Springs Summit 2025 | Recap

While many of you might be lovers of the springs or explorers with your Florida Springs Passport, have you ever heard of the Springs Summit?

This event is hosted by the incredible Florida Springs Council, a non-profit coalition that works to defend and protect the springs through education, legislation, and environmental movements. 

This one-day event was jam-packed with lectures, a live podcast recording, a silent auction, vendor tables with books and merchandise, and a beautiful social hour underneath banyan trees at sunset.

About the Event: The Springs and the People Who Care

The event was hosted at the beautiful and historical campus of Stetson University College of Law located in St. Pete, once known as the Hotel Rolyat built in 1926. As Florida's first law school, it served as the ideal venue to bring together passionate springs advocates, foster discussions on legislative reforms, and inspire meaningful change.

Who was all there? Well, it was quite the celebrity sighting for spring lovers and advocates alike

• 1000 Friends of Florida Save the Manatee Club
• Friends of Wekiva River Wakulla Springs Alliance
• Sierra Club Stand up 4 Springs
• Florida Springs Institute Florida Wildlife Federation
• Florida Wildlife Federation Rainbow River Conservation
• Ichetucknee Alliance Clean Water Coalition
• St. Johns Riverkeeper Friends of Silver Springs State Park
• Alachua County Environmental Protection Department  Our Santa Fe River 
• And of course, the legendary Profanity Manatee himself!

(There were so many other incredible organizations there, but the list would have been a full page itself. We thank each and every one who sponsored and attended the event for their support!)

One of the rooms had a fantastic setup, with goodies and merchandise from Florida Springs Passport, Old Florida Vibes, 5801 Print, and of course, the Florida Springs Council. There was also a silent art auction showcasing stunning pieces celebrating Florida’s natural beauty. Additionally, the bookstore offered a selection of books about Florida’s springs and surviving the Sunshine State’s incredible, wild, and sometimes dangerous landscape. After all, Florida isn’t for the faint of heart.

The event brought together people of all ages, from young college students in their early 20s to older adults, with one speaker in her 80s. Attendees hailed from Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Gainesville, and beyond. I even met a woman originally from Florida, who now lives in Kentucky, who came to the summit. This truly highlights how the springs have inspired and impacted generations, crossing county and even state lines. 

“Where is the next generation going to take this and how can we rely on what needs to be done”-Pat Rose, Director of Save the Manatee Club

If you're unfamiliar, the magical spring waters flow from the vast aquifers beneath all of Florida. As speaker Jake Varn eloquently put it, "The springs are a barometer for the health of the aquifer." 

In other words, protecting the health of the springs is directly tied to safeguarding the health of the entire state.

Many people love swimming and paddling in waters that rise from the earth’s cavernous tunnels, reminiscent of the Fountain of Youth. However, it's important to remember that these springs are home to a wide range of Florida’s wildlife. Dr. Bob Knight, founder of the Florida Springs Institute, reminded us that "the springs are the most productive aquatic system we have in Florida, comparable to the ecosystems found in tropical coral reefs." This highlights why protecting the springs and maintaining their water quality is so crucial—it extends far beyond just the beauty of the water itself.

Many of us have seen posts from the Florida Springs Council and other environmental groups highlighting how fertilizers and contaminated runoff contribute to the growth of neon green algae overtaking our springs. However, another significant factor is the flow of the springs, which has been negatively affected by the increased residential and business development, as well as excessive pumping by bottled water companies.

Whether you've been concerned for years about the changing landscape and the influx of people moving to Florida, or this is your first time hearing about it, it's important to remember that saving the springs is crucial for the health of the state, its environment, wildlife, and all the people who love to live here. 

The good news is, it’s fixable. There is plenty of water, but we must not take it for granted.

“Life is a learning experience, but only if you learn”- Jake Varn, Former Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation.

Live Podcast Recording: Manatees, Gators, and Parks Oh My!

One of the breakout sessions featured a live podcast recording with hosts from the Florida Madcaps and the Florida Spectacular. In the first part of the recording, guest Tiare “TJ” from the Save the Manatee Club shared fascinating facts and insights about the legendary manatee.

While the cooler winter weather sends manatees migrating to the spring's warm 72-degree water, places like Tampa offer excellent manatee sightings in the summer. Personally, I’ve had the pleasure of spotting manatees on the East Coast, near Titusville, during the summer months.

As you head out for some boating or jet skiing during the upcoming spring and summer breaks, be mindful of the wake zone signs. Boating at slower speeds not only helps protect marine life that rely on the waterways—just as we rely on highways—but also helps reduce coastal erosion. So, take it easy on the water and embrace the slower pace of island vibe.

The manatee is closely related to the elephant, and much like elephant calves learn from their mothers where the watering holes are, manatee mothers teach their calves the locations of warm water sites.

TJ also shared that when orphaned calves are rehabilitated, they are fitted with trackers to ensure they are adjusting well to life in the wild. This helps monitor their ability to find those crucial warm springs during the colder months, offering them refuge when needed.

Another iconic resident of Florida’s springs is the alligator, or "gator" for short. Speaker Federico Acevedo from the Florida Wildlife Federation recommended Shark Valley in the Everglades as a great spot to observe these prehistoric creatures. But remember, gators don't want to be bothered—much like you wouldn’t want to be disturbed when your favorite show drops a new season on Netflix.

“We want to encourage people to engage with nature rather than be afraid of it”-Cathy Salustri, Host of the Florida Spectacular Podcast

Also keep mind, the reason these animals wander into backyards or more developed areas is because that is where their homes were long before we humans built ours in their territory.

In another breakout session, Cathy made an insightful point about how the accessibility of these springs through their state park status encourages public involvement and, therefore, people to care. And we should care! 

We should be motivated to protect the places we love to enjoy. Connecting with nature is essential to the human experience. That’s why Central Park was created in the concrete jungle of New York. But here in Florida, we’re truly fortunate to have these stunning natural escapes, even if just for a few hours, offering us a glimpse of real, unspoiled Old Florida, not a manicured lawn on a golf course.

“Stay involved! The Agencies are just people”- Doug MacLaughlin, Florida Springs Council

Environmental Legislation: Power of the People Matters!

Many of you, like myself, have probably clicked on links from social media or email newsletters to sign a form letter for or against a bill. It's important to note that for those letters to truly make an impact, it’s essential to customize them and let your voice be heard. I’ve found that when I take the time to personalize my message, I’ve actually received a response from the representative in my district.

We, the people, elected our representatives, and if we don't share what matters to us, how will they know? 

Those in office care about public opinion, so use your voice! Many springs and state park advocates have successfully rallied to prevent the FDEP from taking over state park lands for another golf course. That victory came from the power of the people's voices.

Keep in mind that it’s not just environmental issues crossing lawmakers' desks. There are also matters related to taxes, education, healthcare, and more. The list is long, and there’s only so much time in a day. This perspective helps explain why processes can sometimes feel slow or seem like a cause is not receiving the attention it deserves. But always circle back to the power of using your voice and putting a story and relatable emotional experience to your cause when making your case in front of a committee or in your customized form letter.

When interacting with lawmakers, we're often quick to voice our concerns when we disagree with a proposed bill or decision. However, don't forget the power of positive reinforcement. If they take actions you support or stand up for what's right, be sure to say "thank you" or at least give them a like. Recognition and appreciation go a long way.

Curious about finding who your local representative is and to reach out them? You can use these websites: Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senators

Staying on Top of the Spring Buzz

You might be wondering, how does one stay up-to-date on all that is happening with the springs and your local environmental community? 

Here are some tips: 

• Read your local newspaper.

• Follow conservation groups.

• Listen to podcasts like the Florida Madcaps, the Florida Spectacular, and As Bad As It Is Podcast.

• When visiting your local state park, talk to the rangers (They are usually very friendly. I have talked to many and learned so much, including some fun facts).

• Join the Florida Springs Council email newsletter or their text alert system.

Ain’t No Party Like a Spring Summit Party!

After a full day of information and inspiration, it was time to socialize and celebrate all that was accomplished the past year in true Floridian style, beneath twinkling lights, dangling from a courtyard filled with banyan trees. Springs advocates work and fight hard to protect and educate people about the springs, but we make sure to cheer each other on and celebrate the wins even more!

If any of these topics interest you or you want to learn more about supporting the springs and the council in its endeavor, follow the Florida Springs Council and the other incredible organizations mentioned, get involved in your local spring community, and we will see you next year at the summit!