At one time, more than half of Florida's 825 miles of sand beaches were experiencing erosion. In fact, more than 330 miles were critically eroded. Florida's sandcastles in the sun were falling apart. Something had to be done.

After all, Florida's beaches create almost $16 billion in property values, $17.7 billion in annual spending and 671,000 jobs in our state. More importantly, Florida's spectacular beaches are the natural legacy we've been entrusted to preserve.

That's why, as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, Dennis Jones introduced legislation creating a permanent program and funding source for a comprehensive statewide beach management plan. This landmark program commits federal, state and local resources for the protection of Florida's most precious natural resources.

Of course, Dennis was only part of a team of community activists, elected officials, preservation proponents and legislators who all worked tirelessly to see this program come to fruition.