Created in 1968, ManaSota-88 evolved from a major environmental health study sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service, Florida State University, the University of Florida and the Sarasota and Manatee County Commissions. Our commitment to safeguard the air, land and water quality is aggressive and uncompromising.
The areas of concern involve water quality, land use, and overall environmental protection. Private contributions are the ONLY source of the organization's funding! We accept no contributions rom any government agency or polluting industries.
Making a difference.
Reduce Toxic Pesticides in Schools.
Pesticides by their very nature are poisons. They are designed to be toxic to a particular plant or animal. Unfortunately, pesticides also pose a danger to human health. Adopting statewide legislation that supports Integrated Pest Management programs in the schools is a positive step in reducing the toxic chemical effects pesticides have on human health.
Radiation Risks & Phosphate Mining
ManaSota-88 supports the concept of the nearest to zero radiation risk possible for all phosphate related facilities. We believe over the long term this position makes good economic sense as well as environmental sense.
Hurricane Evacuation.
'At no time in history has Southwest Florida's population been more hurricane-vulnerable than it is today." That quote is from the 1981-1982 Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council's Hurricane Evacuation Plan.
Will this be a year Florida beats the odds, or will this be the year the big one hits? Can residents successfully evacuate, or have we exceeded the capacity of our roads to get everyone out of harm's way?
Prohibit Offshore Oil Drilling.
Americans consume 25 percent of the world's produced oil, but our nation holds less than 3 percent of the world's proven oil reserves.
As a matter of national policy, it seems strategically reckless to continue to deplete our nation's very limited oil and gas resources.
The more domestic oil we consume, the less oil we will have in the future and the less secure our nation will be.
Ban Single Use Plastic Bags.
ManaSota-88 has recommended banning retail plastic bags from the Sarasota and Manatee County landfills.
We continue to recommend banning the use of these bags and again request both counties work to change the Resource Recovery and Management (Chapter 403.7033 F.S) that prevents local governments from adopting any regulation that would prohibit or restrict the use of plastic bags.
Swimming in Sewage.
Less oversight and reduced regulation of the building industry has made our region a contender for the “Sewage Spill Capitol of the World”.
Contact with water contaminated with the raw sewage can lead to ear or skin infections and inhalation of contaminated water can cause respiratory diseases. Sewage spills pose a huge threat to the environment.