Sarasota Bay Watch

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Sarasota Bay Watch is a grass-roots, non-profit, citizen-based organization dedicated to preserving and restoring Sarasota Bay, through education and hands-on community involvement.

10/26/2026

What a morning at the 2nd Annual Turtle Tidal Takeout! 🐢

Our volunteers launched from the Turtle Beach boat ramp by kayak, boat and on foot, and pulled debris out of the mangroves and waterways around the Jim Neville Marine Preserve.

Volunteer John Ryan summed it up best:

“When we arrived, anybody could see trash in the mangroves. When we left, one would be hard pressed to find trash. Very satisfying!”

A huge thank-you to everyone who paddled, hauled and shuttled. You made a real, visible difference for our bay. 💙

And a special shout-out to Gecko’s Gecko's Grill & Pub for supplying a delicious lunch for our fabulous volunteers! 🦎

Want to join us next time? Check out upcoming events at sarasotabaywatch.org

Restoration at Jim Neville Marine PreserveSaturday, November 7 @ 8:00 AM – 12:30 PMJoin us for a day of restoration and ...
10/21/2026

Restoration at Jim Neville Marine Preserve

Saturday, November 7 @ 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Join us for a day of restoration and fun at the stunning Jim Neville Marine Preserve! We rotate goals every month to target the preserve’s evolving needs.
This hands-on restoration project of 5 acres of vital native habitat is a fantastic way to make a tangible impact on the environment while soaking in the natural beauty of the preserve. Come plant native flora, improve local trails, and remove marine debris to help restore our natural spaces. Enjoy a guided walking tour to learn more about the area’s unique ecology—and yes, there will be plenty of good snacks to keep you fueled! Bring your kayak or use one of the 20 kayaks we’ll have on hand to help.

This event will be an easy-paced walk, perfect for all comfort levels. With high temps expected, we’ll have plenty of shade, a fan, and cold refreshments available to help keep everyone cool. Recent rain has brought out vibrant blooms and active birdlife—nature is showing off! The trails are improving each week, and it’s a great chance to get in some light community service while enjoying the outdoors. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking to get your hands dirty or just want to chat with like-minded people who care about the environment. It’s a great opportunity to connect, contribute, and have a blast in the process.

Can’t make it on the weekend but available during the week? We’d still love your help! Reach out to John Ryan at 941-586-4296 to coordinate midweek volunteer opportunities.

Register Here: https://sarasotabaywatch.org/event/restoration-at-jim-neville-marine-preserve-5/

Sharks, rays & skates, oh my! 🦈Our Youth Leadership team had a blast teaching elementary students all about elasmobranch...
10/20/2026

Sharks, rays & skates, oh my! 🦈

Our Youth Leadership team had a blast teaching elementary students all about elasmobranchs, the cartilaginous fishes of the sea!

The kids explored:
🦷 Teeth and jaws, and how they connect to what each species eats
✋ Scratchy shark skin they could touch for themselves (thanks to MISS!)
⚡ The Ampullae of Lorenzini, the amazing sensors that help sharks detect prey. So cool!

Then things got creative! Students used their own one-of-a-kind fingerprints to paint unique spots on eagle rays, just like no two rays are exactly alike.

So many fun facts, great questions, and big smiles. It doesn’t get any better than this! 💙

A huge thank you to our Youth Leaders for inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards. 🌊🐠

Turtle Tidal Takeout – 2nd Annual! 🐢Saturday, October 24 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PMTurtle Beach Public Boat Ramp, 8701 Blind P...
10/20/2026

Turtle Tidal Takeout – 2nd Annual! 🐢

Saturday, October 24 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Turtle Beach Public Boat Ramp, 8701 Blind Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242

We’re back for round two! Following our Turtle Beach/Jim Neville cleanup, we’re heading out for a large-scale effort to clear debris from the waterways and shoreline around Turtle Beach.

We need help on the water and on land:

• Boats and skiffs to shuttle debris collected by kayakers back to the dumpster
• Kayakers who can bring their own or use one of our limited Sarasota Bay Watch kayaks
• Walkers for cleanup areas that are reachable on foot

This is a chance to make a big, visible difference for our local waters, and every volunteer counts.

Register now (link in bio). If you can’t make it after all, please let us know ASAP so we can offer your spot to another volunteer.

Questions? Contact Ronda Ryan at (941) 232-2363.

🥉 It's official! Sarasota Bay Watch has been named a Best of Sarasota 2026 Bronze Winner for Best Environmental Based Ch...
10/15/2026

🥉 It's official! Sarasota Bay Watch has been named a Best of Sarasota 2026 Bronze Winner for Best Environmental Based Charity! 🌊

This honor belongs to every volunteer who has waded into the water, every supporter who has believed in our mission, and every neighbor who voted for us. Thank you for helping us protect and restore the waters we all love.

Here's to a cleaner, healthier Sarasota Bay - together 💙

Birding at Jim Neville Marine Preserve 🔭Shots from our Oct 4th Bird Monitoring! Extra special this time: a new family jo...
10/07/2026

Birding at Jim Neville Marine Preserve 🔭

Shots from our Oct 4th Bird Monitoring! Extra special this time: a new family joined us after finding us here on social media. Welcome to the flock!

On Wednesday September 23rd, MCFF Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers made a generous donation to Sarasota Bay Watch in support o...
10/06/2026

On Wednesday September 23rd, MCFF Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers made a generous donation to Sarasota Bay Watch in support of our ecological work. These funds will help us keep cleaning debris from sensitive coastal habitats, restoring shellfish and shoreline vegetation, and educating our community and local youth.

Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers is a Sarasota nonprofit of dedicated fly-fishing enthusiasts committed to water conservation and habitat restoration. Each year, they host a screening of the Fly Fishing Film Tour, featuring short, world-class fly fishing films from around the globe, plus raffles, gear auctions, and a chance to connect with fellow regional anglers. Proceeds benefit local conservation partners, including Sarasota Bay Watch and Big Waters Land Trust.

📅 Save the date: The 2027 Fly Fishing Film Tour comes to Fogartyville this March. Join us!

📸 Photo by Rusty Chinnis: Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers President Ken Babineau (right) and Fundraising Chair Erik Larsen present a donation check to Ronda Ryan, Executive Director of Sarasota Bay Watch.

Looking for a reason to grab dinner out? Join Sarasota Bay Watch at Bonefish Grill for Give Back Night on October 24, 20...
10/03/2026

Looking for a reason to grab dinner out? Join Sarasota Bay Watch at Bonefish Grill for Give Back Night on October 24, 2026! Gather your crew, enjoy your favorite Bonefish Grill dishes, and turn a night out into a night that gives back to our bay.

Head to the Sarasota Bonefish Grill at 3971 South Tamiami Trail and be sure to show the Give Back Night flyer. 15% of net sales from the event will benefit Sarasota Bay Watch, so every meal can help make a difference.

BONEFISH SARASOTA, FL
3971 SOUTH TAMIAMI TRAIL
SARASOTA, FL 34231

https://www.bonefishgrill.com/reservations

Birding at Jim Neville Marine Preserve 🦅🌿Join us for a student-led birding event as we explore the preserve, observe loc...
09/29/2026

Birding at Jim Neville Marine Preserve 🦅🌿

Join us for a student-led birding event as we explore the preserve, observe local bird activity, and help document the avian wonders of this beautiful habitat!

📅 Sunday, October 4, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Meeting Point: Boat Ramp at Vamo Road Park
1700 Vamo Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231

Bring your water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and shoes that can get wet. Kayaks are available, but you’re welcome to bring your own vessel!

📞 Questions? Contact Ronda Ryan at (941) 232-2363.

Please use the Vamo Road Park address above when navigating. Do not navigate directly to Siesta Key.

Register online to secure your spot and join us for a morning of birding, community service, and connection with nature! 🐦

Restoration at Jim Neville Marine Preserve 🌿Saturday, October 3 | 8:00 AM–12:30 PMJoin us for a morning of hands-on rest...
09/28/2026

Restoration at Jim Neville Marine Preserve 🌿

Saturday, October 3 | 8:00 AM–12:30 PM

Join us for a morning of hands-on restoration at Jim Neville Marine Preserve! Help plant native flora, improve trails, and remove marine debris while enjoying the beautiful preserve and connecting with fellow volunteers. Kayaks are welcome, and 20 kayaks will be available to use.

📍 Meeting Point: Boat ramp at Vamo Road Park
1700 Vamo Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231

👟 Bring closed-toed shoes that can get wet, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and a dry bag for valuables.

Questions? Contact Ronda Ryan at (941) 232-2363.

Can’t make the weekend? Contact John Ryan at 941-586-4296 to coordinate midweek volunteer opportunities.

Register online to secure your spot—we’d love to have you join us! 🌱

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Sarasota, FL
34230 - 34243

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