Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, INC. Near to Nature: Environmental Education "Wild Pursuits" Nature Clubhouse Grant Year: 2023 | Focus Area: Environment & Recreation| Amount: $108,364| Grant Status: In progress The mission of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (ECWR) is education, conservation, and rehabilitation for the welfare of Florida's natural fauna and marine mammals. Founded in 1994, ECWR has grown from a single volunteer responding to a stranded dolphin, to a nationally recognized state and federally permitted rehabilitation center. The organization accomplishes this mission by creating an environment focused on educating the public about conservation and coexistence with wildlife while utilizing state-of-the-art digital x-ray equipment and a marine mammal necropsy suite. The Refuge's natural setting is surrounded by animal ambassadors and rehabilitation patients cradled under majestic oaks. ECWR hosts field trips for 3,000 children each year and a Community Outreach Lecture Series that works with various local organizations. Additional programs include Take a Kid...

Ocean hour, inc. Improving Sustainability in Our Pensacola Parks Grant Year: 2023 | Focus Area: Environment & Recreation| Amount: $108,364| Grant Status: In progress Ocean Hour was founded in 2012, inspired by Justin Riney who thought that if everyone gave just one hour each week to cleaning up shores and waterways, we could make a significant impact on the marine debris issue. Ocean Hour offers weekly Saturday morning beach cleanups at multiple locations throughout Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties and continues to expand its service offerings and volunteer base. Now, Ocean Hour performs 2-3 regular cleanups every Saturday and partners with other organizations to do cleanups on other days of the week, totaling approximately 130 cleanups a year across 16 sites. The amount of trash collected has increased each year from 5,000 pounds in 2016 to over 41,000 pounds in 2022. In addition, Ocean Hour attends numerous events to raise awareness of...

NAVARRE BEACH SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION CENTER, INC. FROM HATCHLINGS TO ADULTS, COME JOIN US ON OUR JOURNEY Grant Year: 2022 | Focus Area: Environment and Recreation | Grant Amount: $103,820 | Grant Status: In Progress The mission of Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Inc. is "Giving Sea Turtles More Tomorrows" through conservation, education, and research. After receiving 501(c)3 status in April 2013, the organization leased a building from Santa Rosa County, and volunteers began remodeling the space. By the end of 2014, the Center opened to the public with limited displays for field trips and outreach programs and a small gift shop. In January 2018, a sea turtle named Sweet Pea from the Gulfarium became the Center's "ambassador-in-residence." Sweet Pea, and others like her, are why there is now a Sea Turtle Stranding & Rescue Team of volunteers for strandings and entrapments at the Navarre Pier, the number one location in all...

KEEP PENSACOLA BEAUTIFUL, INC. KPB COVERS MORE GROUND Grant Year: 2022 | Focus Area: Environment and Recreation | Grant Amount: $103,820 | Grant Status: Complete Keep Pensacola Beautiful's mission is to provide education and resources for sustained community improvement. Keep Pensacola Beautiful, or "KPB," was founded in 1979 by a group of concerned citizens who were interested in tackling the growing problem of roadside litter in Escambia County. Over the 40+ years, the organization's offerings have expanded, and it officially became an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful in 1995 and aligned its priorities and strategic direction with that of the national organization. Keep Pensacola Beautiful serves all of Escambia County. KPB's Services Crew cleans and maintains over 70 parks and boat ramps across the county. Staff work with Escambia County School District and other educational organizations to provide environmental education to children throughout the county. Keep Pensacola Beautiful offers a wide range...