The group, “People United to Restore our Rivers and Estuaries”, or PURRE, invited the public to this free event to educate and entertain. PURRE Volunteer Cheryl Giattini:

“I think it’s always true that you learn more when you’re having fun doing it, and this is going to be an afternoon where people can have fun doing a lot of different things all of which are educating them about the very serious issues that arise from releasing the lake water down the Caloosahatchee into our estuary.”

Giattini hopes the event raises awareness on the need to change water release schedules, especially as southwest Florida enters the rainy season.
In addition to speakers such as Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah and PURRE Chairman Erick Lindblad, guests were treated to the local band “Blind Pass”, and an array of food concessions. A silent auction featuring items donated from numerous local groups, restaurants and artists also took place.