This week, two state legislators introduced a proposal to name the Southeast Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation area after the late state Rep. Kristin Jacobs.
State Sen. Lauren Book, D-Plantation, and state Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, D-Parkland, introduced the bill to honor Jacobs who they described as a “nationally-recognized champion and tireless advocate for protecting Florida’s environmental assets who lost a battle with cancer last year.”
Jacobs, a Democrat, was a longtime member of the Broward County Commission, serving from 1998 until 2014 when she was elected to the Florida House. During that time, she served two terms as mayor of Broward County. In 2012, she ran for Congress but lost in the primary to Lois Frankel. She also served on presidential commissions focused on the environment. Jacobs passed away after a battle with cancer in April.
“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,” said Book.
“It is my honor to file this bill renaming the Southeast Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation area after my friend, Representative Kristin Jacobs,” said Hunschofsky. “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.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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