Florida’s Water Future
CENTRAL PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL, November 2, 2016- The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau, Florida Farm Bureau and the South Florida Fair, will host the annual Farm City luncheon on November 16th. Farm City annually highlights local agribusiness, as Palm Beach County is one of the largest agriculture counties in the country.
The event’s keynote speaker will be Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. The Florida Chamber of Commerce created an educational partnership with Dr. Brian Lapointe, Research Professor at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, to help secure Florida’s water future.
With six million more residents expected to call Florida home by 2030, and our state’s water demand expected to increase by 20 percent by 2030, strong, science-based water quality standards will continue to play a vital role in Florida’s economy and quality of life. “At the Florida Chamber, we remain committed to Florida’s environment, and look forward to sharing Dr. Lapointe’s research and further securing Florida’s water future” said Mark Wilson
Dr. Lapointe has extensive experience in water quality research in South Florida and the Caribbean region. His research has led to greater nutrient removal from sewage effluents in Monroe County. His long-term water quality monitoring at Looe Key reef in the Florida Keys represents the longest low-level nutrient record for a coral reef anywhere in the world. “I’ve been studying issues surrounding marine pollution and various land-based sources that contribute to the problems we’re seeing around the state,” said Dr. Lapointe. “This is a whole new paradigm shift for me, to take what I’ve learned over 30 years and educate the public about these issues and they’re big issues.”
With the belief that knowledge is power, the event will feature a panel of experts that will share important information, scientific research and possible solutions. The panel includes Dr. Brian LaPointe, Mark Wilson, John Mitnik, Director of Operations for South Florida Water Management District and Keith Wedgworth, Manager of Wedgworth Farms and Wedgworth’s Inc.
As is tradition, each guest can expect to walk away with a box of local grown produce, courtesy of our local farmers, and the lunch menu will feature some of this freshly grown produce.
Farm City will be held on Wednesday, November 16 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the South Florida Fair Grounds Expo Center located at 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33411. Tickets are on sale now! To register, visit the Chamber website at www.cpbchamber.com and click on the Business Calendar.