Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary

Ralph and I began making trips by boat to the mangrove islands around the beaches and rescuing Brown Pelicans who were entangled in monofilament fishing line and near death.This was a fantastic experience in my life, and it left me changed forever. Over the years the sanctuary has grown at a steady pace and is recognized now world wide.

I, along with many others,have devoted a great deal of time and effort to ensure its continued growth and success. At the
beginning,during the lean years,I helped in the only way I knew how. We did as many benefit concerts that we could handle to keep the birds fed until private donations caught up with needs of the sanctuary.

Now that we are into the millenium and the encroachment of man bears ever more strongly upon the delicate balance of the environment on the Gulf Coast of Florida, I salute my native Floridian brother, Ralph Heath. We all can sleep better tonight knowing that he is watching over our children of the air and our babes in the sea....