We launched this innovative series last month, to bring together community members and local experts for an evening of open discussion on relevant environmental solutions. The goals were simple: make environmental education more accessible by meeting people where they are and highlight the challenges and opportunities facing Sarasota County today. Over pints and casual conversation, participants dug into practical questions on how to protect water quality, build resilience to storms and flooding, restore and steward habitats, and reduce waste.
And, apparently, it slaked a thirst.
Hosted at Calusa Brewing by UF/IFAS faculty agents Armando Ubeda (Florida Sea Grant, Sarasota County) and Randall Penn (Waste Reduction, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County), the gathering offered a fresh, informal setting to explore the issues shaping our county’s natural future. Guest speakers spotlighted two high-impact local issues. One focused on oyster repopulation: how restoring reefs can improve water quality, bolster coastal resilience, and engage residents in monitoring and stewardship. Another centered on Midnight Pass: its history and closure, the ecological and community implications, and the science-informed pathways being discussed for future management.
The brewery setting helped break down barriers, turning a public forum into a neighborly exchange of ideas. What stood out was the collaborative spirit. Residents, practitioners, and educators compared notes on what’s working, where gaps remain, and how small, everyday choices can create meaningful change. The discussion surfaced a common theme: Sarasota’s environmental issues are complex, but solutions grow stronger when they’re grounded in community insight and guided by science.
And we definitely want to throw a “hat tip” to the team at Calusa Brewing, which long has supported UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, including previously hosting an Extension-led “Reducing Plastics” event.
The next “Brewing Ideas” round comes Dec. 02, 5:45-7:45 p.m. at Calusa Brewing, 5377 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Then, we’ll be talking about our local bottlenose dolphin population and what we can do to protect this charismatic marine mammal, including approaches like “living shorelines” to slow erosion, efforts to enhance biodiversity, and building (more-)resilient communities.
Featured speakers for the event:</P
- Dr. Katherine McHugh, senior scientist, deputy program director of Sarasota Dolphin Research Program
Dr. Katie McHugh, a Brookfield Zoo (Chicago) employee based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, will share information about local dolphin populations. - Armando J. Ubeda, faculty agent, UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant, Sarasota County Extension
Armando will share information about nature-based solutions.
Learn more and register at eventbrite.com/cc/4791436. Hurry, as seats are limited!
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