Volume 4, Issue 5 More Protection, Less Process March 11, 2004
Governor Jeb Bush Secretary Colleen Castille Helpful Numbers: Office of the Secretary 850-245-2118 Office of Communications 850-245-2086 Press Office 850-245-2112 Environmental Education 850-245-2130 Citizen Services 850-245-2118 Northwest -- Pensacola 850-595-8300 Northeast - Jacksonville 904-807-3300 Southwest – Tampa 813-744-6100 Central - Orlando 407-894-7555 South – Ft. Myers 239-332-6975 Southeast - West Palm Beach 561-681-6600 Please send comments and feedback Previous Issues of The Post	DEP Marks Clean Air as Legislative Priority TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s air quality will continue to improve with the approval of environmental legislation to further reduce emissions from power plants. Spearheaded by the Department, the legislation would require additional pollution controls at power plants to safeguard Florida’s air and protect public health without increasing electric bills. “Under the leadership of Governor Bush, Florida is reducing air pollution beyond existing federal requirements to ensure a clean and healthy environment for all Floridians,” said Secretary Castille. “Additional investments in cleaner technology will grow Florida’s economy while protecting our quality of life.” Sponsored by State Senator Nancy Argenziano and Representative Charlie Dean, the bill would require major reductions in emissions of soot, sulfur dioxide and smog-contributing nitrogen oxide to protect air quality. Under the legislation, mandatory environmental improvements would come without raising electric bills by instituting a freeze in electricity rates for the next five to seven years. Additionally, the legislation would allow cost recovery for voluntary environmental controls that reduce air emissions beyond state and federal environmental requirements. The new statutory provision would encourage utility companies to further invest in clean technologies over the next seven years. “Florida is working with industry to cut pollution and expand the marketplace for clean energy technology,” said Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan Bedwell. “This balanced, common-sense plan will guarantee continued air quality improvements while preserving affordable electricity for Florida’s consumers.” Florida is one of only two states east of the Mississippi to meet and maintain all national ambient air quality standards for clean air. Over the last five years, Florida achieved the largest reduction of air pollution in the history of the state. Using a cost recovery law championed by Governor Bush two years ago, the Department negotiated agreements with Gulf Power and Florida Power and Light Company to improve operations and reduce emission rates in Northwest and Southwest Florida. To track legislative bills or follow Florida’s 2004 session, visit OnLine Sunshine at www.leg.state.fl.us.
Governor Bush Recognizes the Value of Florida's Seagrasses TALLAHASSEE - Recognizing the importance of seagrasses to Florida’s marine environment, commercial fishing industry and the economy, Governor Bush acknowledged March 2004 as Seagrass Awareness Month. Seagrasses are flowering underwater grasses found in estuaries, lagoons and shallow, open shelves off Florida's coast. A critical marine habitat, seagrasses provide a nursery ground for marine life and maintain water quality by stabilizing bottom sediments and filtering nutrients from stormwater run-off. “At 2.7 million acres, Florida has the largest expanse of seagrass meadows in the world,” said Secretary Castille. “Preserving these underwater grasses is critical to protecting marine life, water quality and Florida’s ocean-based economy.” Florida’s multi-million dollar commercial fishing industry depends on healthy seagrasses to protect young fish and shellfish, coral reefs and other marine life, including sea turtles, manatees and wading birds. Recreational divers, snorkelers and fishing enthusiasts from around the world visit underwater Florida to experience the state’s world-class marine resources. Six years ago, local, state and federal agencies partnered with conservation groups and commercial and recreational fishermen to educate Florida boaters about the importance of seagrasses. Boating in seagrass beds can damage vessel engines, hulls and propellers. Seagrasses gouged by propellers can take a decade to recover. Boat groundings that damage seagrass habitats are offenses that can result in federal and state penalties, damage assessment, habitat restoration costs and long-term monitoring of the restored site. For more information on seagrasses, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/seagrass/facts/.
Step Up, Florida! Culminates at the Capitol TALLAHASSEE -  Lt. Governor Toni Jennings,  Agency Heads from the Departments of Health, Environmental Protection, Elder Affairs, Law Enforcement, Health Care Administration and State Representatives Frank Farkas, Eleanor Sobel and Loranne Ausley, Leon County Health Department Administrator Art Cooper and local officials gathered in the Capitol Courtyard on March 2 as the Step Up Florida Key Largo-Naples and panhandle routes ended their statewide treks. “Step Up, Florida! logged more miles of physical activity than the distance around the world,” said Lt. Governor Jennings. “Florida was challenged and more than 13,500 individuals stepped up to promote a physically active and healthy lifestyle.” “Communities were truly the force behind this effort,” said Health Secretary Dr. John Agwunobi. “With over 900 partners and activities in 36 counties, I am proud of the public health movement launched just one month ago.” “Our quality of life depends on a clean environment and healthy living,” said Secretary Castille. “Florida’s award winning state parks and 4,000 miles of trails offer countless ways for our families to be physically active while enjoying the states natural beauty.” Step Up, Florida – on our way to healthy living! was a statewide event promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles that showcased the diverse opportunities Florida offers citizens and visitors to enjoy a physically active lifestyle. Designed as a relay event, Step Up Florida! participants passed a “fitness flag”  through 36 county lines before reaching Tallahassee. The event launched February 2 from Key Largo, with the route traveling north to follow the East Coast. A second route launched from Naples February 3 and followed the West Coast before crossing Central Florida and joining the first route in Daytona Beach. The merged Key Largo-Naples route traveled north to St. Johns County before turning west on the way to Tallahassee. The panhandle route launched February 16 from Pensacola. This trek followed the panhandle’s West Coast on the journey to Tallahassee. The routes joined at the Capitol Courtyard on March 2 as Florida’s Legislative Session opened. This celebration reflected the 1823 statewide trek that ended with Tallahassee being named the capital of Florida. Through the course of Step Up, Florida!, participants showcased physical activities that included walking, biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and running. For more information on Step Up, Florida!, including photos, detailed maps and activity visit the Department of Health website at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/.
Remembering Marjory Stoneman Douglas TALLAHASSEE- As the nation celebrates National Women’s History Month, the Department is recognizing Marjory Stoneman Douglas, remembered as the “mother of the Everglades.” Through her tireless efforts, protection of the famed River of Grass gained national attention. “National Women’s History Month recognizes extraordinary visionaries like Marjory Stoneman Douglas,” said Secretary Castille. “Her leadership and dedication to the Everglades continues to inspire citizens to take an active role in conserving and protecting our precious natural resources.” Born in 1890, Douglas moved to Miami in 1915 to work at the Miami Herald, where her father was a publisher. Ahead of her time, she carried the causes of feminism, racial justice and conservation to mainstream America. “There are no other Everglades in the world. They are, they have always been, one of the unique regions of the Earth, remote, never wholly known. Nothing anywhere else is like them…” wrote Douglas in her book, Everglades: River of Grass. Published in 1947, the book is considered to be the definitive description of the Everglades and the first to express the notion that it was not a swamp, but a vast, flowing river. At the age of 78, Douglas spearheaded the effort to preserve the Everglades, create national parks and pass legislation to protect Florida’s natural resources. Douglas died in 1998 at the age of 108. Two years later, she was named to the Women’s Hall of Fame. The Department honored her in 1981, naming their main offices after her. Continuing the legacy, Governor Bush established the 50-50 state-federal partnership that is returning a more natural flow of water to the Everglades. Since 2000, Florida has committed more than $2.5 billion through the end of the decade to clean up and restore the River of Grass. The first construction project of the 30-year, $8 billion plan is underway - years ahead of schedule. Today, Florida is restoring a natural flow of water to more than 50,000 acres of wetlands in Southwest Florida. On the east coast, Florida recently began moving water through the world’s largest constructed wetland. The 16,500-acre treatment marsh uses plants to clean pollution from water flowing into the Everglades.
Florida’s Green Lodging Program Offers “Green Choice” ORLANDO - Florida’s 35 million hotel guests can now opt to take a break at a Green Lodging – a new State designation that recognizes environmentally-friendly hotels and motels.  On March 10 the Department honored Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center in Gainesville and the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs as Florida’s first Green Lodging hotels. “Green Lodgings are leaders in their industry,” said Secretary Castille. “Their environmental commitment serves as an example and a challenge to other hotels to adopt innovative green practices, conserve resources and save money.” Launched as a pilot initiative, the voluntary program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. Hotel and motels reduce costs and earn designation by investing in simple and innovative “green” practices that conserve water, save energy and reduce waste. “Florida’s Green Lodgings are helping to ensure a sustainable future for the environment and for the state’s $50 billion-dollar tourism industry,” said Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan Bedwell. “Achieving designation provides consumers with an attractive choice, making economic, business and environmental sense.” Environmentally-friendly features at Florida’s designated Green Lodgings include state-of-the-art laundry systems that filter and reuse water; low flow showerheads and faucets in guest rooms; energy efficient computer equipment, lighting and appliances; Florida-friendly landscaping and recycling facilities. The hotels also provide employee training and guest information to encourage recycling and reuse. As reward for designation, Florida is recommending Green Lodgings to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally-conscience lodging and convention facilities. To assist small businesses, the State is also offering low interest loans for equipment purchases that reduce waste and pollution. For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/pages/GreenLodging.htm.  View pictures from the event.
Sea Lettuce Removal from Bishop Harbor The Department secured an agreement with Weedbusters, Inc. to remove sea lettuce from Bishop Harbor. Removal of the algae began February 28 using a paddle-wheeled weed harvester. Once harvested from the water, the sea lettuce will be temporarily stored on state-owned land before final disposal. Removing the nitrogen-absorbing sea lettuce will reduce the amount of nutrients in the ecosystem, which would be returned to the water if algae were allowed to decompose in place. The contract for 100 work hours was made possible through a cooperative effort with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Two weeks ago, as part of a comprehensive plan to further reduce nutrient loading to Bishop Harbor, the Department cut by one third the total nitrogen load from the treated water discharged from the abandoned Piney Point phosphate plant. Water trucked to CF Industries was also increased by 200,000 gallons a day. The Department’s intensive water management plan has successfully treated and removed over 1 billion gallons of water from the defunct facility. Since last December, engineers have drained one of four holding ponds and are lining the containment area. Drainage of two other ponds is well underway to close as much of the site as possible before the next hurricane season. Water removal and site closure will permanently protect Bishop Harbor and Tampa Bay from environmental threat. Without ongoing closure activities, rains during the summer and hurricane season could cause water levels to rise, threatening the environment and public safety.
Biggest Folk Festival in 52 Years Set for Memorial Day Weekend at White Springs WHITE SPRINGS — As Florida celebrates the 52nd anniversary of the Florida Folk Festival, event organizers are expecting as many as 60,000 visitors to join the festivities at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park over Memorial Day Weekend (May 28th, 29th and 30th). This year’s festival features Arlo Guthrie as the headline performer, leading a weekend-long parade of legendary musicians, singers and storytellers. In the best tradition of a festival, nearly 100 booths will display arts and crafts, traditional handiwork, lifestyles and even a Seminole Family Camp.  Foods will feature the Florida’s down-home roots and ethnic flair, guaranteed to keep everyone’s energy high. This year’s main festival theme is dance. Workshops will combine instruction with audience participation. In addition to the formal dance presentations, there will be dancing under the stars. Sponsored by the Department and some of Florida’s leading businesses, the Florida Folk Festival takes place at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in historic White Springs, near the intersection of Interstates 10 and 75. Children under six are admitted free, and a one-time $4charge admits children aged 6 to 17 for all three days. Individual adult tickets are $20 a day or $40 for the weekend at the gate and $15/$35 if purchased in advance. Tickets are available at the State of Florida’s Nature & Heritage Tourism Center near Highway 136 and U.S. Highway 41 in White Springs. For credit card orders, call toll-free 1-877-6FL-FOLK (1-877-635-3655). To order by mail, send a check or money order to the Nature & Heritage Tourism Center, P.O. Box 849, White Springs, FL 32096. Make the check payable to Florida Folk Festival. Now in its 52nd year, the Florida Folk Festival is one of America’s oldest and largest celebrations of cultural history. The Festival brings instrumental and vocal music, storytelling, dancing, arts, crafts and traditional food to visitors every Memorial Day weekend. Readers of Florida Monthly magazine voted the event the “Best Cultural Festival in Florida” in 2000 and 2001. For more information on the Festival, visit www.FloridaFolkFestival.com.
Whiticar Boat Works Earns Clean Boatyard Designation STUART – The Department, together with the Clean Boating Partnership, recognized Whiticar Boat Works, Inc., as Florida’s 12th Clean Boatyard on March 5. Operating for close to six decades, the facility is located on the waters of Willoughby Creek off the St. Lucie Inlet. “With thousands of boaters using Florida waters every day, this public-private partnership benefits the marine industry and the environment,” said Division of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Maury Kolchakian. “The Department and the Clean Boating Partnership are proud to recognize Whiticar Boat Works for their commitment to this boating community and to protecting the waters of the St. Lucie.” A full service repair facility since 1947, the Whiticar Yard is pioneering boatyard cleanliness and environmental responsibility. Replacing invasive plants with Florida natives, Whiticar is creating a unique backyard habitat for wildlife, assembling bird feeding stations and nesting boxes amongst the new landscape. “Whiticar has raised the environmental bar for all boatyards in Martin County,” said Southeast District Assistant Director John Moulton. “The management team at Whiticar Boat Works is not only leading by example, but also mentoring other facilities striving to achieve Clean Marina and Boatyard designation.” Over 2,000 marinas currently provide services to millions of Florida boaters. The effects of year-round boating activities contribute to constant and growing pressure on Florida’s sensitive aquatic and marine ecosystems. In response, the Clean Boating Partnership developed the Clean Marina Program to help marinas, boatyards and boaters protect Florida’s waterways using simple environmental practices that prevent pollution.  Partnership members include the Department, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, “Clean water is the lifeblood of tourism, the marine industry and the boating public in Florida,” said Susan Kingston, Chair of the Clean Boating Partnership. “Our Partnership goal is to protect fragile ecosystems while ensuring continued public enjoyment of our waters. The link between this industry and clean water is clear. By recognizing Clean Marinas and Clean Boatyards, boaters can apply what we call ‘pier pressure’ on behalf of the environment.” Florida’s Clean Marinas go above and beyond required environmental regulations by adopting safeguards that keep solvents, sewage, fuel and oil out of the water, while protecting manatees and other marine life. By educating boaters and improving operations at marine facilities, Florida’s Clean Marinas are helping to ensure a sustainable future for the environment, for boaters and for the state’s $14 billion-dollar marine industry. For information about the Clean Marina Program, visit www.floridacleanboatingpartnership.com.
Protecting Florida… Forever Established by Governor Bush, the 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program conserves environmentally sensitive land, restores water resources and preserves important cultural and historical resources. Governor, Cabinet's Vote Gives Florida a Three-Way Win TALLAHASSEE – Governor Bush and the Florida Cabinet voted unanimously on March 9 to add 365 acres to Rainbow Springs State Park, preserving 1,600 feet of shoreline along the Rainbow River. The acquisition also connects the award-winning State Park with the 110-mile Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, expanding river and trail access in Marion County. “This acquisition is a three-way win for Florida,” said Secretary Castille. “Adding hundreds of acres to Rainbow Springs State Park protects the water quality of an Outstanding Florida Waterway, prevents riverfront development and provides additional facilities for river-users.” Protecting the waters flowing from Florida’s fourth largest spring, the park expansion places one-quarter mile along the Rainbow River into public ownership. Planned improvements include a boardwalk, tram station and picnic areas on the new property and a new take-out area for tubers on existing park land. The acquisition has been on the Department’s wish list for several years. Rainbow Springs is one of Florida’s 33 first magnitude springs, with up to 685 million gallons of water flowing daily from the headsprings forming the Rainbow River. Part of the near six-mile waterway runs through Rainbow Springs State Park before flowing into the Withlacoochee River, through Lake Rousseau and into the Gulf of Mexico. In 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the Rainbow River as a National Natural Landmark. In 1986 and 1987, respectively, the river was designated an Aquatic Preserve and an Outstanding Florida Waterway. Florida purchased the headsprings in 1990 and opened the park to the public three years later with the help of local volunteers.
Calendar March Seagrass Awareness Month March Women's History Month May 28-30 Florida Folk Festival
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