Pew Asks Florida Governor to Finalize New Aquatic Preserve

Bill passed by legislature would protect Gulf of Mexico’s largest seagrass bed and long-term health of coastal economy

Pew Asks Florida Governor to Finalize New Aquatic Preserve

On March 12, The Pew Charitable Trusts submitted a letter to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) encouraging him to sign into law legislation that creates a new aquatic preserve off Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties along the state’s west coast.

The Florida Legislature passed the measure during its session this month. The preserve would span about 800 square miles and protect approximately 400,000 acres of the Gulf of Mexico’s largest seagrass bed, which provides critical habitat for valuable marine life. Healthy waters in this region are critical for fishing, boating, manatee-watching, scalloping, and other activities and businesses.

The measure, sponsored by Florida Representative Ralph Massullo (R-Lecanto) and Senator Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula), drew widespread support from more than 100 Nature Coast businesses, nine state and national recreational fishing and marine industry organizations, the Citrus and Hernando county commissions, and Citrus County’s chamber of commerce and tourist development council.

Read Pew’s letter to Gov. DeSantis here.

America’s Overdose Crisis
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Quick View

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Article

37 Scientists Pioneering the Future of Biomedical Research

Quick View
Article

Biomedical researchers are at the heart of nearly every medical advancement. From cutting-edge cancer treatments to breakthrough discoveries about emerging viruses, these scientists use creativity and ingenuity to explore new horizons in human health and medicine. And for nearly 40 years, The Pew Charitable Trusts has supported more than 1,000 early-career researchers committed to this work.

Where We Work: Gulf Coast

Quick View

Where We Work: Gulf Coast

Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics

Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?