SPLASHBACK
3/19/2008 10:24:53 AM by Wave Editorial Staff
Notable historic moments in ocean-related lore that are worth a second, third and sometimes fourth look.
TEDDY IN TAMPA!
Say the name Theodore Roosevelt and people think three things: former U.S. President, the Rough Riders and big-game hunting in Africa. What many current Tampa residents may not realize is that Teddy Roosevelt had a significant impact on the Gulf Coast of Florida, as well.
Back in 1905, Roosevelt dedicated what was to become on of the first pieces of land set aside for wildlife conservation in the country, what is now the Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge in Tampa Bay. “Theodore Roosevelt was a dedicated naturalist who realized how important this island was native wildlife and took advantage of his presidential powers to protect birds and threatened wildlife habitat,” says Mark Ames, Teddy’s great-grandson. “The island has changed over the years, but it is still critically important for fish, birds and other wildlife.”
According to Ames, Roosevelt said there’s no greater issue than that of conservation in this country. “The value of protected land becomes even more apparent as our population grows and expands. My great grandfather was thrilled to be able to take action to conserve key areas. During his presidency, he created 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reservations, four national game preserves, five national parks and 18 national monuments.
And Passage Key is an important part of his conservation legacy. “I think he would be proud that a century later stewards of the land continue to cherish this isle and to protect our natural heritage,” says Ames.
In 1905, Passage Key was a 60-acre barrier island with a well-stocked freshwater lake. After a devastating hurricane in 1921 and a century’s worth of subsequent erosion, the island is now less than 10 acres. Yet it is sill worth cruising by to see the largest population of Royal and Sandwich terns in the state.