The Committee of the Islands (COTI) will hold its annual meeting on March 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, with the presentation to take place at 4 p.m.<\/p>\n
Guest speaker and Audubon Florida Vice President and Executive Director Julie Wraithmell will present \u201cHow Nature, Policy, and People Shaped Florida and What Comes Next.\u201d The program will be discussion on Florida\u2019s environmental challenges and opportunities.<\/p>\n
The state\u2019s natural environment has long shaped Florida\u2019s identity, economy and quality of life. She will explore the state\u2019s history of overcoming environmental threats through innovation and dedication, examine the most pressing conservation issues currently facing Florida, and highlight pathways for collective action to protect the state\u2019s natural resources while sustaining its economy.<\/p>\n
COTI reported that the discussion is timely for Sanibel. After incorporating as a city to protect against overdevelopment, the sanctuary island is once again facing development pressures as Lee County approves major new development on Captiva. There are also several large-scale developments planned in Lee and Collier counties. As a result, key habitats around the islands are threatened, along with regional water quality and general quality of life. It is clear that the best future for the sanctuary islands requires protection of land and ecosystems in the region, and indeed throughout the state.<\/p>\n
Wraithmell is biologist and has led Audubon Florida since 2018, overseeing a team of 80 researchers, resource managers, educators and policy experts working to advance durable, science-based conservation solutions statewide. Previously, she served as Audubon Florida\u2019s deputy state director, leading the organization\u2019s coastal conservation and wildlife policy efforts.<\/p>\n
Wraithmell\u2019s career includes service as a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, where she created the nationally recognized Great Florida Birding Trail. In 2015, she received the Charles Callison Award \u2014 the National Audubon Society\u2019s highest staff honor \u2014 for her leadership during the Deepwater Horizon disaster response. Wraithmell has also been named three times by the Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald as one of Florida\u2019s Top 50 Influencers.<\/p>\n
Also at the event, COTI will announce its 2025 Person of the Year award.<\/p>\n
Following the presentation, there will be a brief business meeting for COTI membership only. Attendees are encouraged to join COTI or renew their membership at the event.<\/p>\n
Refreshments will be served.<\/p>\n
The program is free and open to all, but registration is required.<\/p>\n
To register or for more information, visit https:\/\/bit.ly\/3MOI9xt<\/a>.<\/p>\n For more information about COTI, visit www.coti.org<\/a> or contact COTI33957@gmail.com.<\/p>\n