Senator Lauren Book and Representative Christine Hunschofsky lead
the charge to honor their friend who fought tirelessly for ocean conservation
Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) and Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland) have filed SB 588 to rename the Southeast Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation area after the late Representative Kristin Jacobs, a nationally-recognized champion and tireless advocate for protecting Florida’s environmental assets who lost a battle with cancer last year. Jacobs was a former County Commissioner, two-time Mayor of Broward County, State Representative for District 96, as well as a longtime friend and inspiration to both Senator Book and Representative Hunschofsky.
“Kristin not only fought to preserve Florida’s natural treasures, she worked hard to ensure public access to and enjoyment of those resources whenever and wherever she could.” says Senator Book, who worked with Representative Jacobs on many legislative initiatives, including women’s rights and environmental issues.
“It is my honor to file this bill renaming the Southeast Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation area after my friend, Representative Kristin Jacobs,” says Representative Christine Hunschofsky, who now holds Jacobs’ seat representing District 96 in Parkland. “Kristin understood both the economic and ecological benefits to this coral reef area and helped ensure its protection by having it designated as an important conservation area. This is a fitting tribute to forever honor and recognize her legacy of protecting this vital Florida asset.”
About Kristin Jacobs:
Kristin Jacobs was a member of the Florida House of Representatives who built a career centered on climate and resiliency policy. Her journey began as president of her neighborhood Homeowner’s Association, and she quickly evolved to become Broward County Commissioner, Mayor of Broward County and was twice chosen by the President of the United States to serve on national task forces dealing with climate resiliency and protecting our oceans.
As a public servant, Kristin demonstrated a keen ability to pull people with differing points of view together and to find common ground even on hot button issues pertaining to climate change, adaption and mitigation. Her collaborative approach has led to landmark initiatives, many of which have been heralded as national models.
Her eagerness to take on daunting challenges led her to be one of the original signers and champions of the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact which President Obama called the national and international model of bipartisan collaboration.
Kristin is dearly missed.
