DEP TO JOIN SARASOTA FOR ANNUAL SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES WORKSHOP

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 28, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

DEP TO JOIN SARASOTA FOR ANNUAL SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES WORKSHOP 

~Event aims to bring together local leaders to discuss responsible economic development~

FORT MYERS – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s South District will join Sarasota County for its Ninth Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop on Oct. 29. This year’s workshop, which will focus on growing healthy, resilient and prosperous communities, will be held at the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Event and Conference Center in Sarasota.

“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is pleased to be partnering with Sarasota County in its sustainability efforts that are advancing the county’s ecologic and economic goals for today and future generations," said DEP’s South District Director Jon Iglehart. “Sarasota and many communities throughout Florida are demonstrating to the world that Floridians work together to protect the environment, grow our economy and create a sustainable future.”

Sarasota County is one of the leaders in sustainable development at both the state and national level. Sarasota’s 2014 workshop aims to cultivate innovative thinking and learning about better products, programs and processes for improved health, local food, resiliency and prosperity.

“Our 2014 workshop will provide information-rich sessions on a variety of approaches to grow a sustainable community," said Lee Hayes Byron, manager of Sarasota County Sustainability. 

Expert speakers will provide up-to-date information on community strategies and resources, including actions we all can take. 

We are excited to be partnering with DEP on our Ninth Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop. Sarasota County is proud to be home to many sustainability leaders and looks forward to bringing interested residents and businesses together to learn and plan for our shared, sustainable future,” Byron added. 

DEP maintains a host of sustainable initiatives, such as the Florida Green Lodging Program, the Florida Clean Marina Program, Green Schools and the Clean Vessel Act Grant Program.

For more information on Sarasota County sustainability efforts, click here.

For more information on DEP’s sustainability initiatives, click here