TALLAHASSEE – Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole commended Governor Charlie Crist’s budget priorities last Friday for Fiscal Year 2010-11. Highlighting projects that will secure Florida’s economic future, the Governor proposed a $2.1 billion investment in Florida’s environment, including the Florida Forever land conservation program, renewable energy, water supply, Everglades restoration, and state park improvements.

“Governor Crist is again demonstrating environmental commitment to our state, providing $2.1 billion to fund critical programs to preserve land, protect our water supply and restore the Everglades,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “Thanks to the Governor and Lt. Governor’s leadership, Florida continues to safeguard its present and future economy, improve our quality of life, and protect our natural resources.”

The Governor Crist’s proposed 2010-11 budget includes:

• Florida Forever – Since 1963, Florida has committed more than $7.5 billion to preserve and conserve roughly 3.8 million acres of land. However, the program was temporarily halted last year due to economic challenges. This year, the proposed budget revives Florida Forever by recommending $50 million to continue the preservation of Florida’s unique natural resources and wildlife.
• Green Energy Technologies – To ensure continued progress toward advancing Florida’s energy future and growing Florida’s low-carbon economy, the budget includes $10 million for solar energy rebates. Additionally, almost all of $176 million in federal funding received in Fiscal Year 2009-10 will be expended this year in the following ways:
  • $126 million for the State Energy Program, providing opportunities for state agencies, local governments and businesses to deploy renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, resulting in economic development and job growth in Florida’s clean technology sector. Projects will include:
    • Solar for Schools and Shelters, $10 million
    • Solar Energy (Water Heating) Loans, $10 million
    • Solar Energy Rebate Program, $14.4 million
    • E-85/B20 Biofuel Availability at Public Fueling Stations - Conversion Revolving Loans, $5 million
    • Compressed Natural Gas Fleet Fueling Facilities - Matching Grants, $4 million
    • Florida Residential Retrofit Program, $15 million
    • Shovel Ready Energy Project Grants, $ 19.5 million
    • Florida Clean Energy Grants, $10 million
    • Florida Energy Opportunity Fund, $36 million
  • $30.4 million for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant to assist local governments, state agencies and citizens with programs to reduce fossil fuel emissions, total energy use, and improve energy efficiency in transportation, building and other sectors. Projects will include:
    • Competitive Grants to Local Governments, $18.6 million
    • Sunshine State Buildings Initiative, $8.4 million
    • Energy Conservation Initiatives and Program Administration, $3.2 million
  • $17.5 million for the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate program to provide consumer rebates for qualifying new ENERGY STAR appliances.
  • $1.8 million for the Energy Assurance Grant Program to develop new energy emergency response plans and revise existing ones to address Smart Grid applications and vulnerabilities, critical infrastructure, cyber security and energy supply systems.
• Everglades Restoration – Continuing his focus on protecting the health of the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers and their estuaries, Governor Crist proposed $50 million to ensure that Everglades projects will continue to restore a more natural water flow for this unique ecosystem and improve water quality and water supplies for all of South Florida. Lake Okeechobee is the upstream water source for the Everglades and provides the water supply for nearby towns, agricultural operations and downstream ecosystems. The lake supports a multi-million dollar recreational and commercial fishery, as well as flood control for surrounding communities. During the past three years, Governor Crist has signed budgets designating $300 million toward Everglades restoration.
• Sustainable Water Resources – To ensure adequate quantities of water to support Florida’s population growth and environmental health, Governor Crist proposed $20 million in matching funds for wastewater and drinking water revolving-loan programs and alternative water supply projects, as well as $6 million for water quality programs vital to Florida’s springs, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
• Underground Petroleum Tank Cleanup and State Park Repairs – To ensure the health and safety of Floridians and visitors, Governor Crist proposed $144 million to clean up underground petroleum tanks and $29.2 million to remediate and restore other previously contaminated sites. The Governor also proposed $11.2 million for repairs and renovations to existing state park facilities.

For additional details on the Governor’s recommended Fiscal Year 2010-11 budget, visit www.MyFlorida.com and click on “The People’s Budget,” or visit www.ThePeoplesBudget.state.fl.us.

TALLAHASSEE – After gathering public input from numerous stakeholders and organizations, on Monday the Department released its report on the need for new or different regulation of retail bags to Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Legislature. The Energy, Climate Change and Economic Security Act of 2008 directed the DEP to perform an analysis and submit a comprehensive report on the “necessity and efficacy” of retail bags regulation by February 1, 2010.

The report provides an assessment of the impacts associated with current use and disposal of retail bags as well as an analysis of potential options that seek to reduce single-use bags and encourage the use of reusable bags. Each option is presented with the potential pros and cons of implementation in an effort to provide policymakers the information needed to weigh and balance the effect of proposed actions on the environment, regulated community and the consumer.

“Currently in Florida, 88 percent of plastic bags and 63 percent of paper bags are thrown away rather than recycled which can harm our natural resources,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “The report provides a host of options to improve those numbers and by working together, the retail industry and government, we can achieve that goal.”

Almost every retail establishment provides bag for its customers and studies show that Americans used almost 90 billion bags in 2003. The report explains how improperly discarded plastic bags can affect wildlife, marine life, landfill operation and flood control systems and explores the various approaches that other states and counties have taken to address this issue.

The report also identifies and recognizes the efforts many retailers are already implementing to promote the use of reusable bags. Efforts underway include:

• Nationwide, Walmart has committed to reducing plastic bag usage in its stores by 25 percent per store by 2013.
• Albertsons gives customers five cents back on their purchase for every non-plastic bag used.
• In November 2009, Target launched a program that gives customers a five-cent discount for every reusable bag used at checkout.
• In October 2009, CVS customers began to receive a one dollar bonus on their CVS cards for every four times a reusable bag is used.
• Publix, Food Lion, and Walmart all offer in-store or on-premises plastic bag recycling receptacles for customers.

The information and options in the report were developed based on broad research and contributions of stakeholders who participated in two public workshops. In addition, the dedicated retail bag Web site had nearly 6,000 visits – the site includes meeting summaries, draft notes and other details.

The next step in the process is for the Legislature to consider the options during the 2010 legislative session.

To view the report, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/retailbags/.

TALLAHASSEE —The Department's Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) received full accreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) at a ceremony in Hutchinson Island today. The prestigious recognition was accepted by Director Henry Barnet and the DEP DLE accreditation team.

“The Division of Law Enforcement has demonstrated a high level of professionalism in achieving accreditation from the CFA,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “I am proud of the men and women of our Division of Law Enforcement. They tirelessly serve the citizens and visitors of the state, protecting their safety and Florida’s environment and this designation shows that we have truly raised the bar in how we achieve our mission and deliver law enforcement services.”

The DLE had to comply with 259 standards in order to be accredited by the CFA. Conducting an on-site assessment in December 2009, the CFA examined all aspects of the division, including looking at policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

“Enforcing Florida’s environmental laws is an important part of DEP’s mission,” said Director Barnet. “The division is honored to receive this prestigious award and appreciates the opportunity to show our commitment to excellence as we protect Florida’s natural resources.”

The CFA assessment team was comprised of law enforcement practitioners from a number of different Florida law enforcement agencies. Once completed, the assessment team rendered a report of its findings to the Commission which voted unanimously to award the DEP DLE initial accreditation. The accreditation will last for three years and when that time is up it will undergo a mandatory compliance review. To view a copy of the CFA standards, please visit www.flaccreditation.org.

DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement is responsible for statewide environmental resource law enforcement, as well as providing law enforcement services to Florida’s state parks and greenways and trails. Special agents investigate environmental resource crimes and illegal dredge and fill activities, and respond to natural disasters, civil unrest, hazardous material incidents and oil spills that threaten the environment.

To report an environmental crime, wireless customers can dial #DEP. Callers can also report environmental crimes to the State Warning Point by calling (877) 2-SAVE-FL (1.877.272.8335). General environmental inquiries should be directed to DEP district offices during normal business hours. For more information about DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/law.

LAUDERHILL – The Department recently awarded $1.6 million to the city of Lauderhill, $2.4 million to the city of Sebring and $789,605 to the Tohopekaliga Water Authority for drinking water management. The city of Minneola also received $853,000 for wastewater management, while Immokalee received $2.7 million for drinking water system improvements. The funds, part of DEP’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program (DWSRF), will fund improvements to the city’s drinking water system and provide higher quality drinking water.

The funds awarded to the city of Lauderhill are a part of the approximately $217 million awarded to Florida from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to help local governments finance improvements to wastewater, stormwater and drinking water facilities essential to protecting public health and the environment across the state. Florida was one of the first states to have met all the requirements necessary to receive the full amount of ARRA funds to support both the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) as well as the DWSRF.

“In order to protect water quality and public health for our citizens, it is essential that we invest in our wastewater, stormwater and drinking water infrastructure. The stimulus funds advance our ongoing efforts to provide needed funding for infrastructure to local communities,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “We have had a tremendous demand for this ARRA funding, which will help build valuable public projects.”

Lauderhill is one of 58 projects in 52 Florida communities scheduled to receive ARRA money to help build critical drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.

DEP has committed all $217 million in available CWSRF and DWSRF ARRA funding. Qualifying projects were selected for ARRA funding, based on their readiness and priority, at public hearings held on February 25, May 13 and August 12. DEP will also continue to work with all applicants to help them apply for other funding as it becomes available.

DEP received more than $850 million in requests for the $85 million of ARRA drinking water project funds and more than $1.5 billion in requests competing for $132.3 million in ARRA wastewater and stormwater funding.

DEP established its SRF programs, under agreements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to provide low-interest financing to plan, design and build wastewater, stormwater and drinking water systems. Funded by federal capitalization grants, state matching funds, loan repayments, interest earnings, and periodic bond issues, SRF loans are offered at interest rates substantially below current market rates and help make loans affordable. Repayments from earlier loans are used to make new loans, allowing the program to operate in perpetuity.

Since 1999, Florida has invested more than $3.7 billion to upgrade and improve water and wastewater facilities and clean up stormwater pollution, funding about 2,400 projects statewide. Since its inception, the DWSRF program has committed more than $430 million to plan, design and build drinking water facilities across the state, including more than $49 million last year.

For more information on the State Revolving Funds, visit: www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wff. 

For a complete list of communities scheduled to receive ARRA funding, visit: www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/news/2009/05/0522_02.htm. 

For more information about Florida’s use of the federal recovery dollars made available through ARRA, please visit www.FlaRecovery.com.

TALLAHASSEE – In conjunction with the 75th Anniversary of Florida State Parks, DEP's Florida Park Service will host special events throughout the month of February, including two 75th Anniversary signature events, to recognize black history in Florida.

“Florida’s state parks preserve many important cultural and historic sites that interpret the importance of black history in Florida,” said DEP’s Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “While celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Florida state park system, we encourage park visitors to experience Florida’s rich culture and traditions of the past during Black History Month.”

Black History Month events taking place at state parks include:

Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Olustee
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, Olustee
Friday, February 12 – Sunday, February 14, 2010
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park will host the 34th Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Olustee. One of the 25 events highlighting the 75th Anniversary of Florida State Parks, the event will feature more than 2,000 demonstrators presenting living history impressions of military and civilian life at the time of Florida’s largest Civil War battle. Three African-American units fought for the Union Army in the battle. The living history weekend features a Civil War-era battle reenactment on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., as well as the reenactment of the Battle of Olustee on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Educational programs are planned for Friday’s School Day when both public and private school students are invited to attend the reenactment. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children over five years and $2.00 per student on Friday. For more information or to make school reservations, call (386) 397-7009.

Flight to Freedom
Fort Mose Historic State Park, St. Augustine
Saturday, February 27, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Re-enactors in period clothing will tell the story of Fort Mose during “Flight to Freedom,” a living history event portraying the saga of the first Underground Railroad. One of the 25 events highlighting the 75th Anniversary of Florida State Parks, the event will also feature drumming, storytelling and Colonial weapon demonstrations. A free trolley shuttle service will be available from the 'Old Jail' located at 167 San Marco Avenue. Regular park admission fees of $4.00 per carload of up to eight people or $2.00 per pedestrian or bicyclist apply. For more information, call (904) 823-2232.

Paintings of the Florida Highwaymen
Silver River State Park, Ocala
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Museum Open House, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Evening Program, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Highwaymen are a group of artists of African-American descent, whose artwork portraying Florida’s Treasure Coast is recognized as the beginning of Florida's contemporary art tradition. This program will be presented by Mollie Doctrow, Curator at the Museum of Florida Art & Culture at the South Florida Community College in Avon Park. Select Highwaymen paintings from the Museum of Florida Art & Culture collections will be on display at the park. This event is free. To make reservations or for more information, call (352) 236-5401.

Lighthouse Tour
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne
Thursday – Monday, 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a designated Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. Before the lighthouse was built, Cape Florida was a secret meeting place and port for runaway slaves and Seminole Blacks. Freedom seekers waited along its shores to rendezvous with sea captains or board dugouts for a passage to safety in the British Bahamas. Tours are available twice daily Thursday through Monday. Regular park admission fees apply of $8.00 per carload of up to eight people, $4.00 for single occupant vehicle and $2.00 for pedestrians apply.

For more information, visit www.floridastateparks.org and following us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/FLStateParks. 

TREASURE ISLAND – The Department, together with the Clean Boating Partnership, recognized the City of Treasure Island Municipal Marina on Tuesday as the 213th member of the Florida Clean Marina program, and the 23rd Clean Marina in Pinellas County. The program, which recognizes marinas and boatyards for their commitment to the protection of Florida’s natural resources, now boasts 213 Clean Marinas, 31 Clean Boatyards and 10 Clean Marine Retailers statewide.

“Florida has more than 2,000 marinas, and facilities such as the City of Treasure Island Municipal Marina play an important role in the protection of our waterways and marine resources,” said Deborah Getzoff, Director of DEP’s Southwest District Office. “This marina has taken the initiative to preserve the state’s natural resources and lead the boating industry by example.”

The Florida Clean Marina program is a voluntary designation program with a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. To become designated as a Clean Marina, facilities must implement a set of environmental measures designed to protect Florida’s waterways. These measures address critical environmental issues such as sensitive habitat, waste management, stormwater control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness.

“The City of Treasure Island is truly honored to have been awarded the Clean Marina Designation by the State of Florida,” said Cathy Hayduke, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Treasure Island. “As a coastal community it is important to provide clean, safe and accessible boating facilities for our residents and guests.”

The Clean Boating Partnership is a consortium of industry leaders who contribute time and input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, Clean Marine Retailer and Clean Boater programs which DEP administers to protect Florida’s waterways. The partnership includes DEP, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

“The Clean Boating Partnership applauds the City of Treasure Island Municipal Marina for its commitment to Florida’s environment,” said the Partnership’s Chair Mark Leslie. “The dedication and hard work in becoming a Clean Marina is an accomplishment this facility can be proud of and we welcome it to our growing Clean Marina family.

With more than one million registered motorized vessels in Florida, environmental education within marine industries is the first step toward safeguarding the state’s natural resources. By providing green education and alternatives the Florida Clean Marina program helps ensure a sustainable future for the environment and a billion dollar marine industry. For more information about the Florida Clean Marina program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.

DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Florida Clean Marina program, the Clean Vessel Act grant program and the Florida Green Lodging program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green.

TALLAHASSEE — The Department's Florida Park Service kicked off the second in a series of Go Play Weekday promotions on Monday. Monday through Thursday, throughout February and March, guests to seven selected state parks in northeast and central Florida will pay just 75¢ day-use admission for a car load of up to eight people.

"Go Play Weekday is a great opportunity for park goers to join the millions of visitors who have experienced the magnificence of Florida's white sandy beaches, vast open prairies, cultural sites and crystal clear springs," said DEP Deputy Secretary for Land and Recreation Bob Ballard. "Whether your students are out of school for the day, or you are simply looking for a daytime outing, Florida State Parks offer countless family friendly activities you can't beat for 75¢."

Go Play Weekday allows residents and visitors to explore featured parks without the crowds, and to celebrate Florida State Parks 75^th Anniversary for a 'fun sized' price. The price is right for budget watchers, home schoolers and anyone ready for some outdoor recreation during a less busy time.

Northeast and central Florida are the second areas to be highlighted in the Go Play Weekday promotion, which kicked off in the Panhandle last month. The seven selected parks offer opportunities to learn about Florida's history and culture, camp, hike, paddle or ride with a friend along equestrian trails; and several featured parks offer camping and cabin rentals where guests can enjoy campfires and fireplaces.

Parks offering entrance for 75¢ beginning Monday, February 1, 2010, through Wednesday, March 31, 2010, include:

• Fort Cooper State Park, Inverness
• Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, Keystone Heights
• Madison Blue Springs State Park, Lee
• Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy
• Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach
• O'Leno State Park, High Springs
• Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center, White Springs

How it works: Mention Go Play Weekday at the ranger station to get the special price. If the park has an honor box, just write Go Play Weekday on the envelope and put in 75¢ instead of the full fee.

Promotions will change throughout the year, so check for updates on the Florida State Parks Web site at www.FloridaStateParks.org or follow state parks on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/FLStateParks.

Created in 1935 by the Florida Legislature, Florida State Parks has grown from eight to 160 parks over the last 75 years. Today, the Florida Park Service manages more than 700,000 acres of Florida's natural environment, including 100 miles of beaches, eight National Historic Landmarks and 39 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Florida State Parks has been recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association as the nation's first and only two-time Gold Medal winner for the nation's best park service.

Learn more about the history of Florida's state parks at www.FloridaStateParks.org/history. For more information, go to the Go Play Weekday promotion at www.FloridaStateParks.org/twitter_goplay.pdf.

JACKSONVILLE - The Department, along with the Southern Waste Information eXchange, Inc. (SWIX) and Gander Mountain Store of Jacksonville collected more than 600 pounds of old or unwanted ammunition last weekend at an ammunitions collection event in Jacksonville. This marked the fourth year DEP has co-sponsored the event, but the first time it was held in the Jacksonville area.

“Improper disposal of ammunition has potential environmental, health and safety risks,” said Mary Jean Yon, Director of DEP’s Division of Waste Management. “This event made it easy for hunters and other residents to safely remove potentially dangerous ammunition from their homes and prevent it from ending up in Florida’s landfills.”

The proper disposal of old or unwanted ammunition can save lives by preventing it from getting into the hands of young children, and can also help protect the environment by keeping lead and other contaminants from seeping into the groundwater.

Gene Jones, Executive Director of SWIX, first proposed holding a pilot collection event in 2005 in Tallahassee, after he was unable to find a place to properly and safely dispose of some old ammunition that he had in his home. Tallahassee has hosted events for four years.

“I realized that a mechanism is needed where people can dispose of old and unwanted ammunition in an appropriate manner,” said Jones. “We have experienced a lot of success over the last three years, collecting nearly 5,000 pounds of old and/or unwanted ammunition just in Tallahassee alone. We were pleased to be able to provide this collection event in the Jacksonville area with funding assistance from DEP.”

Items that were collected from 42 participants include: 225 pounds of shotgun shells, 354 pounds of bullets, 12 pounds of flares, and 16 pounds of gun powder and black powder.

DEP and SWIX may be holding other ammunitions collection events around the state later this year. For more information about the Ammunitions Collection Events, contact SWIX at 1-800-441-7949 or e-mail info@swix.ws.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. DEP enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally-sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves.

For more information on solid waste disposal and recycling, please visit DEP’s Web site at www.dep.state.fl.us/waste.