Sarasota Bay Watch to host Scallopalooza

Just as music lovers rejoice at Lollapalooza each year, supporters of a protected ecosystem in the Sarasota Bay have Scallopalooza.

Sarasota Bay Watch will host an evening of food and fun to raise awareness and support for local scallop restoration at its the 4th Annual Scallopalooza Saturday, August 9, at the Sarasota Yacht Club.

This community event highlights the need for scallops and their beneficial nature in Sarasota Bay. Not only does their filter feeding improve water clarity, but their presence also increases the natural diversity of fish in our local waters.

Hosting this event is the Sarasota Bay Watch, a non-profit organization of dedicated citizens that aims to preserve and restore Sarasota Bay's ecosystem through education and active participation.

For the past three years, Sarasota Bay Watch has taken an leading role in protecting inhabitants of our waters, which is made evident by the release of 54 million scallop larvae and 100,000 juvenile scallops. Its ten-year scallop restoration project was awarded the 2013 EPA's Gulf Guardian Award.

For more information, call Ronda Ryan at 232-2363.

If you go:
What: Sarasota Bay Watch Scallopalooza
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, August 9
Where: Sarasota Yacht Club, 110 John Ringling Boulevard
Cost: $85 per person includes dinner, entertainment and auction; Tables also available.
Dress: Coastal Casual