Pinellas County is a peninsula located on the west central coast of Florida, bounded on the east by Tampa Bay and on the west by the Gulf of Mexico. The County is approximately 608 square miles, of which approximately 280 square miles are land and 328 square miles are water. With an estimated 2009 permanent population of 909,013, Pinellas County is the most densely populated county in Florida, ranking sixth in terms of county population, with the second smallest total land area. Pinellas County's ties to the water are extensive. The long stretches of sandy barrier island beaches provide an important source of recreation for residents and visitors, and contribute greatly to the County's character and quality of life. The mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds, tidal flats, and other marine habitats provide homes for many commercially and ecologically important fish, birds, and invertebrates. The County's unique geography and the contribution of its coastal resources toward its economic well-being and overall quality of life require sound coastal management practices.

I will include plan, develop, and implement comprehensive marine educational programs that focus on marine industries, fisheries, and habitat issues, including coastal hazards and climate change issues that impact marine and coastal areas predominately. As a member of the Pinellas County Extension Urban Sustainability Team I will work closely with community leaders and decision makers on coastal sustainability and resilient community planning and development. The protection of life, property and infrastructure investments are of primary importance, and maintaining the economic vitality that coastal resources provide will help ensure future prosperity. The protection and preservation of the coast's natural resources will further these goals and continue to enhance quality of life and livability.