Sierra Club Conservation Group: Protecting Florida’s Future Together.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Selby Public Library – Conference Room
(Downstairs, Southeast Corner)
1331 First St, Sarasota, FL 34236

Admission: Free and open to the public

Topics: Contacting Legislators; Greenbelts: Sarasota Manatee Wildlife Corridors and our archaeology in Manatee and Sarasota 

Guest Speaker: JAVIER ESTEVEZ - Sierra Club Florida Political and Legislative Director.   

Javier has been with Sierra Club Florida since 2022, previously serving as the Operations & Legislative Coordinator, where he played a pivotal role in advancing environmental advocacy efforts across the state.

Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, his extensive experience in campaign and policy work includes running for Florida House District 105 in 2018 and 2020, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and environmental policy.

As Political and Legislative Director, Javier aims to build a dynamic and inclusive political program that engages with all those dedicated to protecting Florida’s environment, natural resources, and wildlife. 

Your Local Legislative Delegation Meeting
Florida’s lawmakers are hosting legislative delegation meetings in each of the state's 67 counties—a vital opportunity for citizens to speak directly with their state lawmakers. These annual meetings provide legislators with an opportunity to hear local concerns and priorities before the next legislative session begins, and public comment can help shape the issues they focus on in Tallahassee.

This is where you can help. To be placed on the agenda to speak, if you wish to make a presentation to the Delegation, email (information below).

Manatee County delegation meeting:
101 Old Main Street, Bradenton, FL, 34205
(Monday) 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

The Manatee County Legislative Delegation will convene on Monday, October 27th, from 8:30 AM to noon at 101 Old Main Street, Bradenton, FL 34205. To be placed on the agenda to speak, email zahid.saddique@flhouse.gov with: 1) Name of Presenter, 2) A 2-3 sentence summary of the topic you plan on presenting and/or addressing. 3) Your one-page handout (PDF preferred), due no later than 12:00 PM on Monday, October 13, 2025.

Sarasota County legislative delegation meeting: 
4000 S Tamiami Trl, Venice, FL 34293
(Thursday) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

The Sarasota County Legislative Delegation Meeting will take place on Thursday, November 13th, 2025, at the Robert L. Anderson Administration Center in Venice at 9:00 AM.
If you wish to make a presentation to the Delegation, please submit a Presentation Request Form to Representative McFarland’s office by Friday, October 31st. Her office can be reached for the Form at (941) 899-0940 or via email at andrew.parker@flhouse.gov for any additional questions.


Wildlife Corridor



Project 1: Our Wildlife Corridor – REAL Greenbelt Preservation
Join us to discuss the vital importance of preserving and enhancing Sarasota’s Wildlife Corridor — also known as the Greenbelt. These native forested areas act as natural buffers that:

• Purify water
• Slow down stormwater runoff
• Provide critical wilderness habitat
• Increase resilience to inland flooding, rising temperatures, and stronger storm events.

Our message is clear: While responsible development is welcome, uncontrolled rezoning is endangering our environment.

We must protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the lands that sustain Florida’s unique ecosystems. Rural land loss, aquifer depletion, and habitat destruction can’t continue unchecked.

Focus Areas:
Stormwater Management
Nutrient and Water Pollution Reduction
Ecological Health in Urban & Rural Environments
Wildlife Habitat and Biodiversity Conservation
Forest Restoration through Microforests


Team Statement: Staying Focused on What Unites Us.
  • We welcome people from all walks of life. Our meetings are a non-political and religion-free zone, allowing us to focus on our shared goal: protecting the environment.
  • Respect, inclusion, and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.
  • Let’s work together to build a future where Florida’s land, water, wildlife, and communities can thrive. Our group includes people with a wide range of perspectives and beliefs. That diversity is valuable — and it’s essential we respect it. Let’s focus on what brings us together, not what could set us apart.

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