YES, and you’re encouraged to do so. One of the strengths of the Springs Summit is the mix of experts and new learners. Be prepared for in-depth legal and policy topics that may be new to you if you are just getting started in springs advocacy. We think springs advocates from all backgrounds will find the discussions and presenters informative, clear, interesting and worth learning about. And you'll almost certainly make lasting connections with other advocates.

Note: Hurricanes Helene and Milton affected many local businesses, including lodging in and near Gulfport. We recommend booking with local Gulfport businesses and Air BNB's if available. But you may need to look more inland, toward downtown St. Pete, which is about 15 minutes away, for lodging as Gulfport and the coastal areas get back on their feet.

In the past this has been a weekend-long event. This year we’ve packed everything into just one day, so that more people can attend without needing overnight accommodations. We will have a casual meetup Friday evening, Oct. 18, at 3 Daughters Brewing in St. Pete from 5-8 for those who are staying overnight in the area, as well as a brunch gathering Sunday morning at a popular restaurant in downtown Gulfport for those still in the area.

We are providing breakfast, lunch, and snacks free of charge thanks to our generous sponsors and partners. Even the social hour after the summit will have provided beverages and hors d'oeuvres free of charge. When you register, you can choose to get a vegetarian box lunch, (vegetarian rice and veggie wrap, fruit or chips, cookie) and citrus-water, coffee, and tea will be made available for everyone. If you prefer, you can bring your own lunch. Because of time restraints we don't recommend leaving for lunch, though there may be restaurants nearby that could deliver if arranged ahead of time. Bring a water bottle - Stetson Law does have bottle refilling stations. We will end the night with a Banyan Bash after-party where First Magnitude brewing has provided canned springs-themed beer, and hors d'oeurvs will be provided.

*Note - the cancelation due to the hurricanes caused a change in presenter availability. This agenda is in flux and will be finalized as soon as possible. 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Check-in. Breakfast and coffee provided. 9:30 - 10:50 a.m. Welcome and then opening session with a panel of the springs conservation movement's most long-term and influential leaders 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. Breakout sessions Deep dive with policy experts into the implementation of the Springs & Aquifer Protection Act, including MFLs, BMAPs, Harm Rule or Participate in a live podcast recording with co-hosts Ryan Worthington of "The Florida Madcaps" podcast and Cathy Salustri of "Florida Spectacular." 12:10-1:00 Legislative preview and advocacy strategy with Travis Moore, Rep. Lindsay Cross, and Dustin Paulson 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Lunch (vegetarian box lunch provided) 2:00 - 3:50 p.m. Communication strategies, featuring UF Public Interest Communications professor Angela Bradbery and TrueBlue Strategies leader Sam Snyder. 4:00 - 5:55 p.m. Main room, legal discussion UF law clinic, Stetson law clinic, FSC's legal team, and other attorneys will cover various legal topics and strategies 6:00 Closing remarks from FSC director Ryan Smart Banyan Bash: Immediately following closing remarks we will exit the building to the Banyan Courtyard for a sunset social. We'll have beer provided by First Magnitude Brewing, and heavy vegetarian hors d'oeuvres.

Contact me, Brenda Wells, FSC Communications Director at brendawells@floridaspringscouncil.org