(L-R) Miranda Douglas, Kira Barrera, Jessica Lewis, Joseph Dorsey, Erica HardisonAt the 3rd Annual Tampa Bay Chalk Festival, families, artists, and environmental advocates gathered to explore the festival’s theme, "Our Watery Futures." A key highlight was the environmental panel hosted at the WADA ArtsXchange, featuring Dr. Joseph Dorsey, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Director of Food Sustainability and Security at the Patel College. Dr. Dorsey delivered insights on Food Sustainability and Security.
Dr. Dorsey was joined by distinguished panelists including Kira Barrera from Suncoast Sierra Club, Erica Hardison representing One Community Grocery Co-op, and Jessica Lewis of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. Maranda Douglas of the Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project moderated the thoughtful conversation, emphasizing key sustainability issues, learning from last year's storms and what our communties should be doing to prepare for Tampa Bay's "Watery Futures".
The Patel College's participation reflected its dedication to education, diversity, and environmental stewardship, aligning closely with the festival’s objective of using public art to promote ecological awareness and community action. Organized by the Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project with support from the City of St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Creative Pinellas, and numerous community organizations, the Chalk Festival offered free public art activities, informational booths, and captivating artistic displays celebrating local heritage and environmental responsibility. Although the chalk art itself was temporary, the awareness and commitment to environmental preservation fostered by the event remain lasting and influential.