IN FOCUS: TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT DEP - APRIL 28, 2016

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 04/28/2016 03:14 PM EDT
florida department of environmental protection in focus
Springs Protection Awareness Month

Florida is home to more large (first and second magnitude) springs than any other state in the nation. In addition to supporting entire ecosystems, Florida's springs also offer many recreational opportunities such as swimming, kayaking and diving and snorkeling, attracting visitors from all over the world and serving as economic drivers for our communities.

During the past three years, the state and local governments have invested nearly $189 million in springs restoration. This funding has enabled the department to assist local governments and other stakeholders to identify and construct projects that are imperative to achieving restoration goals and protecting the state's water resources. Additionally, Governor Scott recently signed the Legacy Florida bill, which provides $50 million in recurring funding to continue restoration efforts.  

Arbor Day Spotlight:
Fairchild Oak at Bulow Creek State Park

Fairchild Oak

One of Florida’s largest live oaks, this Fairchild Oak, is located in Bulow Creek State Park and is an estimated 400 years old. A native long before Florida became a state, the Fairchild Oak has survived through centuries of history and numerous natural disasters and stands as a symbol of Florida's diverse and beautiful environments.

Brownfield Redevelopment

Manatee Bradenton Hotel Brownfield

The former Manatee Hotel in Bradenton originally opened in 1925. After foreclosure, the acquiring company conducted a $21 million renovation with incentives from the Florida Brownfields Program to address petroleum contamination while also preserving the historic structure. The hotel is expected to provide a $2.5 million annual economic impact.

Florida’s Brownfields Program facilitates redevelopment and job creation by empowering communities, local governments and other stakeholders to work together to assess, clean up and re-use sites previously impacted by pollutants. Throughout Florida, there are more than 375 designated brownfield areas. Once considered useless eyesores, the properties were abandoned and surrounding neighborhoods were devalued. 

More than 75 site rehabilitation completion orders (SRCOs) have been executed since the Florida Brownfields Program began in 1997. The SRCOs were issued for sites that completed cleanup of the properties to standards protective of human health and the environment. The cleaned-up former brownfield sites become desirable locations for redevelopment, creating jobs and providing high-economic impacts in the communities.

The Bradenton Hampton Inn and Suites is one of the many redevelopment success stories from the Florida Brownfields Program.

Indian River Lagoon

DEP Tours Indian River Lagoon

DEP Secretary Steverson toured the Indian River Lagoon with Rep. Crisafulli, Sen. Altman, and representatives from the Fish and Wildlife Commission, Department of Health and St. Johns River Water Management District.

The recent algal bloom in the northern Indian River Lagoon and Banana River reinforces the importance of continued restoration work to improve water quality in the lagoon. 

DEP has recently awarded funding for four projects, including two grants in the past week, to reduce nutrients and pollution entering the lagoon. Additionally, nearly $26 million from the Florida First budget will be invested in 10 water-quality improvement projects in the Indian River Lagoon, which includes a $21.5 million muck-dredging project. The muck-dredging project will reduce nutrients levels, which can decrease the intensity and duration of algal bloom events.

Land Management - Working with Fire

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

Prescribed fire is a land management tool used on many public lands to improve wildlife habitat, enhance forest health and prevent wildfires. Because lightning does not always strike at our convenience, land managers have learned to use and control its consequences—fire. Activities such as prescribed burning reduce the risk to Florida families from wildfires by decreasing hazardous fuel loads near communities and improve the condition of the natural resources for the enjoyment of park visitors.  

Read "Working with Fire."

"Go Green" Tips: Small Changes with Large Impacts

You can continue to celebrate Earth Day year-round by making small adjustments to your daily life that make a large impact on the environment for future generations such as:

  • Use reusable shopping bags. According to the EPA, nearly 32 million tons of plastic waste are generated annually.
  • Walk or bike when possible. One passenger car emits more than 11,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. (USEPA)
  • Pay bills online. Paper accounts for 25 percent of landfill waste and 33 percent of municipal waste. (TheWorldCounts)
  • Replace incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs use about 25 percent of the energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs; compact fluorescent bulbs use about 25 percent of the energy and last 10 times longer. (ENERGY STAR) 
  • Select a Green Lodging destination when traveling. Facility managers have implemented practices that are helping to protect and conserve Florida’s natural resources.