Pioneering oceanographer and marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle will address more than 400 philanthropists, nonprofit and civic leaders, environmentalists, and students at a luncheon hosted by Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Earle, one of the most respected ocean scientists ever, is the founder and president of Mission Blue, which works to establish marine-protected areas around the globe. Her storied scientific career includes many firsts—first female head of NOAA, first human to dive untethered at 1,250 feet, first “Hero for the Planet” named by TIME magazine, and more. Earle’s ties to the Gulf Coast region include serving for a year as interim director of Mote Marine Laboratory in the 1960s. Better Together, the foundation’s annual community-education luncheon welcomes renowned thought leaders to Sarasota to discuss urgent issues and big opportunities facing the Gulf Coast region this coming Friday, March 13 at 11:00 am at The Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive in Sarasota. Credentialed media may cover this event. To participate in the media roundtable and/or to reserve a media seat for the luncheon and lecture, contact Greg Luberecki at 301-466-9594 or gluberecki@gulfcoastcf.org. 

To learn more about this event or to register