With five nominees who have gone many extra miles to help protect our climate, how do you choose just one winner? Well, you don't — you choose them all — and that is exactly what the Climate Adaptation Center did on Feb. 15 at its luncheon held at Michael's On East.
When the first nominee was awarded and co-host Elizabeth Moore began to thank everyone for coming, she suddenly feigned surprise and announced another winner, and then another until all five nominees were recognized.
David Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, environment reporters Jessica Meszaros and Steve Newborn from WUSF Public Media, Marshall Gobuty, founder and managing Partner of Pearl Homes, and Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, each proudly took home the coveted Beacon Award.
A beacon is a light set up in a high or prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration, and this award embodies the definition. Founded by scientist Bob Bunting, the CAC's mission is to bridge the gap between the latest scientific research and the public's understanding of the changing climate and how it impacts where we live. Together with Founding Director Elizabeth Moore and the CAC's expert staff, it is educating citizens and making a difference in our Florida climate and more through endeavors that include addressing biodiversity, human health, hurricanes, red-tide and sea-level rise.
Elizabeth Moore and Bob Bunting with their climate umbrella
Photo by Janet Combs
CAC's Season Sponsor, Tommy's Car Wash, include Tim Wendorff, William Khabbaz, and Brian Mason.
Photo by Janet Combs
CAC CEO Bob Bunting, and CAC Founding Director Elizabeth Moore are co-hosts of the 2024 Climate Champions Beacon Awards held at Michael's On East
Photo by Janet Combs
Proving that we do hold the whole world in our hands, CAC's Melanie Ringle and Charlotte Tomanino pass out globe stress balls to arriving guests.
Photo by Janet Combs
Jeffrey and Malika Apple attend the Climate Awards.
Photo by Janet Combs
JoAnn Urofsky, Scott Nolan, Andrew and Susy Meszaros, and Climate Adaptation Center award nominees Jessica Meszaros and Steve Newborn
Photo by Janet Combs
Michael Kulaw and Andrew Sandall
Photo by Janet Combs
Carlos Castillo, Nicole Souder-Schale, Tom Lewis and Lisa Miller
Judy Kashden and Ron Kashden from CAC, with Heather Hackett from Local Relief
Photo by Janet Combs
Carol Lackey, Angel Lara and Renee Gilmore
Photo by Janet Combs
Elizabeth Moore and Marion T. Yongue
Photo by Janet Combs
CAC CEO Bob Bunting, Selby President and CEO and award nominee Jennifer Rominiecki, Pauline Wamsler Teri Hansen
Photo by Janet Combs
Mary Braxton-Joseph, JoAnn Urofsky, Emily Joslin and Kathy Jordan
Photo by Janet Combs
William Khabbaz, marketing assistant for sponsor Tommy's Express Car Wash, breaks down water usage per car washed at their locations
Photo by Janet Combs
CAC founder and President Bob Bunting, and CAC Founding Director Elizabeth Moore
Photo by Janet Combs
Greg and Belle Stikeleather
Photo by Janet Combs
Jennifer Rominiecki receives the Beacon Award from CAC's Bob Bunting and Elizabeth Moore for her part in climate adaptation at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
Photo by Janet Combs
WUSF Public Media reporters Steve Newborn and Jessica Meszaros receive the Beacon Award from CAC's Elizabeth Moore and Bob Bunting for their part in climate adaptation.
Photo by Janet Combs
Climate and Environment reporter for WUSF Jessica Meszaros gave a heartfelt word of thanks for sending her to journalism school at Florida International University.
Photo by Janet Combs
Nominee and winner of the CAC Beacon Award David Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.
Photo by Janet Combs
Bob Bunting and Elizabeth Moore flank the nominees who are all winners! Marshall Gobuty, Jennifer Rominiecki, Steve Newborn, Jessica Meszaros, and David Tomasko
Photo by Janet Combs
Clara Reynardus de Villanueva, Greg Smogarb and Lenny Landau
Photo by Janet Combs
Chad Turnbull and Bob Bunting
Photo by Janet Combs
Ric Kearbey is a scientist and meteorologist with CAC and helps mitigate risks of climate change. He is photographed with CAC staff Bob Bunting and Melanie Ringle
Photo by Janet Combs
Elizabeth Moore and Bob Bunting with students from St. Stephen's Episcopal School Layla Turner, Madison McAvoy, Jake Seubert, teacher Allison Misiewicz, and Dean of Students Anna Conn
Photo by Janet Combs
Bob Bunting's family includes Barbara and Wayne Ricci, Mary-Ann Bunting, and Charlotte Tomaino
Photo by Janet Combs
St. Stephen's Episcopal Schools Allison Misiewicz teaches marine biology and environmental science. She is photographed with Dean of Students Anna Connn
Photo by Janet Combs
Marshall Gobuty, Elizabeth Moore, Katie Kominos, Bob Bunting and David Sessions
