ABOUT US
Our story began in 2020 when two Solivita residents, Bob Monica and Bruce Allen, joined together to express concern about the high number of alligators being trapped on community grounds. Research indicated that the community was experiencing fifteen alligator removals each year – gators that were begin reported to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for doing nothing more than swimming in a nearby pond. The two men decided to take action.
Forming a new club they dubbed Solivita Wildlife Advocates (SWA), while working with FWC and Solivita management, they recruited about twenty (20) other concerned residents. Together they created and distributed safety information and important tips about living in a community with alligators. Within one year they reduced the annual trapped alligator count to three (3), where is has remained.
Since then, the club has expanded to almost 200 members with a broad reach throughout the community. The club hosts a Speaker Series that is open to all community residents. These speakers are among Florida’s foremost conservation experts including:
- Jason Lauritsen, Chief Conservation Officer, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation
- Paul Grey, Science Coordinator, Audubon Florida
- Merrideth Budd, Regional Policy Director, Florida Wildlife Federation
- William Freund, Founder & President, fStop Foundation
- Stacey Matrazzo, author of Creating Habitat and Native Wildflowers
And many more.
Today the club actively serves the wildlife needs of the community providing key wildlife and conservation information, hosting wildlife events and trips, working with community and management to address critical wildlife issues and hosting social events.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Bruce Allen
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Program Manager
Solivita Wildlife Advocates is at the forefront of conservation and wildlife issues in Polk County and around the state of Florida. Our primary goal is to protect people from wildlife by protecting wildlife from people. We believe that the world is a better place when people and wildlife find a way to cohabit safely and peacefully.
We invite all Solivita residents to join us in our efforts to promote wildlife protection and conservation goals throughout our community.
Club membership has exploded as the club’s social and educational programs have developed. Community trips to wildlife locations like Circle Bar B Reserve, Central Florida Animal Reserve, Gatorland, and Rainbow River are balanced with speakers on topics such as black bears, sandhill cranes, alligators, snakes, and eagles. All this, and a firm commitment to protecting our natural resources and wildlife, in concert with local, national and governmental efforts.
Membership is restricted to an Solivita resident exclusively. However, if you would like to contribute to our efforts you may do so by sending your tax-exempt donation to:
Solvita Wildlife Advocates
c/o Leo Mills, Treasurer
660 Grand Canal Drive
Poinciana, FL 34759