Alicia Smith on Cleanups, Conservation and Real Grassroots Action - WNL - Aug 2025

How Alicia Smith Is Rallying a New Generation to Save the St. Johns River.In this episode of Wednesday Nite Live, host Tracy Rigdon and co-host Jim Alabiso sit down with Alicia Smith, the Advisory Council Chair of Rising Tides, a powerhouse volunteer organization working alongside the St. Johns Riverkeeper. But this isn’t your average “community spotlight.” Alicia is the kind of boots-on-the-ground advocate who doesn’t just care about the river, she fights for it.From organizing trash-hauling cleanups and rallying young professionals to confronting the hard truths about budget cuts and environmental apathy, Alicia shares her journey as a leader, educator, and river warrior. Hear about the moments that moved her, the challenges that keep her up at night, and the vision she’s shaping for future generations.If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What difference can I make?”, this episode is your answer.Topics We Cover:• The mission of Rising Tides and the St. Johns Riverkeeper• The real impact of community cleanups• Budget cuts vs. environmental protection: who pays the price?• How young professionals are stepping up to lead• Why safety, education, and repurposed trash bags matter• Alicia’s unforgettable moments in the mud, and what’s nextReady to roll up your sleeves? Learn how to get involved, stay informed, and fight back against the slow erosion of our most vital ecosystems. View the full video here:https://youtu.be/6trgd6K2Zbo?si=p_uqbsPKLpnJSgoC