Our state, the site of the first European settlement in the United States*, is projected to have a population of 20,216,600 in 2020. Florida has 4,424 square miles of total water area and 2,276 statute miles of tidal shoreline. There are around 7,700 lakes of 10 acres or more and 33 first-magnitude springs. Florida is the only state in the continental United States with extensive shallow coral reef formations near its coasts. Coral reefs create specialized habitats that provide shelter, food, and breeding sites for numerous plants and animals. The highest natural point is only 345 feet above sea level. (Source 2019: Florida Department of State)
In addition, Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the Florida panther. The Park is a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty. (https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm)
Rachel Carson, the author of Silent Spring wrote “Only within the moment of time represented by the present century has one species -man- acquired significant power to alter the nature of his world.”
As our family in now in its fourth generation of attorneys and sixth generation in Florida, we believe that the future of our State depends on each of us to protect our environment and natural resources so that Florida remains economically strong and a preferred destination for visitors from all over the world. Even small changes in our lifestyles will help. Limiting the use of plastics is a good place to start.
The world produces about 310 million tons of plastic each year. That equates to 83 pounds of plastic per person. This total production is expected to grow two to three times over in the next thirty years. (DRAWDOWN – Paul Hawken 2017)
Please begin in helping limit the amount of plastics that end up in our oceans, bays, rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, estuaries and landfills. As a small first step, we are encouraging the limitation of plastic straws by providing our clients, friends and families with quality, reusable and easy to clean, food grade stainless steel straws.
Please learn more about what can be done, how you can help and the work that is being accomplished through some dedicated groups by looking at the following links:
Loggerhead Marine Life Center - https://marinelife.org/
The Turtle Hospital - https://www.turtlehospital.org/
Mote Marine’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration - https://mote.org/locations/details/international-center-for-coral-reef-research-and-restoration
Tellus Products - https://www.tellusproducts.com/
*St. Augustine was founded by Spain in 1565.