Join us on March 11, 2026, to celebrate the Climate Adaptation Center’s (CAC) newest nominees. It is a rare and vital occasion when our community gathers to celebrate the successes that build our collective future.

The Sarasota metro area is blessed with a community unlike any other. Yet, as an epicenter for weather events made worse by climate warming that have truly shaken the Suncoast, we recognize the urgency of our mission. The CAC’s goal is to educate our population on how to lower risks through science and action. We achieve this through the Florida Annual Climate Conference in November, the National Hurricane Season Forecast in April, and our most joyful event: the Climate Champions Awards in March.

 Our programming balances "frank-speaking" experts who translate peer-reviewed science into actionable insights. For example, our Hurricane Season Forecast remains one of the most accurate in the nation, providing our region with an exceptional planning head start. The Climate Champions Awards balance these serious discussions by honoring the leaders whose sustained contributions lower the risk of damage from a rapidly warming climate through sustained achievement in Climate Adaptation.

The Event

When: March 11, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Where: Michael’s On East Ballroom

This "Academy Awards" style gala luncheon begins with a social hour, followed by a sumptuous lunch and the introduction of this year’s nominees. Hosted by CAC CEO Bob Bunting and Founding Director Elizabeth Moore, the event features professionally produced videos highlighting each nominee's achievements in their own words.

The ceremony culminates in the presentation of the Beacon Statues. Crafted of crystal, these lighthouses—modeled after the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse—symbolize how these champions point the way toward sustainable climate resilience.

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Our Legacy of Champions

• 2025: Dr. Karen Holbrook, David Kotok, AG Lafley, Tracie Troxler
• 2024: Marshall Gobuty, Jessica Meszaros, Steve Newborn, Jennifer Rominiecki, David Tomasko
• 2023: Ed Chiles, Charles C. Reith, Dr. David Shafer, Dr. Jennifer Shafer, Jon Thaxton, Bill Waddill

Meet the 2026 Climate Champion Nominees

F. John LaCivita – Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc.

As President and CEO of Willis A. Smith Construction, John LaCivita has spent nearly three decades advancing sustainable and resilient building practices. A fifth-generation Floridian, he has guided the firm to prioritize energy-efficient, hurricane-hardened designs. Under his leadership, the firm’s own headquarters achieved LEED Gold certification.

Key Impacts:

• Selby Botanical Gardens Redevelopment: Featuring green roofs and flood-resistant design.
• Mote Science Education Aquarium: Emphasizing low-impact materials and water efficiency.
• Waterside Place & East County Library: Incorporating advanced stormwater management.
• Advocacy: Leading the industry in low-carbon materials and adaptive reuse.

"John’s work exemplifies what it truly means to be a Climate Champion," says Bob Bunting. "He is adding immense value by increasing true climate resilience in our built environment."

Charlie Hunsicker – Manatee County Government

Director of Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department since 1977, Charlie Hunsicker is a titan of environmental resilience. A recipient of the 2025 Herman W. Goldner Award, the highest regional leadership honor presented by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Charlie has secured over $90 million in funding to modernize regional infrastructure and protect more than 30,000 acres of sensitive lands. 

A Few Key Impacts:

• Shoreline Protection: Directed a $10M project on North Longboat Key that protected scores of homes just months before record-breaking hurricane surges.
• Water Management: Pioneered the region’s first Aquifer Storage and Recovery system and all things water!
• Land Conservation: Led the acquisition and protection of 18 environmentally sensitive locations. Implementation of the 2021 voter approved Environmental Lands Referendum, authorizing $50 M for land acquisition or protection.

Sara Kane – Sarasota County Government

Sara Kane serves as the Sustainability and Resilience Manager for Sarasota County, where she has spent 21 years turning adaptation ideas into action. Sara has helped secured millions in funding for climate planning and energy efficiency, with a specific focus on supporting underserved communities most affected by climate impacts.

Key Impacts:

• Resilience Planning: Development of Sarasota Counties Climate Adaptation Plan and Managing high-level grants for sea-level rise and flood mitigation.
• Community Empowerment: Leading waste reduction, renewable energy, and green building initiatives.
• Collaborative Leadership: Leveraging experience from Mote Marine Laboratory and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to build regional partnerships.

"Sara has been an invaluable ally," notes Bob Bunting. "She touches so many with her drive, skill, and humility."

For the first time, our nominees include two dedicated government officials and a leader from the developer world—a powerful testament to the cross-sector collaboration required for our future.

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