Action Alert: Support funding for Extension Service

Dear Mayor Jim Scholl and County Commissioners,

We are writing to express our strong support for the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension
Service in Monroe County. This organization plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing marine
and coastal resources throughout the region.

Reef Relief understands that funding for several IFAS Extension programs will be discussed
at the upcoming meeting on Tuesday, July 15. We respectfully urge the Board of County
Commissioners to continue funding the UF IFAS Extension Department in Monroe County. These
programs are critical to environmental stewardship and are closely integrated with the efforts of
numerous partner organizations, including our own. Reducing or eliminating funding would have a
significant negative impact on both the environment and collaborative initiatives across the Keys.
Since 1972, the University of Florida and the Monroe County BOCC have partnered to
support the local Extension Office in addressing community needs ranging from native landscaping
and pest management to water quality improvement, pollution reduction, fisheries support, and
public education. These programs directly benefit the residents of Monroe County and contribute to
the health and sustainability of our unique ecosystems.

One particularly important initiative led by the Extension Service is sponge restoration in the
Florida Keys. Healthy sponge populations have been in decline due to factors such as poor water
quality, rising temperatures, and intense storm events. This is deeply concerning, as sea sponges can
filter up to 24,000 liters of seawater per day, playing a crucial role in maintaining clean, healthy
marine environments. The Extension Service’s collaboration with local divers and commercial
fishers to restore sponge populations not only enhances marine habitats but also improves nearshore

We urge you to reject the proposed Yellow and Red budget cuts to the Extension Service and
to continue supporting these invaluable programs. The Extension Service provides measurable
benefits to Monroe County residents and ecosystems alike, and its ongoing presence is essential to
the sustainability of our environment and community well-being.

water quality. Although still in its early stages, this project has already demonstrated greater long-
term cost-effectiveness and success compared to other restoration approaches.

HOW TO VOICE YOUR SUPPORT:

Sign the pledge

photo of a local sponge by Dora DeMaria