Ron Johnson of Longboat Key was recently approved for membership by the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP). Johnson is a former mayor and vice mayor of the Town of Longboat Key. He served on the Town Commission for eight years. He’s also on the Board of Trustees with Mote Marine Laboratory. His association with Mote spans 16 years and includes serving as President of the Mote Volunteer Board.

The 24-member CAC provides the SBEP with citizen input and helps the organization develop programs and projects in support of its mission to enhance, restore and protect Sarasota Bay.   

Johnson and his wife Jinny moved to Longboat Key from Tampa in 1996. He has been involved with environmental issues since his arrival and that includes serving on the SBEP Policy Board when he was a Commissioner. His early career was spent with IBM followed by many years as a professional in the housing industry.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is dedicated to restoring the area's greatest natural asset—Sarasota Bay. Its unique program strives to improve water quality, increase habitat and enhance the natural resources of the area for use and enjoyment by the public. Sarasota Bay is one of 28 estuaries in the United States that have been named by the U.S. Congress as an "estuary of national significance." Partners include Sarasota County, Manatee County, City of Sarasota, City of Bradenton, Town of Longboat Key, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.