Climate champions honored for helping Southwest Florida adapt to change
Climate champions honored for helping Southwest Florida adapt to change
Special to the Herald-Tribune | Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Community leaders, scientists, business executives, and public officials gathered recently in Sarasota for the fourth annual Climate Champions Awards hosted by the Climate Adaptation Center.
The event recognized three regional leaders whose work is helping Southwest Florida prepare for stronger storms, rising seas, and the growing impacts of climate change.
The Beacon Award, the CAC’s highest honor for climate adaptation leadership, was presented to Sara Kane, sustainability and resilience manager for Sarasota County; Charlie Hunsicker, director of natural resources for Manatee County; and John LaCivita, president and CEO of Willis Smith Construction.
“This year’s Climate Champions represent exactly the kind of leadership our region needs,” said Bob Bunting, CEO of the Climate Adaptation Center. “They are turning climate risk into action and helping ensure the Suncoast remains a safe, thriving place to live and work.”
Kane has spent more than two decades working in science, policy, and community planning, helping Sarasota County move from climate planning to real world implementation. Her work has helped transform climate risk from an abstract concept into funded projects and measurable resilience strategies.
Hunsicker has dedicated decades to protecting coastlines, improving water systems, and reducing environmental risks throughout Manatee County. His leadership has helped strengthen coastal resilience while protecting natural resources that are vital to the region’s economy and quality of life.
LaCivita has led Willis Smith Construction in advancing resilient infrastructure designed to withstand stronger storms and future climate risks. His work demonstrates how the private sector can play a major role in building safer, more resilient communities.
The annual Climate Champions Awards celebrate individuals whose leadership is helping communities adapt to a changing climate. With this year’s honorees, the CAC now recognizes 14 Climate Champions whose work is shaping resilience across the region.
Submitted by Bob Bunting