractor will serve as the master of ceremonies.