The Blue Wild (Dive and Marine Art Expo) Honors FWC Lieutenant with Award for Conservation, Safety, and Leadership

Award Named in Honor of Late FWC Biologist Jeff Simonds

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, May 18, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The Blue Wild, http://thebluewild.com/index.html, announced today that Lt. David Bingham with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been awarded the “Jeff Simonds Award” for his work on Dive Flag Awareness, his life-long commitment to conservation, and his efforts to bring law enforcement and the dive community together.

Lt. Bingham, after attending the first “Blue Wild” four years ago, heard a constant theme among divers – many boaters were unaware of the dive flag law and its meaning. Concerned by this, Lt. Bingham set out to establish better education and “Dive Flag Awareness Week”. On June 9th, 2009, the Florida Cabinet and Governor Charlie Christ passed a resolution proclaiming the first “Dive Flag Awareness Week” which is helping to educate boaters and divers about the dive flag law.

“I’m humbled and honored to be given an award in honor of Jeff’s name and what he stood for,” said Bingham, who heads a patrol squad in Broward County, went on to add “Working together we can make a difference and make the water a safer place.”

The award is named after the late FWC marine biologist Jeff Simonds. Jeff was well known and respected in the dive and spearfishing communities. He loved spearfishing and was also an advocate for conservation. He had the magical gift of bringing both sides together.

“In this small way we hope to honor and remember Jeff for his work, his life, his spirit, and who he was” said Sheri Daye, event host and producer, and added “Jeff’s kindness and helpfulness touched many… more than he knew.”

The award will be presented by Jeff’s wife, Jessica Snook, at this year’s Expo. “Jeff would be incredibly honored to have such an award given in his name,” said Jessica and went on to add “Jeff was my best friend, my dive buddy, my other half, I love him so much. It means so much to me that we can honor and remember him.”

The Blue Wild is being held June 5 and 6 at the Broward County Convention Center in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The pre-registration admission price is $25 on Saturday or $45 for the weekend. The admission covers seminars, workshops, and the vendor expo. The marine art exhibit is free. Admission can be prepaid at http://thebluewild.com/tickets.htm.

Twin Palms Center for the Disabled, http://www.twinpalmscenter.org will be the recipient of the event proceeds.

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Sheri Daye
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