The official first day of Mote Marine’s return to Boca Grande was last Wednesday.

BY LEW HASTINGS - One  of the greatest duties of my job as Executive Director of the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce is to be present when new doors open in our community.This past week it was my great privilege to be present as Mote Marine Laboratory cut the ribbon, officially opening their doors on Gasparilla Island.

Mote has been an important part of this community, essentially since its humble beginnings in Cape Haze in 1955. This is where it all began. The opening of this office here in the heart of Boca Grande brings Mote back home.

Former First Lady Laura Bush joined Mote Marine Laboratory President Kumar Mahadevan, Vice President of Research Dr. Michael Crosby, Mote Founding Director Dr. Eugenie Clark, Former Congressman Andy Ireland, Former Senator Connie Mack and other dignitaries for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Mote location just four doors down from my office.

The establishment of this new office puts Mote Marine Laboratory scientists near one of the greatest natural laboratories – Boca Grande Pass and Charlotte Harbor. The ease of access to these areas will aid in accelerating discovery and understanding of our coastal marine environment and we are hopeful that it will lead to better recommendations on resource use and management.

In the coming year and beyond I look forward to working closely with Executive Director Capt. Phil O’Bannon and the rest of the Mote staff in their efforts with educational outreach, science and conservation.
I’m confident that our collaboration with Mote and the support of this community will help us understand how very important our natural resources are right here in our backyard, and how we can work together as good stewards to properly manage, protect and enjoy our coastal marine environment.

Welcome Mote Marine Laboratory.

Lew Hastings is the executive director of the Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce

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