Marine Preservation on Florida’s Gulf Coast: A History

Marine Preservation on Florida’s Gulf Coast: A History Presented by: Dr. Chris Wilhelm, Associate Professor of Environmental History, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Program begins promptly at 2PM. Registration Required. About this Lecture After World War II, Florida’s population exploded. Most new residents were drawn to Florida’s coasts, and developers in turn sought to convert public waters into private lands. Mangrove forests, salt marshes, estuaries, bays and other marine environments were dredged, filled and destroyed. In response, old and new residents alike, rose up to protect Florida’s waters. Major fights unfolded in Tampa, Fort Myers and Naples in the 1950s and 1960s. These citizens created some of the world’s first marine preserves and revolutionized the way Florida’s state government oversaw its marine resources. About this Series This lecture is part of the Sarasota County History Center’s Fall 2026 Florida History Lecture Series, commemorating America’s 250th anniversary by exploring Florida’s people, places, and experiences within the broader story of the United States. Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional support is provided by the Jacarlene Foundation. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities, or the Jacarlene Foundation.