November is Manatee Awareness Month
Governor Charlie Crist has continued the time-honored tradition of Florida governors who served before him by recently signing a proclamation declaring November as Manatee Awareness Month.
“It has been an exceptionally tough year for endangered manatees and their aquatic environment.Through Sept. 30, 656 manatees have been confirmed dead, which represents nearly 13 percent of the species’ estimated population,” said Patrick Rose, executive director of the nonprofit Save the Manatee Club. “This far surpasses the record of 429 deaths set in 2009, and the year isn’t over yet. The population suffered record-setting mortality in the first part of the year from cold stress, and we’re still uncertain as to what the long-term effects will be on the manatee’s habitat from the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.”
To honor Florida’s beloved manatees, and to raise awareness and funding for conservation programs, the Florida Motion Picture & Television Association has included a Silent Auction to benefit Save the Manatee Club as part of its 21st Annual Crystal Reel Awards Gala.The Gala is being touted as “The Florida Oscars” which acknowledges and highlights outstanding achievements in Florida motion picture, television, audio recording, and digital media productions.
Admission to the auction and Florribean reception is $15 and includes hors d’oeuvres, tropical cash bar, donation drawings, door prizes, and a multitude of exciting items, including celebrity autographed items up for auction with several special items offered in Live Auctions throughout the night.
For ticket orders, call Save the Manatee Club at 407-539-0990, or toll free at 1-800-432-JOIN (5646); or download the Ticket Order Form at www.savethemanatee.org/crystal_reel_event_tix_info.pdf. Check out the list of auction items at www.savethemanatee.org/auction_items.pdf.