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Monday 8:30am - 5pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm Thursday 8:30am - 5pm Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

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Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

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The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is dedicated to restoring the area's greatest and most important natural asset - Sarasota Bay.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is a unique intergovernmental partnership dedicated to restoring the region’s most important natural asset – Sarasota Bay. The SBEP strives to improve water quality, increase habitat, and enhance the area’s natural resources for the use and enjoyment by the public.

11/02/2026

Do you enjoy keeping things organized, managing operations, and helping an organization run smoothly? Interested in being part of a small, mission-driven staff? Apply to be part of our team!

SBEP is seeking an Operations Manager to work directly with the Executive Director and oversee the organization's day-to-day business operations. This includes financial administration, grants management, budgeting, procurement, contracts, human resources administration, board support, and general office operations. This is an important role that helps keep SBEP running efficiently, ensures we meet grant and regulatory requirements, and provides essential support to our staff, partners, and leadership.

Applications must be received by 5 pm EST on Sunday, November 29. Visit https://sarasotabay.org/about-sbep/careers/ to learn more and apply.

10/09/2026

Sharks and rays don’t exactly pop up to say hello. So how do researchers know who’s visiting Sarasota Bay, and who keeps coming back? They listen. Underwater receivers pick up each tagged animal’s unique ping, turning invisible movement into patterns we can follow. We spent a day with the scientists behind the network to hear what the bay has been telling them.
Read more at https://sarasotabay.org/listening-to-the-locals-studying-sarasota-bays-wildlife-through-sound/

All research conducted and photos taken under Mote IACUC protocols and Florida state wildlife permits

10/02/2026

Artificial reefs are more than places to fish; they create habitat for marine life, including juvenile gag grouper and other species important to Sarasota Bay’s recreational and commercial fisheries. Research by SBEP has shown that these specially designed reef structures are being used by economically important fish species.

That’s why we’re especially grateful to the Sarasota Sportsmens Association for supporting this work for nearly a decade. In recent years, the Association has contributed $23,000 to SBEP, including a $5,000 contribution presented at last night’s annual banquet. Their ongoing support helps us create and enhance habitat right here in Sarasota Bay.

You could say our missions share the same angle (pun intended): a commitment to a thriving ecosystem for current and future generations. Thank you, Sarasota Sportsmen’s Association, for being such a longtime partner in that work!

09/21/2026

Happy National Estuaries Week! This week Sarasota Bay and 28 other Estuary Programs are celebrating our backyard waterways!

National Estuaries Week is an annual event that celebrates and raises awareness of estuaries and their important role in our lives.

Join in on the fun by joining a cleanup, take a class, volunteering or exploring a local waterway! Tag us and use to share all the fun ways you'll be celebrating our own estuary this week!

09/14/2026

Explore our local estuarine system, then create cyanotype art using native plants to take home!

Celebrate National Estuary Week with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program through a nature experience at Sarasota Bay Walk!

We'll begin with a short guided nature walk along the boardwalk, discovering native plants, mangroves and the ecosystem that makes Sarasota Bay special. Along the way, you'll learn about the importance of estuaries and their role in supporting wildlife, protecting coastlines and maintaining healthy waterways.

After the walk, you'll collect fallen plant leaves and materials from the surrounding native landscape to use in a hands-on cyanotype art activity! Using sunlight, we'll transform these natural forms into beautiful prints inspired by our ecosystem for you to take home!

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/estuary-impressions-tickets-2001011356834?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/24/2026

Want to immerse yourself in the uplifting stories of the people who have dedicated themselves to our estuaries and all who call them home? Join us the evening of September 24 for, “Where Waters Meet: Stories of hope from Florida’s Gulf Coast estuaries”.

We’re hosting this special event in celebration of National Estuaries Week at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton. The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited so be sure to register early to secure your spot. There will be a reception from 5-6 pm followed by the main event in the Planetarium from 6-8 pm.

To learn more and register, see https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/bx4d9wx/lp/7c6132c1-208f-4db6-a03d-617a48a3d704

08/12/2026

Our Communication and Partnership Manager, Megan, and Science & Restoration Manager, Nicole, were recently guests on Manatee County, Florida Government, Changes, Commerce & Conversations podcast!

During the episode, we talked about the work happening behind the scenes to keep Sarasota Bay healthy; from the science and restoration efforts that help protect our estuary to the strong partnerships that make this work possible.

We had a wonderful time being part of the conversation and sharing more about the collaborative work happening across our watershed to protect and restore Sarasota Bay!

Listen to the whole episode at mymanatee.org/podcast or your favorite streaming platforms.

08/04/2026

On July 21st, SBEP and a few incredible volunteers headed out to Sarasota Bay Walk to give hundreds of native plants a new home!

After weather forced us to cancel our original Bay Walk Cleanup & Planting event, we had to wait for the right opportunity to restore the site. When the time came, four amazing volunteers answered the call. In just a few hours, they helped install 400 native plants, transforming the restoration area in the process.

We're so grateful to these volunteers for showing up when we needed them most. This restoration effort simply wouldn't have been possible without your dedication, hard work, and willingness to lend a hand.

We're looking forward to hosting more volunteer events, and hopefully a Bay Walk cleanup, soon! Keep an eye on our Events page for upcoming opportunities to get involved and make a difference!

08/03/2026

Last Friday marked Cheryl Dexter's last day with SBEP after 10 incredible years as our Executive Assistant. Cheryl has been a friendly face, steady presence, and organizational wizard behind our team. She's seen the program grow through new staff, new directors, and exciting milestones, and has played an essential role in helping SBEP accomplish its mission every step of the way.

Today, we're celebrating Cheryl and all she's done for our program. Thank you for a decade of dedication, support, and laughter. We will miss you, Cheryl. Wishing you a wonderful retirement and all the best in the adventures ahead!

07/31/2026

We’ve heard community concerns about coastal squeeze and agree this important issue deserves attention. In our latest Director’s Note, Dr. Gandy explores what coastal squeeze is, why it matters, and the true cost of losing the natural infrastructure that helps protect our communities and Sarasota Bay. Read the full article at: https://sarasotabay.org/directors-note-the-true-cost-of-losing-sarasota-bays-natural-infrastructure/

Address

111 S Orange Avenue
Sarasota, FL
34236

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+19419558085

Website

https://sarasotabay.org/

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