July 2025 Newsletter

I know many environmental warriors are hurting over the rollbacks that were in the reconciliation bill that passed last week. Here at ReThink, we’re still gathering information on what exactly this means for Florida. Be on the lookout for a webinar on this topic in the near future. 

But recently I’ve heard people saying things like, ‘It’s too late for the climate.’ And while it is true that we are facing the devastating consequences of climate change now, it’s in no way time to give up. Now is the time we come together as communities, as humans, and support each other. Now is the time we use rest as resistance, and then use resistance to find the strength to stand up and fight for those whose voices are silenced. As Bob Marley said, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” 

“Forget that this task of planet-saving is not possible in the time required.
Don’t be put off by people who know what is not possible.
Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done.” -Paul Hawken

Reclaiming Florida’s Future Year-Round Reboot!   How are you feeling about the state of energy and environmental justice in Florida? Ready to make some change? The 2025 legislative session is over, but the schedule is tight before next year’s session, and committee weeks start this October. That’s why we need to be fired up and ready to go right away!  We’ll be educating people about the legislative process, engaging constituents with their legislators, and empowering them to participate in crafting legislation that will help energy-burdened Floridians save money in a healthier home and environment. If you are with an organization working on environmental justice and energy justice issues, or an individual who wants to make a difference, we would love to work together with you to advance environmental justice in Florida.  We’ll be conducting regular training sessions to make sure everyone knows how to advocate effectively.  If you are interested, click below to fill out a brief interest form and register for our first bi-weekly meeting to be held online on Friday, July 11. At 10:00am EDT Register

Energy Ball Planning: and a chance to get into the ball freeThe Energy Ball Planning Committee will be choosing a date for it’s next planning meeting soon. If you would like to help us plan — and get a free ticket to the ball — please complete the Doodle Poll linked below and let us know what days/times you would be able to meet. With your input, we will try to choose a time that works for everyone.  Doodle Poll  If none of the dates work but you would still like to help, just email and let us know.

Revival to Play at Energy Ball!We are excited to announce that this year’s Energy Ball will feature the band REVIVAL, This Tallahassee powerhouse has catapulted to the top of Tallahassee’s musical mountain with a stellar ensemble of gifted local musicians including Jeff Davis on bass, Dillon Bradley-Brown on drums, Chris Skene on guitar and vocals, and John “JB” Babich on piano and vocals. True to their name, they revive old rock ‘n’ roll, blues, soul, gospel, rock and jazzy influences created in their own inimitable style. 2025 Energy Ball tickets are on sale now! Be sure not to miss this outstanding show, not to mentions the food, fun, games and silent auction that are always a part of Energy Ball. Tickets

Volunteers Needed for Camp Second SessionReThink is seeking volunteers in Tallahassee for the Second Session of Energy Camp (July 14-18), as well as for our outreach to other camps throughout the summer. For Energy Camp next week, we need volunteers for mornings and afternoons, and for a Field Trip on Wednesday, 9:30 am – 12 pm. If you would like to help, please use the link below to let us know when you would be available.

Energy Camp Supplies Needed Our Energy Camp team is once again asking for help with supplies for the second session of Energy Camp, coming up next week. If you have 2-liter bottles or toilet paper tubes you can donate, please let us know by sending a email using the link here.

Update from the Youth Education Team  The education team has been empowering the youth of Leon County to become Environmental superheroes! These Children or future adults are learning to play their part in respecting and serving our planet. We have prepared them with protest posters, Seed Bombs, and knowledge of renewable energy sources to become the next generation of Engineers, Environmental scientists, and math magicians who make a difference! Energy Camp is the first step to saving our planet.

Effects of Climate Change Hitting Close to Home Mar-a-Lago is literally built on top of Florida’s Coral Reef, which stretches roughly 350 linear miles from the Florida Keys to the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County.Rafe Pomerance and Brian Lee, The Invading Sea The impacts of climate change are accelerating and hitting close to home — President Donald Trump’s home, that is.   The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently reported that the largest coral bleaching event on record is impacting 84% of the world’s reefs, spanning at least 83 countries and territories, including the U.S. Still, the president continues to look the other way, even from his home at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach.     Mar-a-Lago is literally built on top of Florida’s Coral Reef, which stretches roughly 350 linear miles from the Florida Keys to the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County. The reef is one of the state’s most highly valued assets. In Palm Beach County alone, natural and artificial reefs generate over $280 million dollars per year and support nearly 3,000 jobs annually.  Healthy and resilient coral reefs protect against extreme weather, loss of property and coastal flooding. Florida’s Coral Reef provides more than $355 million a year in flood protection benefits to buildings and preserves nearly $320 million in annual economic activity.    The reef’s healthy coral cover has fallen 90% since the late 1970s, according to NOAA estimates reported in September 2024. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including disease, heat stress, sediment and nutrient pollution, development, hurricanes and damage from boats.   Read the full article here: Article