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News and Dates

Here you will find a calendar of upcoming events and news updates about the Council, articles of interest about sustainability from Florida and across the nation.

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It is also important to know what is happening in the world of sustainability - especially in Florida. Please check back often for news of upcoming meetings and conferences. Please note that a listing in the calendar is not an endorsement of the organization or the event by Sustainable Florida or the Collins Center for Public Policy. For out of state events involving sustainability matters please consult with the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and their events website.

Faces of Green, Photographic Exhibit - June 3, 2009 - Chamblin’s Uptown, Jacksonville - This exhibit features the faces and thoughts of building professionals, community members, home owners, business owners and others dedicated to the philosophy of building green and living sustainably. Read more.


Florida Redevelopment Association: Southwest Florida Regional Meeting - June 5, 2009 - Ed Ball Building Training Room, Jacksonville - Community Redevelopment Agency of Cape Coral - An educational and interesting meeting and networking event. Check it out.


Florida Redevelopment Association: East Central Florida Regional Meeting - June 5, 2009 - University of Central Florida, Orlando - Topics to include: Public/Private Partnerships; Demographic & Real Estate Trends; Development Incentives. More information.

The Future of Southern Energy - June 8-9, 2009 - Beau Rivage Resort and Casino
Biloxi, Mississippi - Southern Growth explores a topic in the forefront of today’s economic discussions as a healthy economy in the future will depend heavily on our nation’s energy policy. Register.

Working on the Green - 2009 Best Practice Awards - June 9, 2009 - Rosen Shingle Creeek - Orlando - Executive forum featuring Florida-based sustainability leaders from Darden Restaurants, Publix, IKEA and more. Luncheon keynote by Cynthia Barnett, author of Mirage and followd by the 2009 awards program from Sustainable Florida. Register now.

31st Annual FAWQC Conference Golf Tournament - June 9. 2009 - Naples Grande Beach Resort - All proceeds from the annual Golf outing go to the E2 Fund. The E2 Fund Grant is awarded annually to a school, a civic or community organization in the State of Florida. More information.

2009 FAWQC Conference - The Economy of Water - June 10-12, 2009 - Naples Grande Beach Resort - Hear timely presentations on critical Florida water issues and agendas.  Check it out.

MiaGreen 2009 Expo & Conference - June 11 & 12, 2009 - Miami Beach Convention Center - Become greener and multiply your business with information for Purchasing Agents, Procurement Officers, Industry Experts & Professionals seeking to engage in SUSTAINABLE Practices. Get involved.

International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo - June 15-18, 2009 - Colorado Convention Center, Denver - The 25th annual FEW will offer cutting-edge content, unparalleled business development opportunities, and a lively tribute to industry progress. Learn more.

Workshop: Transportation System Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHG) in Florida that Support Healthy Communities - June 16, 2009 - FDOT Orlando Urban Office Meeting Facility - Sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation and Department of Health. Check it out.

Workshop: Transportation System Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHG) in Florida that Support Healthy Communities - June 17, 2009 - FDOT Fort Lauderdale Office Meeting Facility - Sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation and Department of Health. More information.

GreenHome Wamalama Expo 2009 - June 20, 2009 - Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center - Offers residents all over south Florida an opportunity to learn about the many local companies offering green, eco-friendly and other sustainable solutions for consumers, homes and business. Learn more.

DCA 2009 Growth Management Workshop - June 25-26, 2009 - Hilton Walt Disney World Resort - A look at growth management changes in Florida as the new fiscal year kicks off.  Find out more.

2009 Farm to Fuel - July 29-31, 2009 - Rosen Shingle Creek - Orlando - Developed to promote the production and distribution of renewable energy from Florida-grown crops. Sponsor, present or attend..

SEBC - Green Building Show - July 30-August 1 - Orange County Convention Center - Orlando - Real world-solutions and strategies for home builders, developers, light commercial builders and remodelors.  Learn More.

61st Annual Education Meeting and Trade Show - August 17– 21, 2009 - Hilton Daytona Beach - Sponsored by the Florida environmental Health Assocation, this event features workshops galore covering everythingfrom epidemeolgy to environmental science and disaster preparedness. For information.

Florida Recreation and Park Association 2009 Annual Conference - August 24-28, 2009 - Disney's Coronado Springs Resort - Check it out.

Florida Forestry Association Conference and Trade Show - September 9-10, 2009 - St. Augustine - Loggers, truckers, land owners, industrial and government foresters, and equipment suppliers. Lots of speakers, education and exhibits. Learn more.

Bridging the Past to Tomorrow: 2009 America Planning Association Florida Chapter Conference - September 16-19, 2009 - Hyatt Regency Riverfront, Jacksonville - Join the leaders from the public and private planning sectors for their annual gathering - program content for every discipline. Get involved.

Creating and Sustaining Connections in a Globalizing World: World Association for Sustainable Development - September 27-29, 2009 - Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach - Explore efforts to create and sustain the links vital in an interconnected world. Whether physical or virtual, these connections are the ties that bring the world together and their absence or failure can hamper the ability of a region or society to grow and prosper. Read more.

Painting The Region: The Bartram Trail - October 6-10, 2009 - Northern St. Johns County, Florida - Come enjoy a 5 day open-air paintout event to benefit the North Florida Land Trust preservation efforts in St. Johns County. Check it out.

4th Annual Campus and Community Sustainability Conference - October 7-9, 2009- University of South Florida - Tampa - A program of Sustainable Florida bridges the gap from the campus to the real world - great for both town (Private sector - retail, manufacturing, sustainability leaders) and gown (administrators, educators, and student groups). Sponsor, Present or Attend - Get involved.

 

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Envision Florida - e-newsletter

     August-Summer 2007 Edition

     August 2007 - Conference

     May 2007

     April 2007

     March 2007

     February 2007

     January 2007

     December 2006

     November 2006

     October 2006

     September 2006

     August 2006

     July 2006

 

Council News

     Creating a Cooperative Conservation Blueprint (5/07) - The Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida recently briefed key stakeholders on the Critical Lands and Waters Identification Project and with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission introduced team leaders to the Florida Wildlife Legacy Initiative. The Council is helping to develop a work plan that will lead to the creation of a Cooperative Conservation Blueprint - an application available to planners that incorporates the best GIS data available to help create a more sustainable future for Florida as it relates to land use, agriculture, conservation, water, transportation and beyond. CLIP Presentation. Legacy Presentation.

     Transportation Demand Management and Sustainability (5/07) - At the 2007 Southeast Transportation Demand Management Symposium, Tim Center addressed sustainability issues and highlighted where transportation issues fit in the mix. Review the presentation.

     Council Speaks to Key Biscayne (4/07) - Tim Center, Council Director, spoke at a town hall meeting on Key Biscayne at the invitation of Councilwoman Pat Weinman about sustainability and how to become a sustainable community. Review the presentation.

     Council Addresses Boca Grande Community (3/07) - Council Director Tim Center addressed a Boca Grande town hall meeting on Gasparilla Island that was hosted by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice. The discussion focused on growth management plans for the island and nearby Cape Haze peninsula. Review the presentation.

     Council Hosts Executive Forum on Climate Change (1/07) - The Council was joined by former U.S. Senator Connie Mack at its Climate Change - Opportunities in Florida Executive Forum. Click for materials from the event.

     Council Speaks to Regionalism (11/06) - Council Director Tim Center led a conversation about regionalism and regional visioning at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Board of Directors Retreat in Naples. Review the presentation

    Council Sponsors Campus & Community Conference (10/06) - The UF-hosted event covers a variety of topics. Five Council award winners will present at various workshops. The Council will coordinate next year's event at another campus. Register now.

     CSF Board Article - CSF Board member Kathy Baughman McLeod encouraged that no child be left inside in her Tampa Tribune op-ed article. Read more.

    Council presents award at Northeast Central Florida Regional Planning Council (9/06) - Council Board member Joe Kilsheimer presented the WCI Green Building Award to Harmony at a local presentation before the Northeast Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

    Council Co-Sponsors Environmental Summit (6/06) - Hosted by the Florida Recreation and Parks Association Foundation, CSF was a co-sponsor for the one-day event where expert panelists convened to discuss solutions to address rising land prices, advanced technology, hurricanes and a growing population. Panelists came up with innovative protection methods, alternative acquisition plans and creative collaboration solutions   Read more.

     New Board Members - (6/06) - The Council for Sustainable Florida, a program of the Collins Center for Public Policy, announces the election of four new Directors to its Board. Read the press release. Joining the Board are:

  • Jim Sellen - MSCW, Orlando
  • Dedee DeLongpré - University of Florida, Gainesville
  • Kathy Baughman McLeod - Healthy Development, Tallahassee
  • Eric Draper - Audubon of Florida, Tallahassee

     New Director - (5/06) - The Council announces that Tim Center has joined the Collins Center for Public Policy to serve as the Director of the Council for Sustainable Florida. Center is an attorney, former director of the Florida Home Builders Foundation and directed the state's delinquency prevention efforts with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

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Florida News

   The Energy Chronicle, (03/09) - The director's message regarding the use of compact florescent lighting.

    From WFSU public radio, (03/09) - a quick overview and analysis of the differences between Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability and Business Ethics.

   Perspective: Florida, Now and Again (2/09) - St. Petersburg Times reprint article highlighting essays from prominent Florida thinkers who were asked, "Where has the state been and where is it going?".

    Gulfstream Power (2/08) - St. Petersburg Times article highlights a project in Dania Beach explores taping the hydro-power of the Gulf Stream.

    Governor's Energy and Climate Action Team Back (2/08) - This press release highlights the 2008 work plan for the Team.

    Water - Cynthia Barnett Speaks (1/08) - A great presentation at the Florida Free Speech Forum about water in Florida from Florida Trend magazine Associate Editor Cynthia Barnett.

    Shades of Green (1/08) - This Florida Trend series takes a look at how Florida industry is moving forward on green practices.

    Stingy With Water (1/08) - Tallahassee Democrat Capital Bureau Chief Bill Cotterell reports in this article on prayers from the Governor and more.

     Building Green and Affordable (10/07) - Wall Street Journal article on the Carlisle Development Group building green for low income people.

     1000 Friends Proposes Dramatic Reforms (10/07) - The report calls for new regional efforts to protect rural lands from development.

     myregion.org Announces Vision for Central Florida (8/07) - at a dynamic event on the Polk/Osceola border, the 50 year vision for the region as created by more than 20,000 residents. Orlando Sentinel preview and follow-up, Daytona Beach News-Journal , Florida Today,

    Farm to Fuel Summit (8/07) - If you were unable to attend the recent Farm to Fuel Summit in St. Petersburg you can access the Power Point presentations at www.floridafarmtofuel.com as well as presentations from last year’s Summit. 

    LEED The Way (7/07) - Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board calls for more green building. Read the article.

    Conversations on Climate Change (4/07) - Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charles Bronson will be co-hosting “Conversations on Climate Change,” a series of Cabinet workshops on how Florida’s economy is affected by changes in climate and the need to expand renewable energy sources.  For more information

     April is Water Conservation Month (3/07) - Encouraging Floridians to become environmental stewards at home and in their community. Learn more.

     2007 South Florida Environmental Report (3/07) - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and South Florida Water Management District detail a year of scientific, engineering and restoration work to improve the Everglades and South Florida ecosystem. Read more.

     Century Commission Presented its First Annual Report to the Legislature (3/07) - but some committee members had trouble with a discussion about climate change and potential impact. Read more.

     Governor Crist - State of the State (3/07) - Governor Crist is persuaded that global climate change is one of the most important issues that we will face this century. He wants a plan for Florida to explore groundbreaking technologies and strategies that will place our state at the forefront of a growing world-wide movement to reduce greenhouse gases. Read his speech.

     Renewable Energy Grants Awarded (2/07) - The Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Energy Office awarded $15 million to stimulate capital investment in the state or renewable energy technologies and promote the use of such energy sources. Find out more.

    New Study Shows How Florida Can Meet Half Of Future Energy Needs With Efficiency And Renewables (2/07) - A major new study released today shows that a combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy can reduce Florida’s future electricity needs by almost half (45%) over the next 15 years. Read more.

     Florida Mayors Sign On To Climate Change Pact (2/07) - Twenty-eight South Florida mayors signed an agreement to take steps to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases as part of a national effort. Article.

   

     Florida Chamber Foundation Releases Affordable Living: Attainable Housing Report (1/07) - Results from the Fall Summit in Tampa highlight the consensus points available to address the need for attainable housing. Report.

     Super Bowl XLI Goes Carbon Neutral (1/07)  - The Director of the NFL's Environmental Program (guess everyone has one of these programs now) is spearheading the NFL's attempt at offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from the game .And this is not the first time the NFL as gone green. Article.

     Florida Public Service Commission Holds Renewable Energy Workshop (1/07) - Florida's PSC held a well-attended public hearing on renewable energy options. Click to review presentations - or to hear the Morning session and Afternoon session.

     Florida Public Service Commission Adopts Rules to Promote Renewable Energy Generation (1/07) - Florida's PSC adopted rules that provide developers of renewable energy resources a greater variety of pricing options when entering into agreements to sell energy to Florida's five investor-owned utilities. Find out more.

    1000 Friends of Florida Releases Florida 2060 (12/06) - a look at the projected growth of Florida and the potential impact of doubling the state's population at current land use rates. The research project provides a call to action regarding land use decisions and the protection of natural resources. Get the report.

    100 Ideas Released (12/06) - Innovative ideas to address Florida's future recommended by Florida citizens and organizations were released by Florida House of Representatives Speaker Marco Rubio, 2008 Speaker-designate Ray Sansom and 2010 Speaker Designate Dean Cannon . The 100 Ideas will provide the basis for legislative policy and budget decisions for the coming six years.

    Ag Lands Forum Held (11/06) - The Florida Earth Foundation introduced the Florida Land Use Initiative: Ag Lands, Development and the Future of Florida at its Decision Makers Forum in West Palm Beach. More than 300 attended the event.  Check out the presentations.

    Florida Agriculture Commissioner Bronson Presents 2006 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Awards (10/06) - The 13th Annual Awards program was held at the annual Florida Farm Bureau Statewide Convention in Daytona. Recipients were Riverview Flower Farm, Lightsey Cattle Company and Tampa Wholesale Nursery. Read more and watch the videos.

   

    Florida Forever Coalition Backs $1 Billion Annually for Land Protection (10/06) - a coalition of sixteen regional, state and national nonprofit organizations announced its support for extending and expanding the State of Florida's program for conservation land-buying - proposing to spend up to $1 billion per year preserving environmentally sensitive land, buying parkland, and securing our water resources. Read the letter.

    October is Energy Awareness Month (10/06) - Florida is encouraged to conserve energy at home and in the workplace as part of the 2006 Florida Energy Act - a four-year $100 million plan to also help diversify the state's fuel supply, reduce dependence on oil spur economic growth.

    Governor and Cabinet Approve Acquisition of Joshua Creek (10/06) - Joining with CSF-Partner St. Johns River Water Management District and Orange County, Governor Bush and the Florida Cabinet approved the purchase of approximately 1,810 acres of the 4,569-acre Joshua Creek property located in Orange and Seminole Counties as part of the Florida Forever program.

    Sustainable Emerald Coast (9/06) - The Committee for a Sustainable Emerald Coast, composing Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties and created by Governor Bush's executive order in June, holds its first meeting Thursday September 14. Click for more information about the Committee.

     Commuter Rail in Central Florida - (8/2) - Governor Jeb Bush announced a nearly $491 million deal today that will bring commuter rail to Central Florida, capping a 20-year dream to relieve gridlock in one of the nation's most congested regions. See the Orlando Sentinel article for details of the announcement.

    State of Florida Seals Historic Purchase of Babcock Ranch - (7/31) - Completing the largest and most unique conservation purchase in Florida’s history, the State of Florida officially took ownership of 74,000 acres of Babcock Ranch helping to create a natural land corridor stretching from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico. Read more.

     21st Century Summits Help Set Senate Policy Agenda - (7/02) - Senate President-designate Ken Pruitt (R-Port St. Lucie) kicked off a series of statewide meetings with a focus on Environment al Conservation in Orlando. Organized by CSF Board Member Kathy Baughman McLeod and hosted by the Florida Parks and Recreation Association, the event attracted nearly 300 people. CSF co-hosted the Summit.  Read more.

     8th Annual Award Winners Announced - (6/30) - The Council for Sustainable Florida is proud to announce the winners of the 8th Annual Sustainable Florida Best Practices Awards. The Council also presented Promising Practices certificates at the Tallahassee ceremony in June. Read more in the press release.

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National News

    Consumerism in China (03/09) - A USA Today article that examines China's spending habits and their effect on the world economy.

    The Recession and Smart Growth (3/09) - A Richard Florida article published in the Atlantic offering a fresh take on the current situation.

    Locally Grown Food (10/08) - Agriculture is making big news when we think about locally grown food. These USA Today articles help outline the issue.

    Green? Candidates Campaign (2/08) - This USA Today article offers a look at how to evaluate a candidate's green cred.

    Waste Management is the new Green (2/08) - This article is look by Fortune magazine at the company Waste Management and their environmental impact.

    Climate Change & Land Use (1/08) - From Grist.com, this article takes a look at transportation and its impact on climate change and how land use decisions can help reduce that impact.

    The End of Sprawl? (12/07) - Washington post article considers that rising energy costs may result in reduced sprawl.

   The Future of Coal (6/07) - A report issued by MIT examines what the future holds for coal in a carbon-constrained economy. Read the report.

     Leadership & The Environment (4/07) - Newsweek magazine expose on all things green. Read.

     The Power of Green (4/07) - New York Times columnists Thomas L. Friedman's compelling article about the green economy in the world. Read.

     Global Warming is Not a Crisis (3/07) - National Public Radio hosted an Oxford-style debate on the issue of climate change. The conversation was enlightening and changed the audience's perception of the issue - and not in the way you would have imagined. Check out the debate.

     Sustainable Energy Production from Science (2/07) - sustainable alternatives is becoming increasingly urgent. This special issue focuses on some of the challenges and efforts needed to harness renewable energy more effectively at a sufficient scale to make a difference and some of the people who are working on these problems. Article and links

     Global Climate Change Report Issued - The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has released its latest forecasts and analysis. Click for a Policy Maker Summary.

     Business Week cover story features Corporate Sustainability on its January 24th cover - socially responsible and eco-friendly practices can boost the bottom line. Article.

     Business Partnership for Climate Change Action - major companies banding together to call for CO2 emission standards. Article.

     Bush White House - NOAA - Affirms Human Influence on Climate - New York Times article noting that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicate human influence on climate change. Article.

     National Geographic - A story about the Suwanee River being more precious than gold. Read more.

     Happy Holidays - and best of luck avoiding wrap rage when opening your gifts this season. Read more about the debate about excessive plastic wrapped packing in this Washington Post article.

     Inc. magazine- Do Good, Get Rich is the November 2006 cover story featuring a 26-page spread of innovative businesses creating a new economy in sustainable development. To be inspired, read more.

     Forbes magazine reports that up to 15% of our energy consumption is for stand-by power from devices that never turn-off like cell phone chargers, cable boxes, VCRs and so on. Read on.

     The United States Postal Service dedicated the Nature of America: Southern Florida Wetland stamp in Naples in October. The artwork, designed by Hawaiian artist John D. Dawson features 21 plants and animals that live in the Everglades. Read on.

     Fast Company magazine featured the article A Light bulb That Could Change the World in its September 2006 edition. Read on.

     Newsweek magazine featured The New Greening of America in its July 17 edition. The articles have a little something for everyone. Read on.

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