LEMON BAY CONSERVANCY, INC.
ENGLEWOOD, FLORIDA

: Lemon Bay Conservancy periodically hosts programs and events designed to enhance public understanding of environmental topics. In 2011, we began hosting a series of educational nature walks and open house events at Wildflower Preserve. In 2014, are launching a new series of Environmental Safari Walks that focus on the terrestrial, freshwater wetland, and estuarine areas of the preserve. We also publish brochures and newsletters on a variety of environmental topics. Partnering with Mote Marine and the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, we are expanding scientific knowledge with the first ever study of juvenile tarpon in Lemon Creek at Wildflower Preserve. : The Lemon Bay Conservancy board regularly reviews environmental issues that may impact the Lemon Bay and Charlotte Harbor areas and advocates for appropriate decisions. To learn more about Lemon Bay Conservancy’s history, Lemon Bay Conservancy History In 1971, private developers were proposing to build a large trailer park on several islands in Lemon Bay (northeast of Stump Pass) and to construct a bridge from Manasota Key to the islands. Manasota Key and Englewood community leaders, concerned about the environmental impacts, banded together to find a way to limit the development. Lemon Bay Conservancy was formed to support that effort and to protect local environmental resources in the years ahead. A few highlights of LBC’s work through the decades are shown below. Due in large measure to the urging of LBC, Sarasota County purchased many acres of land which are essential to preserving the health of the waters and fish and wildlife surrounding our communities. The county purchased 23 acres on Manasota Key which boarders Lemon Bay just north of Blind Pass. The property provides access to both gulf and bay waters. Today the land is part of Blind Pass Park. LBC worked hand in hand with Sarasota County commissioners to begin the process for designating county bays as “Outstanding Florida Waters”. LBC also provided funds for an environmental impact effort to monitor water quality which was distributed to state agencies, schools and libraries. In 2010, the LBC board of directors, with the help of many individuals and groups throughout the community, raised the necessary funds to purchase the Wildflower Golf Course in Placida. The fundraising effort was helped greatly by a significant donation from the estate of Verna Rodgers. Currently, Wildflower Preserve is being returned to its natural state. (Please refer to the Wildflower Preserve section of the website.) After the purchase, it was discovered that a number of the ponds on the preserve are home to juvenile Tarpon and Snook due to the ponds’ connection with the Charlotte Harbor estuary. LBC is working with the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust to preserve and study those fish habitats through an extensive “tagging” program. A resident of Rotonda West, Jim recently retired after more than 15 years, as the charter CEO/Executive Director of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority. His education includes an MA in Human Relations and MBA in Business. He is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Placida, served 7 years on the Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Preservation Board, 6 yrs with the Sarasota County Myakka River Protections & Oversight Board, 2 years with the Placida Area Planning Board & Vision Group, 4 years on the County’s Boca Grande Area Planning Board, served 3 times on the Charlotte County Assembly. He is a past President of West County Republicans and currently President of Protect our Watersheds. Jim retired in June 1993 from the US Air Force with the rank of Colonel. When he retired, he was the Base Commander at Mt. Home AFB in Idaho and the pentagon’s leader conducting an on-time requisite NEPA Environmental Impact Statement which successfully enabled the Air Force to bring a new mission to Idaho, as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, combining precision strike fighter and bomber aircraft at one base entitled the 366th Gunfighters Composite Wing. Jim was the Chair of the LBC 2006 and 2007 Annual Toast to the Coast fundraisers. Percy graduated from Smith College in 1967 and from Stanford Law School in 1970. She worked for several years as an attorney with Illinois EPA, developing a strong environmental orientation and learning environmental law. From 1973 through 2004, Percy practiced law with the Chicago firm of Mayer Brown. Here she started the firm’s environmental law department and chaired it for many years. Her practice ranged over many areas of environmental law: water, air, waste and hazardous waste, and cleanup and remediation. While most clients were in industry and sometimes in real estate, Percy has also represented municipalities and not-for-profits. She has taught and lectured nationally on various issues in environmental law and still teaches once a year at Loyola Law School in Chicago. The Medintz’ purchased their home in Cape Haze in the 1990’s and became full-time residents in 2004. Percy is active with the Cape Haze Property Owners Association and is a founding member of the Friends of Cape Haze, participating actively in various development issues involving the Peninsula and trying to build a network of interested citizens. Irene is a Native New Yorker from Westchester County and has been a SW Florida resident for 35 yrs. She obtained her degree in Business Administration from S.U.N.Y. Cobleskill before moving to Englewood in 1979. Irene volunteers her time and talents to many local non-profits and has served as a committee member for the Lemon Bay Conservancy’s annual Toast-to-the-Coast event for the past 4 yrs. She is currently an active member of the local organization BPW (Business and Professional Women), the Englewood Florida Chamber of Commerce serving on various committees, a supporter of Dollars For Mammograms, Inc., and has her Real Estate Salesperson’s license. In her summer home in Avalon, New Jersey, Mrs. Dahms is a volunteer with the Wetlands Institute, an educational preservation of the salt marsh ecosystem. Mr. and Mrs. Dahms are very active in the youth sailing program at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor where they are both members. Hilary has been the Chairperson for Lemon Bay Conservancy’s Annual Gala for four years and has done a fantastic job!