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Sarasota News Leader March 29, 2013 Page 57 FISCAL EXPERTS TO DISCUSS IMPACTS OF SEQUESTRATION Federal sequestration will handicap state and local governments still fighting for stability after years of recession, some economics experts say. Headlines warn of pension problems, bankruptcies and defaults. What impact will the cutbacks have, and what is the financial state of affairs, for state and local governments? income for Cumberland Advisors Inc.; Natalie Cohen, managing director and head of municipal research for Wells Fargo; Robert Kurtter, managing director for U.S., state and regional ratings for Moody's Investors Service; Daniel Bergstresser, associate professor of finance at the Brandeis International Business School; Karen Rushing, Sarasota County clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller; and Rick Renowned experts from national financial Piccolo, president of Sarasota-Bradenton Infirms, academia and local governments will ternational Airport. discuss those points at New College of Florida A wine and cheese reception will follow the on April 2. event. Tickets are $50 per person and are New College and the Global Interdependence available by visiting donate.ncf.edu/events or Center are sponsoring The Condition of State by calling 487-4888. and Local Governments: Municipal Bonds, New Taxes and Pension Obligations from "The Global Interdependence Center (inter3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, at the Suda- dependence.org) encourages the expansion koff Conference Center, 5845 General Dough- of global dialogue and free trade to improve cooperation and understanding among naer Place on the College's Pei Campus. tions, with the goal of reducing international Among the panelists will be John Mousseau, conflicts and improving worldwide living stanexecutive vice president and director of fixed dards," the news release says. MARCH HAS BEEN FLORIDA SEAGRASS AWARENESS MONTH In recognition of the importance of seagrass habitats to Florida's environment and economy, Gov. Rick Scott proclaimed March Florida Seagrass Awareness Month, state officials announced. "Seagrass habitat provides a variety of functions that contribute to a healthy and viable marine ecosystem," said Kevin Claridge, the coastal and aquatic managed areas director for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in a news release. "These valuable underwater grasses are one of the many natural resources that Floridians and visitors can work together to protect and preserve now and for future generations," he added in the release. "Most of the commercially and recreationally important estuarine and marine animals depend on seagrass beds as refuge or habitat for some part of their life," said Amanda Dominguez, environmental specialist for Sarasota County Environmental Utilities, in the release. "That makes them directly responsible for bringing in millions of dollars annually from out-of-state and resident recreational and commercial fishermen," she noted.