2026 CAC Climate Champions Awards & Benefit Ceremony

March 11, 2026 @ 11:00AM — 1:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar

Michael's On East Ballroom: 1212 S East Ave Sarasota, FL 34239 Get Directions

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Climate Champions Award Ceremony

The Climate Adaptation Center Inc. invites you to join us for the 4th Annual CAC Climate Champions Awards & Benefit Ceremony, a signature event dedicated to honoring extraordinary individuals making a lasting impact in the field of climate adaptation. This much-anticipated celebration will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Michaels on East Ballroom in Sarasota, Florida, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Recognizing Our Climate Champions:

We proudly add new Climate Champs to the 11 Climate Champions whose sustained commitment and innovative contributions inspire hope and action for a resilient future. Their work embodies the spirit of progress and collaboration necessary to address our changing climate. The event’s highlight will be an Academy Awards-style ceremony, where each nominee is honored, culminating in the presentation of the coveted Beacon Crystal Lighthouse Statue to our winner, an enduring symbol of leadership and vision in climate adaptation.


Supporting a Climate-Resilient Future

Your attendance at the 2026 CAC Climate Champions Awards & Benefit Ceremony does more than honor our local heroes—it fuels the vital mission of the Climate Adaptation Center (CAC). As our region’s go-to resource for understanding and adapting to the risks of sea level rise, storm surge, and red tide, the CAC is a leader in translating complex science into actionable plans for our decision-makers.

Every ticket and sponsorship directly supports the CAC’s essential programs, including:

  • The Florida Climate Conference: Convening the bright minds needed to solve local challenges.
  • Annual Hurricane Season Forecasts: Providing the critical information our community relies on for safety and planning.
  • Our World-Class Digital Hub: Maintaining a premier platform for climate education and risk mitigation.

By joining us, you are investing in the science and leadership required to lower human and economic risks and build a resilient community for generations to come.


Bob Bunting, Tracie Troxler, Karen Holbrook, AG Lafley, David Kotok, Elizabeth Moore

Bob Bunting, co-host, 2025 Climate Champions: Tracie Troxler, Karen Holbrook, AG Lafley, David Kotok, and Elizabeth Moore, co-host


A Festive and Inspirational Gathering:

Join us for a terrific luncheon featuring music, a fabulous meal, and an atmosphere brimming with celebration and inspiration. Connect with leading climate advocates, innovators, and community members who share a passion for creating positive change. This is more than an awards ceremony—it’s a community coming together to recognize, motivate, and celebrate the champions among us.


The Climate Adaptation Center is pleased to announce our three Climate Champion Nominees for 2026:


F. John LaCivita, President and CEO of Willis A. Smith Construction. You can read John's full story here.

Charlie Hunsicker, Director of Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department. You can read Charlie's full story here.


Sara Kane, Sustainability and Resilience Manager for Sarasota County. You can read Sara's full story here.

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors

The Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation

WUSF

Sarasota Magazine

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation


Thank you to our Gold Sponsors

Willis Smith Construction


Thank you to our Silver Sponsors

Sweet Sparkman Architects



The Bay Sarasota


The Glenridge Green Team is a Silver sponsor


Pearl Homes is a Silver sponsor


Become a Member

Become a member of the Climate Adaptation Center and play a direct role in strengthening Florida’s climate resilience.

With annual support starting at $1,000, individuals and businesses help CAC expand its impact, advance state-of-the-art climate science, convene leading experts, and deliver trusted programs like hurricane forecasts and the Florida Climate Conference.

Membership levels mirror hurricane categories, from Category 1 through Category 5 — and unlike hurricanes, the benefits increase as your impact grows.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your contribution is tax-deductible and fuels real solutions that protect our region for generations to come.

Learn more and become a member here:
https://www.theclimateadaptationcenter.org/partners



The Climate Adaptation Center, Inc. is a Florida-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, donations to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. (CH66971)
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