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AN OPEN, PERSONAL INVITATION to my friends & colleagues!
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Come join us this February 25 – 27 for the Lambda Alpha International (LAI) One-by-Sea, Two-by-Land Tours along with the Water Challenges, Economics, and Nature-Based Solutions LED (Land Economics Dialogue) in sunny, warm, and gorgeous Sarasota!
Enjoy a respite from the harsh winter conditions in the north and learn about Sarasota's economic drivers, innovative development, and the gorgeous beaches and bayfront - experience WHY so many choose the Suncoast for their vacation, second-home, and/or retirement destination.
Register NOW – space is limited; there are only three spaces remaining on the Sarasota Bay History Cruise!
I am excited to showcase my lovely hometown that many call paradise!
Local Sarasotans will also thoroughly enjoy the Tours and depart impressed with and proud of the city that they call home. The Tours/LED are an excellent avenue to learn how the LAI FL Suncoast Chapter brings value to their members and the community.
Holly Elmore
Ei Founder & CEO, LAI FL Suncoast Chapter President Photo banner is a Sarasota skyline image from across Sarasota Bay courtesy of Holly Elmore Images.
Lido Beach on Friday, January 31 - the Sarasota barrier islands are simply stunning and await you! Photo is courtesy of Holly Elmore Images.
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As my personal guest, use the below codes to reinstate early bird pricing:
- Tours: HollyDiscountGlobal
- LED: HollyDiscountLED
Learn about registration options at this LINK. Scroll down for Tours/LED details.
The Tours/LED are open to LAI members, guests and all land economics professionals.
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Selby Garden VP Regional History and Tours Co-Lead John McCarthy will treat attendees to his extensive wisdom of Sarasota-area history from recent times and back to the days when the local population was indigenous. John is a phenomenal orator and entertains as he educates a crowd!
Recent history: my historic high school designed by architect M. Leo Elliott in 1926 and completed in 1927 is an example of Collegiate Gothic architecture, featuring red brick and glazed terra cotta. The Sarasota High School "old building" was renovated into the Sarasota Art Museum (SAM) of Ringling College and opened to the public in December 2019. SAM is a Tours partner!
The 2020 Photo is courtesy of Holly Elmore Images
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Sarasota Bay History Cruise
Our second day of tours focuses on Sarasota Bay, where the history of our community began. On this waterway tour, we will explore how Sarasota bay has influenced the history, development and economy of our region. While enjoying the beauty of Sarasota Bay on an intimate level, we will hear from experts on local history, marine ecology, and wildlife, including the principal scientist of the longest-running bottlenose dolphin study in the world. We will also learn how our local bayfront is being transformed to enhance the ecology and economy of the region. Don’t miss this trip back in time - and into the future!
Photo courtesy of Sarasota Bay Explorers
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Sustainability in Sarasota, from a historical perspective
LAI FL Suncoast Chapter Emcee John McCarthy gave a superb opening keynote presentation at the 2025 Sustainable Communities Workshop, 20 Years Then, Now, Next.
Watch John's impressive and engaging Looking Back and Moving Forward — Sustainability in Sarasota presentation.
Photo: John presenting at the Sustainable Communities Workshop
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Delicious History
The three-part Delicious History, A Culinary Exploration of our Region, an illustrated lecture series was presented by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens via Zoom in the summer of 2025. This particular program (No 2 in the series) is focused on foods available in Florida in the 1770s, in celebration of our nations upcoming 250th birthday. The program was created and presented by John McCarthy.
Photo courtesy of Selby Gardens
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Land Economics Dialogues (LED)
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Water Challenges, Economics, and Nature-Based Solutions LED
As a precursor to the February 25 – 27, 2026 One-by-Land, Two-by-Sea Tours, the Chapter hosts a Land Economics Dialogues (LED) event on Wednesday, February 25 from 9 am – 4 pm. The LED focus is on local Water Challenges, Economics, and Nature-Based-Solutions.
An LED is an FL Suncoast-event series where prominent LAI members from around the globe provide expertise and advice on land- and water-related issues.
The LED agenda consists of four morning speakers followed by a brainstorming session during lunch. Morning presentation topics include Coastal Water Dynamics, Surface Water (Sarasota Bay, Gulf, Inland Waters), Extreme Weather, and Local & Regional Economics. The afternoon is dedicated to an empowering strategy session. A formal report will document the LED presentations, strategy session, and recommended nature-based solutions.
Land and water economics are the common thread within the LED–strategy points.
The LED is open to Global LAI members.
REGISTER HERE - early pricing ended on December 31; use the HollyDiscountLED to reinstate the early bird discount.
Sponsorship opportunities are detailed HERE.
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FL Suncoast SemiQ East Coast Tour
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One-by-Land, Two-by-Sea
On February 25 – 27, 2026, the Chapter welcomes distinguished land economics professionals from across the globe to the Sarasota/Bradenton area during the prime winter season. Due to bus limitations, the One-by-Land, Two-by-Sea Tours is limited to 45 out-of-town guests; local chapter members will participate via their own transportation.
Step into history, innovation, and paradise for the One-by-Land, Two-by-Sea Tours. Learn how the Suncoast evolved over the past 250+ years with visits to:- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the world’s first net-positive energy botanical garden,
- Nathan Benderson Park, a world-class rowing venue built from an old shell-excavation pit.
- Sarasota Bay History Cruise, and more!
As detailed in the Tours Itinerary, the tours consist of an opening reception, two days of tours filled with prominent speakers including a two-hour Sarasota Bay History Cruise, and finishes with a Closing Dinner Reception (pending sponsorship.)
The Tours is open to Global LAI members and a guest.
REGISTER HERE - early pricing ended on December 31; use the HollyDiscountGlobal to reinstate the discount.
Sponsorship opportunities are detailed HERE.
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LAI SemiQ East Coast Tours
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The LAI SemiQ East Coast Tours: Land Use & History (1776-2026) celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a series of tours hosted by the seven Eastern Region chapters: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, FL Suncoast, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. The One-by-Land, Two-by-Sea Tours hosted by the LAI Fl Suncoast Chapter is the first tour in the series.
Registration is open for the following Tours:
- Annapolis, March 19 - REGISTER
- Atlanta, April 16 - REGISTER
- New York City, May 14 & 14 - REGISTER I hope that you register for other Tours, they will ALL be fantastic!!!
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