by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Geared toward environmental efforts and sharing the same 10-year anniversary, the St. Johns Riverkeeper and Grimes Foundation were both in the spotlight Friday during the final Civic Round Table of Jacksonville meeting of the year.
St. Johns Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon received the annual Carol and Bob Grimes Environmental Activist Award for his environmental contributions toward the river as its watchdog.
“When I was told of the award, I felt this was affirmation of the work we do,” said Armingeon. “I tell people this and I believe it, but I have the best job in Jacksonville. The work we do is really a continuation of what this river has meant to this community.”
Reflecting on the past year, Armingeon told the group of close to 30 that the past summer was “not a great one” for the river.
Algae blooms along with dolphin and fish kills plagued the river during the warmer months. Armingeon said he vehemently disagrees with those who don’t believe in protecting the environment.
“What does that say about us?” he asked the group.
Armingeon and St. Johns Riverkeeper Executive Director Jimmy Orth said the organization would continue the fight for lower nutrient levels, which have been suspected as a source of the continuous algae blooms. The organization also will continue to seek changes at companies whose practices negatively affect the river.
“It’s imperative we get out there and try to make those changes,” said Armingeon, while also advocating for people to experience and enjoy the river.
Presented this year by Carol Grimes and attorney Hugh Cotney, the Grimes Award is given annually to an environmental steward.
The Grimes Foundation was founded in honor of the late Bob Grimes, Carol’s husband, as a way to understand and preserve and protect the environment and its wildlife.
“He took no prisoners when principles were at stake,” said Carol Grimes.
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