The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture and natural resources and to making that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. UF/IFAS Extension works to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public, with the goal of helping individuals, businesses, and other groups implement science-based practices in their lives and work. The UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station’s (NCBS) faculty, staff, and affiliates work with a wide range of groups to develop and implement such practices related to natural resources along Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast between Hernando and Wakulla Counties.

The Nature Coast Champion Award Program, initiated by UF/IFAS NCBS, seeks to recognize individuals, businesses, agencies, or non-profit groups that provide leadership and implementation of best practices for conservation and management of natural resources.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2023-2024 Nature Coast Champion awards!

2023 Awardees

Heath Davis

As a sixth-generation Cedar Key waterman, Heath Davis has dedicated his life to preserving his hometown’s rich heritage and ensuring a thriving future for its coastal waters. A multi-generational clam farmer, Heath co-owns and operates Cedar Key Seafarms alongside his father, cultivating sustainable Florida clams and oysters in Cedar Key’s Gulf of Mexico waters. His work embodies a shift from harvesting natural resources to replenishing and sustaining the environment, showcasing how aquaculture can be a force for good.

Heath’s passion for his community goes beyond aquaculture. He has served as one of Florida’s youngest mayors, continuing a family legacy of public service that spans four generations of Cedar Key leaders. During his time as mayor and city commissioner, Heath demonstrated unwavering dedication to his hometown, working tirelessly to support its people and natural resources through good and bad times.

In addition to his local impact, Heath is a leader in the aquaculture industry, serving on the Board of Directors for the Florida Aquaculture Association and advocating for policies and practices that benefit aquaculturists, the environment, and local economies.

Thank you, Heath, for your commitment to Cedar Key, your environmental stewardship, and your efforts to ensure the next generation of watermen and women can thrive.

Sid Henkin

Sid Henkin first visited Cedar Key in 2012 with his wife, Barb, seeking a more remote, dog-friendly location to enjoy fishing and wildlife during the winters. They found Cedar Key to be the perfect choice, and it quickly became their winter retreat. During this time, Sid became an active volunteer, especially in youth and outreach programs that encourage young people to explore the outdoors. He has dedicated extensive time as a volunteer at the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge as a member of the Friends of the Refuge organization. He also serves on the Board of the Cedar Key Friends of the Library. Additionally, he has volunteered at public events hosted by the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, where he helped educate the public on ongoing research and conservation efforts along the Nature Coast.

Before retiring, Sid was part of a Global Leadership Development consulting group and served as a board member for the International Federation of Training and Development Organization (IFTDO), a United Nations Non-Governmental Organization. After his wife Barbara passed away in 2020, Sid and his daughter, Becky, relocated to Maryland, where he now lives in Columbia near his son, Aaron. Sid has continued his passion for conservation in Maryland and volunteers at a wildlife refuge there.

Sid’s commitment to conservation, youth outreach, and community service makes him a true Nature Coast Champion, and we celebrate his efforts to inspire others and protect the environment.

Enrique (Eric) Latimer

Eric has spent more than three decades leading conservation efforts at the Duke Energy Crystal River Mariculture Center, transforming it from an environmental compliance initiative into one of Florida’s most impactful fish hatcheries and habitat restoration allies. Eric studied fisheries and aquaculture at Texas A&M University and the University of Florida, equipping him with the expertise to make an big difference for Florida’s ecosystems. Latimer has worked at the Duke Energy Mariculture facility in Crystal River since it opened in 1991, with most of this time spent in a leadership role.

Under his leadership, the center has released nearly 5 million fish and crustaceans and donated $250,000 worth of aquatic vegetation for restoration projects across Florida. From pioneering innovations like the “eelgrass burrito” with the University of Florida to establishing a donor salt marsh and mangrove nursery to meet the rising demand for living shoreline materials, Eric’s collaborative spirit and innovative solutions have rebuilt and preserved critical habitats affected by red tide, hurricanes, and declining water quality.

Thank you, Eric, for your dedication to Florida’s coastal ecosystems and your unwavering commitment to conservation!

Read more about Eric’s distinguished contributions at:

2024 Awardees

Florida’s Nature Coast Conservancy

Since its founding in 1993, FNCC has been a steadfast guardian of Florida’s coastal ecosystems, protecting over 400 acres of vital habitats, including saltwater marshes, mangrove swamps, and estuaries. These lands not only provide safe havens for wildlife but also strengthen our community’s resilience to flooding and climate change.

FNCC’s conservation efforts have had a tangible impact—helping the City of Cedar Key achieve FEMA’s Community Rating System designation, which grants residents discounts on flood insurance premiums. FNCC-managed lands accounted for a significant portion of the city’s floodplain management credits, especially under the open space preservation category.

FNCC also does outstanding work over and above land preservation through its partnerships with City government, other local nonprofits, and Cedar Key residents, FNCC has partnered with UF FIBER’s GatorCorps program to collect the necessary data to gain an International Dark Skies designation for Cedar Key. FNCC is also a champion for living shorelines and recently helped the City secure over $1 million in state funds to preserve flood-prone parcels in their natural state. FNCC participates annually in key community events like the International Coastal Cleanup and Arbor Day and serves as advisors for local resilience and restoration projects like the Cedar Key ShOREs initiative and the Resilient Cedar Key project.

We celebrate FNCC’s incredible dedication to protecting the Nature Coast and creating a more resilient, sustainable future for all.

Learn more about FNCC here.

Patricia “Patty” Jett

Patty Jett’s legacy is one of unwavering service, creativity, and community spirit. From her early career as a nurse in a Native American village to her decades of work as a teacher in Cedar Key, Patty touched countless lives. She created impactful programs like the Young Authors Program and Cedar Key Circus, fostering creativity and teamwork in local students. As a passionate advocate for the arts, Patty led the Cedar Key Arts Center’s summer programs, teaching students the value of collaboration and appreciation for others. She also dedicated years to ensuring fair elections in her community, working tirelessly alongside the Supervisor of Elections.

Patty’s positive influence was felt by all who knew her. After her passing in September 2024, the Patty Jett Scholarship for the Arts will honor her legacy, continuing her commitment to education and the arts.

In recognition of her extraordinary dedication, it is fitting that Patty Jett is celebrated with the Nature Coast Champion Award, a testament to her lifelong commitment to bettering her community. She will be missed, but her influence will never fade.

Timothy (Tim) Solano

Tim Solano is a second-generation clam farmer, founder of Solano Sea Farms, and operations manager at Cedar Key AquaFarms. A passionate advocate for the shellfish aquaculture industry, Tim works to promote it with state and federal legislators, local officials, and business leaders. After the 2023 and 2024 hurricanes, he led efforts to support the industry’s recovery, raising awareness through media coverage and trips to Tallahassee to inform lawmakers.

As a 14th-generation Floridian, Tim was recently appointed to the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association State Board and serves on the Aquaculture Review Council, helping shape grants to improve Florida’s aquaculture industries. He’s also involved in the Healthy Farms-Healthy Bays initiative, connecting upland and shellfish farmers to find integrative solutions in the Suwannee River Basin.

Despite his busy role as a young father of three, Tim remains dedicated to his community, helping with coastal clean-up efforts and Cedar Key’s beautification. His leadership and commitment to both the aquaculture industry and his community make him a true Nature Coast Champion.