Conservation Florida’s “Protect Our Paradise” Docuseries Wins Suncoast Emmy Award
ORLANDO, Fla. (January 15, 2024) — Conservation Florida is thrilled to announce that its groundbreaking docuseries “Protect Our Paradise” has been honored with a Suncoast Emmy Award. A joint venture of Crawford Entertainment and Conservation Florida, two Florida-based organizations, the series aimed to explore Florida’s wild, wonderful places and expose environmental issues that threaten their existence. This prestigious recognition celebrates the series’ compelling storytelling and its vital mission to preserve Florida’s landscapes.
“Protect Our Paradise” invites viewers on a six-episode journey through Florida’s iconic wild places — from ancient forests and crystal-clear springs to sprawling ranchlands and coastal preserves. Featuring vivid cinematography and heartfelt stories, the series highlights the critical need for conservation to safeguard Florida’s irreplaceable ecosystems for generations to come.
Spearheaded by the critically acclaimed host of “How to Do Florida,” Chad Crawford, the show was co-created by the nonprofit land conservancy Conservation Florida to invite Floridians and our many guests to get involved in protecting what makes Florida so special. The docuseries aired on televisions across Florida and is streaming for free on Discover Florida Channel, a streaming channel that boasts the world's largest collection of Florida programming.
“Winning a Suncoast Emmy is an incredible honor, but the true reward is inspiring action,” said Chad Crawford, creative director at Crawford Entertainment. “This series was created with the hope of sparking a movement to protect the places that make Florida extraordinary. We’re proud to have worked alongside Conservation Florida to bring this vision to life.”
At its heart, “Protect Our Paradise” is a testament to teamwork; the series shines a light on numerous organizations, individuals, and governmental agencies involved in protecting Florida’s environment. Through personal stories of Floridians and conservationists from all walks of life: ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts, policymakers, and scientists alike, the series highlights how protecting Florida’s wild and working lands safeguards Florida’s future.
Each episode of “Protect Our Paradise” highlights key conservation topics, including protecting the Florida Wildlife Corridor, preserving springs, balancing agriculture and land stewardship, safeguarding coastal ecosystems, ensuring clean water, and inspiring community action. Together, these stories show why conservation is vital to Florida’s heritage and future.
EPISODES
Our Corridor: "Our Corridor" focuses on the hidden wonders and current challenges of the 18 million acre Florida Wildlife Corridor and the incredible efforts towards its conservation. Featured on this episode are Carlton Ward Jr., Adam Bass, Traci Deen, Secretary Shawn Hamilton, and Joe Guthrie.
Our Water: "Our Water” focuses on the magic of Florida's bodies of water and the unprecedented efforts towards water quality and conservation that are shaping our future. Featured in this episode are Tessa Skiles, Jessica Mailliez, and Jennifer Thompson.
Our Land: "Our Land” focuses on all the different ways our land is used. From timberlands to bombing ranges - these stewards are helping protect so much more than just the land itself. Featured on this episode are Lynetta Griner, Matt Pearce, Sam Van Hook, and Lt. Col. Charles “Buck” MacLaughlin.
Our Growth: "Our Growth” focuses on the intense population growth occurring in the Sunshine State and how its impact is changing wild Florida. Featured on this episode are Peggy Carr, Vivian Young, Jane West, and Blair Updike.
Our Coasts: "Our Coasts" focuses on different groups who are using innovation & technology to protect our coastline, water quality, and coral reefs. Featured on this episode are Keith & Kyle Rossin of MANG, Ed Chiles, Sarah Hamlyn, and Mike Goldberg.
Our Wildlife: "Our Wildlife” focuses on iconic Florida species whose very existence is being threatened by habitat loss. What can we do to coexist and live in harmony with these extraordinary creatures? Watch and find out. Featured on this episode are Mike Orlando, Brad O’Hanlon, and Amber Howell.
By showcasing these vital connections, the series underscores that conservation is essential to Florida’s heritage and future.
The docuseries was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Bellini Family out of Tampa, Fla., who believed in the vision and the importance of environmental education and provided a grant to Conservation Florida to fund the series. The Bellini Family’s enduring commitment to conservation has been pivotal in the success of “Protect Our Paradise” and much more. Their generosity is a powerful example of the vital and impactful role that philanthropic partnerships play in advancing conservation across the state.
The following Floridians took home an Emmy for their varied roles in the making of Protect Our Paradise: Chad Crawford, Katie Schroeder, Killian Gilroy, Brian Stork, Steve Radley, Pete Gill, Traci Deen, Arnie Bellini, Clay Henderson, Cliff Huff, Drew White, and Frazier Nivens.
“This Emmy belongs to everyone dedicated to protecting Florida’s environment -- because this series was about you,” said Traci Deen, CEO of Conservation Florida, who served as an Executive Producer of the series. “It’s further proof that storytelling is a powerful tool for change. We’re deeply grateful to the Bellini Family, Crawford Entertainment, our team, and every partner who helped turn this vision into reality.”
The series is available to stream for free on the Discover Florida Channel, offering every Floridian a chance to connect with the state’s unique environments and learn how they can make a difference.
For more information about “Protect Our Paradise” and how you can support Conservation Florida’s efforts to protect the lands and waters that define Florida, visit www.conservationflorida.org. To watch Protect Our Paradise, click here.
For more information, contact:
Sarah Shepard, Communications Director
About Conservation Florida:
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places, and connecting a functional Florida Wildlife Corridor. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved more than 40,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
For more information, visit www.conservationfla.org and follow us on social media @conservationflorida.