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A Wonderful Event!
Last month, the LAI FL Suncoast Chapter hosted the One-by-Land, Two-by-Sea Tours (Tours) with grand success! LAI members and guests traveled from across North America to sunny Sarasota for two days of tours celebrating Land Optimization.
The Regeneration in ACTION (RiA) article, Land Optimization: a key to economic and environmental success, celebrates the Tours with a synopsis of the event. Links for PPT-presentation downloads are included in the article.
For a pictorial recap of the Tours, visit the Holly Elmore Images (HEI) three-part One-by-Land, Two-by-Sea Tours Gallery.
THANK YOU to those who attended the Tours - it was an honor to welcome you to my lovely hometown and showcase four empowering examples of Land Optimization successes.
With Appreciation,
Holly Elmore
Ei Founder & CEO, LAI FL Suncoast Chapter President The Tours Group Photo at Selby Gardens is courtesy of Holly Elmore Images.
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Thank you to those who came in a day early to attend the Water Challenges, Economics, and Nature-Based Solutions LED (Land Economics Dialogues) on Wednesday, February 25.
After the excellent morning presentations, LED Moderator John McCarthy spearheaded a dynamic afternoon session organized by the following discussion points:- Part 1. What’s going on with water? What is going on with water in your world – either your professional or personal observations?
- Part 2. Where are the gaps in our efforts to protect water resources and related economies?
- Part 3. LAI is multidisciplinary - What kind of professional intersections will help us bridge the gaps?
An impressive foundation was established on February 25 for future LED events.
The RiA article, Water Challenges, Economics, and Nature-Based Solutions, documents the empowering day in a detailed fashion. The Holly Elmore Images LED Photo Gallery contains related images.
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The feedback for the Tours/LED arrived in various forms and through diverse channels. During the recent Annapolis/Washington D.C. Tours, attendees and those who followed the events from afar shared abundant praise for the program.
Many of these sentiments arrived through emails, social media, and professional correspondence. A particularly meaningful reflection came from Durga Poudel, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of GeoScience at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, who noted:
"The Land Economics Dialogues (LED) and the 'One-by-Land, Two-by-Sea' tours were simply outstanding. The thoughtful integration of economics, environmental stewardship, and practical field experience made this one of the most meaningful conferences I have ever attended."
The photo of Durga and his lovely wife Shanta on "the Hill" at the Celery Fields is courtesy of Holly Elmore Images.
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The 2026 Tours/LED were made possible through the generous support and collaborative spirit of our regional partners. A profound thank you is extended to those who invested in this multidisciplinary bridge for the Florida Suncoast. Foundational Funding Sponsors
Our gratitude is expressed to the organizations whose financial commitment anchored this event: - John McCarthy
- Florida Power & Light (FPL)
- Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay Foundation
- The Jane Family Foundation
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Strategic In-Kind Partners
A special thank you to the institutions that provided the space and professional expertise to elevate the dialogue: - Gulf Coast Community Foundation: For generously hosting the LED as well as the Tours Opening Reception and inaugural Land Tours session at their Philanthropy Center and providing a premier environment for regional collaboration.
- Sarasota Art Museum: For the invaluable contribution of Petra Gurin’s time and talent as the Tours/LED Project Manager.
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: For the invaluable contribution of John McCarthy’s expertise as the Tours/LED Co-Lead and historical guide and for opening the Gardens early for a private tour.
- Sarasota County: For the professional time and dedication of Sara Kane as a vital participant and strategic contributor to our regional environmental goals.
Logistics & Volunteer Leadership
Barbara Williams, Chapter member, for her stellar leadership in securing the Tours/LED volunteer team and overseeing the complex registration and event logistics.
Our Dedicated Volunteers: Including Petra Gurin, whose project management was essential to the day’s success and Christy May, whose presence was memorable and inspirational.
Photo of John McCarthy and Barbara Williams is courtesy of Holly Elmore Images.
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For those who attended the Tours/LED, a survey is forthcoming. The Team appreciates you providing your feedback Videographer extraordinaire Bill Wagy will provide event videos, which will be shared upon publication.
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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 was the first tour in the series.
Below are snippet promotions for each of the subsequent Tours. I hope that you register for other Tours, they will ALL be fantastic!!!
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Atlanta Tours - Friday, April 17
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Tour The Stitch & Centennial Yards. Talks on Atlanta's evolution as sports & entertainment destination, framed by history and land use. Tour of Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site.
REGISTER
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New York City Tours - Thursday/Friday, May 14/15
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Museum tour & lunch at Fraunces Tavern. Revolutionary War walking tour. Talk on 1811 Grid Plan & Erie Canal. Walking tour of historic Greenwich Village & Lower Fifth Ave.
REGISTER
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Philadelphia Tours - Friday, June 12
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View Philly from top of City Hall. Tour Independence Hall, Penn’s Landing, Society Hill & other key sites. Talks on City’s land development history.
REGISTRATION will open shortly
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Boston Tours - Thursday/Friday, June 23/24
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Walk along the Freedom Trail. Boston Harbor guided boat ride. Visit Prudential Bldg. observation tower. Guided trolley ride through Back Bay, Downtown, & Seaport areas. REGISTER
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