We are extremely honored that The Honorable Bob Graham, Senator, Governor and Statesman, has accepted our invitation to be the ninth GUARDIAN OF THE EVERGLADES.

The Honorable Bob Graham, former Florida Senator and Governor, is now concentrating on the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at University of Florida, his legacy of leadership. Long known for his tireless support for protection of the Everglades, his participation in the GUARDIANS OF THE EVERGLADES project adds both statewide and national political perspective to the project. A native son, Bob Graham has dedicated his life to serving the public, and the Florida voters approved. He has never lost an election in Florida.

As Senator, Bob Graham pioneered several environmental programs which have attracted national and international attention. Senator Graham is best known as the author and key sponsor of the "Restoring the Everglades, An American Legacy Act," which authorized the $7.8 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Graham would not settle for a piecemeal approach to restoration but steered this multi-billion dollar, multi-year plan through Congress a decade ago. It is still being implemented.

After retiring from the Senate in 2005 Senator Graham served as Co-Chair of the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. In a lifetime of leadership, he has never been timid in protecting the heart of Florida. Nicholas and Connie are deeply honored to have The Honorable Bob Graham, Senator, Governor and Statesman, as a GUARDIAN OF THE EVERGLADES.

Nicholas Petrucci

Work In Progress