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Connecting professionals. Sharing knowledge. Advancing best practices
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President's Message
The LAI FL Suncoast Chapter closed out 2025 with with an excellent chapter meeting and members recognized at the 20th Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop; the profound event was orchestrated by chapter member Sara Kane, Sarasota County Sustainability and Resilience Manager and a total seven members attended.
Member Jon Thaxton, Gulf Coast Community Foundation Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, gave workshop opening remarks while member John McCarthy, VP Regional History at Marie Selby Botanical Garden gave the opening keynote presentation.
Be sure to register for the next meeting on Tuesday, January 21 5:30 - 7:30 pm sponsored by Hoyt Architects and hosted at The Cafe on St. Armands Circle. Joshua Ewen, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County VP Economic Development, will share on What's Next for Sarasota County Economic Growth.
The 2026 FL Suncoast One-by-Land, Two-by-Sea Tours are the first tour in the LAI SemiQ East Coast Tours: Land Use & History (1776-2026) that celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
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.
The Tours/LED are now open to ALL land economics professionals. Additional info and registration links are in newsletter sections.
The FL Suncoast Chapter brings value to its membership and the community via a myriad of activities and opportunities for active participation. It is an honor to lead the vibrant chapter.
With Honor,
Holly Elmore
LAI FL Suncoast Chapter President
City of Sarasota skyline image courtesy of Holly Elmore Images (HEI).
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January 21 Chapter Meeting
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What's Next for Sarasota County Economic Growth.
In our next LAI event, Joshua Ewen, CEcD, VP of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County will provide an overview of the County’s economic growth trends including an update on the future of business parks, and high-wage job creation related to development planned across Sarasota County.
Thanks to Hoyt Architect's generous sponsorship the event is free to attend by chapter members, their guests, and potential members. Registration is required.
SPEAKER: Joshua Ewen, VP, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.
LOCATION: Café on St. Armands | 431 St. Armands Cir., Sarasota 34236
5:30 pm Reception with appetizers & cash bar
6:00 pm Program
7:00 pm Open Networking
SPONSORED BY: Hoyt Architects
REGISTER HERE.
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Water Challenges, Economics & Nature-Based Solutions LED
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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 land economics professional and concerned citizens.
REGISTER HERE - early pricing ended on December 21, 2025 email Holly (holly@earth-impact.org) for an extended early bird code.
Sponsorship opportunities are detailed HERE.
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One-by-Land, Two-by-Sea 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 (Tours) hosted by the Chapter is the first tour in the series.
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.
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 land economics professional and those interested in learning about Sarasota's economic drivers.
REGISTER HERE - early pricing ended on December 31, 2025; email Holly (holly@earth-impact.org) for an extended early bird code.
Sponsorship opportunities are detailed HERE.
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November 18 Chapter Meeting
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A hundred years of excellence - honoring the past, shaping tomorrow.
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Sarasota County UF/IFAS hosted the FL Suncoast Chapter (Chapter) for an empowering meeting at their Twin Lakes campus. Thanks to Florida Power & Light (FPL)'s generous sponsorship the meeting was free to attend; Tiki Go Go provided delicious food supplemented by a cash bar for the pre-and post-meeting receptions.
Chapter Emcee John McCarthy welcomed guests to the meeting, facilitated a quick round of introductions. and introduced FPL Area External Affairs Manager Devaney Iglesias; Devaney gave an excellent presentation on FPL's history, current service commitment, and impressive community involvement. The meeting closed with the formal induction ceremony for new member Christy May of The May Group.
Post meeting, guests enjoyed the lovely reception and lingered while making new friends and reconnecting with long-term acquaintances.
The IMPACT Magazine article, FPL – Reliable Power & Generosity of Spirit, gives an overview of the empowering meeting with a feature on Devaney's impressive presentation.
Photo: Devaney during her presentation courtesy of Holly Elmore Images (HEI).
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Sustainable Communities Workshop - John McCarthy & Sara Kane
Chapter Emcee John McCarthy, VP Historic Preservation at Selby Gardens - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 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.
KUDOS to Sara Kane and her team for orchestrating a phenomenal workshop!
Photo: John during his empowering presentation courtesy of Holly Elmore Images (HEI).
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Nina Powers Legacy Award - Tim Rumage
Chapter member Tim Rumage earned the inaugural Nina Powers Legacy Award for years of service advancing sustainability across multiple sectors. He serves as coordinator and developer of environmental studies at Ringling College of Art and Design, as well as coordinator for Sustainability in Design Education at CUMULUS, a non-profit global association of some 400 universities and colleges of art, design, and media.
Nina Powers Legacy Award
A special recognition for an individual who has dedicated years of service to advancing sustainability across multiple sectors. This “Sustainability Champion” award highlights long-term achievement, mentorship, and enduring impact. Many in our community remember Nina Powers not only for her integral milestones of achievement for sustainability in our local region, but also her outgoing personality and infectious smile. Our committee looks forward to recognizing legacy work in local sustainability and honoring Nina with this award.
Photo: Tim with his award along with Sara courtesy of Holly Elmore Images (HEI).
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Coastal Water Dynamics
,On December 16, member John Taylor, owner at Ralph Taylor's Nursery, presented on Coast Water Dynamics at the Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay. The meeting key topic was a precursor to John's opening presentation at the February 25 LED.
Though John took the leadership role, the PPT presentation was a joint effort with the FL Suncoast Responsible Communities Taskforce. Tim also played a key role.
John was excellent, especially with fielding the plethora of questions at the end of the presentation.
Photo: John at his 2025 induction ceremony courtesy of Holly Elmore Images (HEI).
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Chapter members: consider joining one of the ad hoc committees and/or the Tours Organizing Committee! Potential chapter members: LAI FL Suncoast Chapter membership is via a sponsored nomination by an existing member. As a nearly 95-years-old land economics honorary, LAI-member criteria includes ten-years of experience in land economics-based professional endeavors as well distinguished achievements. For further information, please contact Chapter President Holly Elmore via info provided below.
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