The Post Volume 4, Issue 18

Message from Secretary Colleen M. Castille

Advancing Florida’s environmental commitment, the state’s military installations are a model for smart ways to conduct business that save money, protect natural resources and benefit our economy.

On Wednesday, I met with Rear Admiral Annette Brown, Commander of the Navy Region Southeast, at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville and enjoyed a firsthand look at the military’s cost-effective “green” business practices.

Later that afternoon, I crossed the St. Johns River to visit the Naval Air Station at Mayport. Once again, I was impressed by our military’s environmental stewardship and state-of-the-art procedures for maintaining the naval installation’s fleet.

The economically-sound manufacturing and operational practices at both bases are keeping the nation’s military prepared for action and allowing for greater investments in important overseas defense strategies. Making financial and environmental sense, the business methods are also ensuring long-term national security.

Military installations around the state are teaming up with the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, which prevent pollution while maintaining military readiness. Florida’s military compliance partnerships -- with Naval Air Stations at Whiting Field, Pensacola, Jacksonville, Mayport and Key West, and the Air Force at Eglin, Tyndall, Patrick and Cape Canaveral – are improving waste management and increasing water quality protection.

To benefit natural resources and military operations, Florida is also acquiring land around bases across the state through Florida Forever. The State has invested $683 million to purchase nearly one-half million acres of land buffering military installations, decreasing encroachment, increasing protection of critical lands and enhancing recreation opportunities.

Florida is proving that we do not have to choose between military readiness and environmental protection. Florida is prepared and protected.

Florida Energy Office Receives Federal Energy Grants

TALLAHASSEE- The Florida Energy Office was granted more than $404,000 on August 10th from the US Department of Energy. Florida was one of eight states in the Southeast to receive funding, accepting five of 27 grants awarded. Nationally, the US Department of Energy is providing more than $16 million for 162 projects in 43 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are making a strong commitment to Florida’s economy and environment by developing alternative energy sources,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan Bedwell. “Together with the State’s efforts, this funding will encourage energy efficiency and bring new business opportunities into our communities.”

Gold Coast Clean Cities Coalition, $20,000
The funding will help local municipalities, delivery fleet operators, airport shuttle systems, community transit services, school buses and state and federal fleets invest in alternative fuel vehicles for transportation operations. The Coalition intends to meet the Clean Cities performance goal of a 17 percent increase in alternative fuel vehicles in 2004.

Space Coast Clean Cities Coalition, $20,000
Funding will support Florida Space Coast Clean Cities Coalition facilitate the sales of alternative fuel vehicles and the infrastructure to support those vehicles. The National Clean Cities program and Space Coast Coalition will hold annual public education and outreach campaigns to promote alternative fuel technology and alternative fuel vehicle sales. The Coalition intends to meet the Clean Cities performance goal of a 17 percent increase in alternative fuel vehicles in 2004.

Clean Cities Refueling Infrastructure, $100,000
This project will install refueling and recharging stations for Alternative Fuel Vehicles (Ethanol 85, biodiesel and electric) at the Miami International Airport and promote the regional use of cleaner fuel vehicles

Rebuild America, $115,000
The University of Central Florida will outfit three buildings on campus with energy efficient technologies. The project will dramatically reduce energy consumption at Colburn Hall and the Student Union, with the energy savings reinvested in the project for wider application across campus.

Building Codes And Standards, $134,948
Florida will examine the existing building code standards for commercial buildings and the International Energy Conservation Code for residential buildings to propose energy efficient requirements. Florida also proposes to inspect and test 40 homes for compliance with Florida code requirements for balanced return air, duct tightness and combustion/dilution air inlets. A four-hour class offered in four cities on duct system requirements to avoid energy and mold problems in homes is also proposed for development.

De Leon Springs Recreates History

DE LEON SPRINGS – Florida’s rich history came alive on August 7 during the 17th Annual Day in Florida History at De Leon Springs State Park. Sponsored by the Friends of De Leon Springs State Park, the all-day event highlights periods from Spanish rule to the Civil War through re-enactments, cultural presentations and exhibits.

“Florida has a distinctly diverse and rich cultural history,” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “The Day in Florida History event not only educates visitors but also allows them to celebrate natural and historical Florida in one of our award winning state parks.”

Visitors to De Leon Springs will relive skirmishes between Florida militia and Seminole Indians through reenactments using authentic weapons, experience period exhibitions such as a Spanish settlement and Civil War camp and participate in Native American dances, arts and crafts. In celebration of a Day in Florida History, park admission is free.

Citizen Support Organizations, such as Friends of De Leon Springs State Park, are non-profit volunteer groups dedicated to supporting Florida’s State Parks by developing and promoting special events, raising funds for equipment or renovations and seeking grants. Last year, CSOs raised more than $3 million for state parks.

Florida's state park system is one of the largest in the country with 158 parks covering more than 700,000 acres. Under the leadership of Governor Bush, Florida added eight new facilities and 186,574 acres to its nationally-renowned park system. Last year, Florida's parks attracted a record-breaking 19.1 million visitors. De Leon Springs brought in more than 250,000 visitors.

For more information about Florida’s state park system and its volunteer program, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

Florida Tourists Discovering Natural Attractions

NATURAL FLORIDA- More than ever, visitors to Florida are passing up theme parks for state parks, roller coaster rails for hiking trails and water parks for aquatic preserves. According to a recent survey conducted by Visit Florida, more than 70 percent of out-of-state visitors to Florida are taking part in eco-tourism - a five percent increase since 2001.

“Florida’s award-winning state parks traverse the state’s diverse landscapes of beaches, forests, springs, rivers and trails,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “With the growing interest in nature and heritage tourism, Florida's state parks offer guests of all ages an unforgettable experience.”

From 158 award winning state parks to thousands of miles of trails and coastline, the State Parks Service, Office of Greenways and Trails and the Coastal and Aquatic Management team are providing visitors more chances than ever to experience The Real Florida^SM .

Attendance in Florida’s award-winning state parks skyrocketed to more than 19.1 million people last year. From the coral reefs in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo to the rolling hills and scenic landscapes in Lake Louisa State Park near Orlando, visitors to the 700,000 acres of park land enjoy a diverse Florida experience. Under the leadership of Governor Bush, Florida added eight new parks and 186,574 acres to its nationally renowned park system.

“With more than 4,000 miles of greenways and trails, there are countless opportunities to hike, bike or paddle through natural Florida,” said Greenways and Trails Director Jena Brooks. “Greenways protect Florida’s natural diversity and support a growing population looking to explore all that Florida has to offer.”

Florida’s greenways and trails protect natural areas, connect communities and preserve areas for recreation. Office of Greenways and Trails manages eight of Florida’s most popular trails from the Panhandle to Key West. Under the leadership of Governor Bush, Florida added more than 3,500 acres to these natural corridors that wind through urban and rural areas.

The office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas maintains Florida’s nearly five million acres of submerged land in 41 liquid parks along 1,350 miles of beaches and coastline. Across the state, visitors to Florida waters have a variety of recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating and swimming or visiting one of the many archeological sites along the coast.

State Parks United in Volunteerism

ST. SEBASTIAN RIVER— Florida State Parks and aquatic preserves are benefiting from the support of the newly created Coastal Preserves Alliance -- the first Citizen Support Organization (CSO) to connect and protect Florida’s state parks and coastal preserves. St. Sebastian River Preserve and Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Parks along with Banana River, Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserves are welcoming volunteer support, organized service hours and educational and recreational programs.

“Volunteers at Florida’s state parks and preserves represent a dedicated, diverse and vital workforce united in serving the needs of natural Florida,” said Secretary Castille. “From raising money to leading park tours, groups like the Coastal Preserve Alliance are saving taxpayer dollars and protecting the environment for future generations.”

The Coastal Preserves Alliance is unique to Florida’s CSOs because it supports both state parks and aquatic preserves. The organization aims to enhance Florida’s ecosystems by organizing exotic species removal, a trade-a-plant program, habitat restoration projects and an annual nature festival. Community organized activities provide citizens with environmental education and recreation-based opportunities within parks and preserves.

The more than 36,000 acres of St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park is home to a forest of longleaf pine and pine flatwoods. This setting serves as a backdrop for biological communities such as cypress domes, scrubby flatwoods, sandhill and strand swamp. Visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding and bicycling on miles of trails and canoeing, boating and fishing on the St. Sebastian River.

Volunteers and park officials are currently working to restore the 600 acres of Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park to its natural habitat. Officials are removing orange groves in order to restore the park’s precious ecosystems and the park will open when the restoration is complete.

The 156-mile long Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserve is one of Florida’s most diverse estuaries, home to more than 400 species of fish, 260 species of mollusks and 450 species of shrimp and crabs.

The Banana River Aquatic Preserve encompasses 46 square miles of aquatic habitats within northern Brevard County. The Banana River is connected to the 4,700 acre Mosquito Lagoon to the north and the main body of the Indian River Lagoon to the south. The area is popular for boating and world-class fishing including redfish, snook, tarpon and spotted seatrout.

Citizen Support Organizations are non-profit volunteer groups dedicated to supporting natural Florida by developing and promoting special events, raising funds for equipment or renovations and seeking grants. Last year, Florida’s 92 CSOs raised more than $3 million dollars to support public lands.

State Park and aquatic preserve volunteers spent nearly one million hours last year assisting public land managers in educating and greeting visitors, maintaining landscapes, removing invasive plants and caring for wildlife.

Florida Keys Gain Added Protection

TALLAHASSEE– An additional nine acres was further protected under the Florida Keys’ Florida Forever Project when Governor Bush and the Florida Cabinet approved its acquisition on August 10. More than nine acres in the Stirrup Key Hammock, including waterfront property, is part of an accelerated conservation plan to acquire more than 6,400 acres along the 106-mile chain of islands.

“Purchasing the unique waterfront property brings us closer to protecting the environmental and economic value of the Florida’s Keys,” said Secretary Castille. “This vote further ensures precious waterways, endangered wildlife and native vegetation are protected in perpetuity.”

More than 3,000 acres in the Florida Keys Forever Project are already in public ownership. Acquired for $380,000, the additional nine acres will make the project more than a quarter complete just five months after the Governor and Cabinet authorized the fast-track of land acquisition in the Florida Keys.

The waterfront property, located on Stirrup Key Hammock, contains pine rocklands and hardwood hammocks that are unique to the Florida Keys and home to rare plants and animals including the Lower Keys marsh rabbit and Key deer. The State is acquiring the land from Monroe County, allowing for consistent management of the land under Florida Forever and freeing funding for the County to expand affordable housing.

The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program established by Governor Bush and the Florida Legislature in 1999 conserves environmentally sensitive land, restores waterways and preserves important cultural and historical resources. For more information, visit www.FloridaForever.org.