Step into Florida’s wild beauty through the lens! Big Waters Land Trust’s Summer Photo Contest is back. Now in its seventh year, this juried, fully virtual exhibition invites photographers of all levels to capture striking landscapes, vibrant waters, and unforgettable wildlife moments.

Big Waters Land Trust will host a one-day-only exhibition featuring Florida Highwaymen heir Roy A. McLendon Jr. on May 6 at Bay Preserve. Showcasing his evocative oil paintings of Florida’s landscapes, the event will also include a live painting demonstration by the artist. A portion of artwork sales will support Big Waters’ mission to protect land and water, making this a unique opportunity to experience Florida’s cultural heritage while giving back to conservation.

Big Waters Land Trust is now accepting submissions for its third annual Community Art Show, a juried exhibition celebrating Florida’s natural beauty through local artists’ paintings and drawings. Open to all ages and experience levels, the show invites Florida-inspired works that highlight the state’s land, water, and wildlife. Submissions are open through April 30, with selected pieces to be exhibited this summer at Bay Preserve.

As Florida continues to experience rapid growth, protecting native lands has never been more critical. This op-ed highlights how local, voter-supported conservation programs in Sarasota and Manatee counties have successfully preserved tens of thousands of acres – safeguarding wildlife habitats, water quality, and the natural spaces that define our region. With these programs set to expire in 2029, voters will soon decide whether to continue investing in the protection of the places that make our community unique.