On Thursday (3/18), HB 217: Conservation Area Designations passed favorably by the House by 119 yeas, 0 nays.
This bill designates that the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area be renamed as the Kristin Jacobs Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area.
Kristin Jacobs was a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 96 in Broward County, from 2014 until her passing on April 11, 2020. Representative Jacobs was the prime sponsor of House Bill 53 in 2018, which created the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Conservation Area.
Prior to her time in the Legislature, she served as Broward County Commissioner for 16 years and as Mayor of Broward County for two terms. Representative Jacobs was known for her advocacy and passion for protecting the environment and was twice chosen by the President of the United States to serve on national task forces dealing with climate resiliency and ocean protection.
“Kristin Jacobs was more than a member in this chamber; she was a friend, a fierce fighter, and a uniter…. Not only did I lose a colleague, but I also lost a friend and I feel like I lost a sister. But I know, in the spirit of Jacob, she would want us to continue to fight and do what’s right.”
— Leader Bobby DuBose
