by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Florida Coastal School of Law will host a two-day environmental summit Friday and Saturday. Open to the legal community and the public, the summit, now in its fifth year, will address various environmental and economic issues.
This year’s theme: Jacksonville in the Spotlight: Reaching a Balance Between Environmental Concerns and Sustainable Economic Growth.
“We’re always excited to be able to do something like this, where people are able to learn about a different topic and also meet a lot of people from various fields,” said Eric Smith, Florida Coastal’s assistant dean of external affairs. “We have a really nice mix this year.”
Keynote speakers include Mayor John Peyton, Drake University law professor Jerry Anderson and Jack Groh, an NFL environmental program coordinator.
“Who would have thought the NFL even had a environmental coordinator?” said Smith. “Knowing that they do, I’m very interested to hear what he has to say. It should be fascinating.”
Smith said Groh will explain the impact of the Super Bowl on local resources. Water issues, land use and city planning will also be discussed by other speakers.
Following those discussions, artwork designed by local students and professionals will be on display.
“Another important component year is that everything will be environmental sensitive,” he said. “Even at the luncheons, everything from the forks, to the cups and even the plates will be made from corn, not plastic. That way they will be biodegradable.
“We think its a pretty
neat idea.”
Attorneys attending the summit will qualify for 11.5 Continuing Legal Education hours.
“It’s a win/win situation for everyone,” said Smith. “You’ll have a good time, meet some interesting people and have a nice lunch.”
For registration information, contact Smith at Florida Coastal at (904) 727-5175 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Cost for attorneys is $95, $60 for businesses and $20 for students and everyone else.
“We’re hoping for a good turnout this year,” said Smith. “Think of it this way: You can’t get a ticket to the Super Bowl, but you can get a ticket to this.”
Florida Coast was founded in 1996 and is an independent, private and fully accredited institution. Earlier this year it was acquired by Sterling Capital Partners of Northbrook, III.