MBC Lecture Series Returns

Manasota Beach Club lectures focus on local ecology and hurricane damage

By JESSICA ORLANDO, Venice Gondolier

The series is kicking off at 10 a.m. March 31 at the Manasota Beach Club, 7660 Manasota Key Road. Meg Lowman, author and naturalist, will discuss “Growing up with Florida: Reflections on the Changing Environments in My Life Time.”

Beach club owner and manager Sydney “Buffy” Crampton said the series, historically, has always focused on the topic of area ecology and preservation issues.

“This year, we felt obligated to discuss the impact of the hurricane,” Crampton said in a news release. “Due to severe damage, we’ve had to delay the series several months, but we’re moving ahead with a condensed version.”

The club was hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, like most areas on the key. Due to damages, food will not be served this year.

Here’s a look at lectures this year:

• March 31: Meg Lowman, author and naturalist, will discuss “Growing up with Florida: Reflections on the Changing Environments in My Life Time”

• April 7: VP for Regional History at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens John McCarthy, “Modern History of Manasota Key”

• April 14: Jose Leal, National Shell Museum, “Gulf Coast Shells and a Post-Hurricane Museum Update”

• April 21: Jim Beever, retired naturalist, “Mangrove Ecology of Southwest Florida”

• April 28: Sydney “Buffy” Crampton, “Manasota Beach Club National Historic Registry Update: What’s Ahead”

There’s a $20 registration fee, which can be done at manasotabeachclub.com.

“You’re welcome to join the annual lecture series,” Crampton said in a news release. “All presentations are outside.”