SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County is teaming with the non-profit Science and Environment Council to bring you an expanded version of the highly popular Sustainable Communities Workshop in early December. The expanded workshop focuses on big ideas about sustainability and our environment through a two-day EcoSummit, packed with expert lectures, panel discussions, storytelling and music, and a two-day Green Living Expo trade show. “Our natural environment is the foundation of our economy and quality of life; by working together to educate and activate the community, we hope to bolster efforts to conserve and restore our treasured natural resources—and protect quality of life for generations to come,” said Dr. Jennifer Shafer, Science and Environment Council co-executive director. |
Sarasota County’s continuing growth in popularity has made the area a destination for many, while also highlighting the need to protect limited resources and foster sustainable, equitable communities that respond to change. The county’s annual sustainability workshop showcases actions and efforts toward those goals. The EcoSummit kicks off Dec. 4 with a free, outdoor screening of “2040” at The Bay Park Nest, with the documentary’s award-winning creator, Damon Gameau, on hand. The event continues 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5-6 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, including a session 7-9 p.m. Dec. 5 with acclaimed Florida author and humorist Carl Hiaasen, local storytellers and a musical guest, along with emcee Craig Pittman, an author and journalist. | Discounted early registration tickets on sale now for the EcoSummit – with special evening of Florida Stories with author Carl Hiaasen – and Green Living Expo in early December. Learn more at scienceandenvironment.ticketspice.com/ecosummitexpo. |
EcoSummit ticket options range from $155 to $285, with standalone tickets for the Hiaasen session running $85-$185. Discounts are available with early registration. The Green Living Expo runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2-3 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. This impactful trade show highlights green solutions for energy conservation, waste reduction, water protection, local food, and nature conservation. Admission is free with advance registration or $5 per group at the door. Other events include family-friendly Ever-GREEN Days at The Bay Sarasota, with interactive, eco-friendly and free guided tours, hands-on eco-education and other activities, from Nov. 30 through Dec. 06. View the experiences and get free tickets! The Presenting Sponsor for the event series is the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation; EcoSummit Lead Sponsor is Elizabeth Moore; Gulf Coast Community Foundation is sponsoring the Florida Stories session with Carl Hiaasen; and the Venue Host is the City of Sarasota. Numerous sponsorships are available; to learn more, visit eco-summit.org. For more information on the workshop, speakers, and topics, and an outline of the day’s activities, visit eco-summit.org or call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000. |