IN FOCUS: TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT DEP - May 24, 2016

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 05/24/2016 02:18 PM EDT
florida department of environmental protection in focus

Florida's Exceptional Air Quality

monitoring locations

Florida is home to some of the cleanest air in the nation, which Governor Rick Scott recognized by proclaiming May as Clean Air Month. The state has one of the most robust air-quality monitoring networks in the country, further enhanced by a recent $1.5 million investment to modernize the monitoring network. The American Lung Association’s 2016 “State of the Air” report ranks 10 counties as among the cleanest in the nation - more than any other state. Additional information is available on Florida's Air Quality factsheet.

DEP Launches the "Road Less Traveled" Photo Challenge

May is National Photography Month! Whether you’re snapping pictures with a camera or your smart phone, get out and explore one of Florida’s beautiful state parks, making lasting memories with friends and family. From scenic beaches to native plants and wildlife, Florida State Parks offer a wide array of unique subjects just waiting to be photographed.

If you find yourself exploring one of the parks on this list, make sure to submit your photos to DEP’s “Road Less Traveled” photo challenge on Facebook and you could win a Florida State Parks day-entry pass! 

DEP "Sets the Bar High" to Restore Jackson Blue Spring

Through land acquisitions, expanding a central sewer system and best management practices, DEP "sets the bar high" to improve water quality for Jackson Blue Spring and Merritt's Mill Pond. For more information, read the article in the Jackson County Floridan on the recent draft restoration plan.

Environmental Stewardship
Spotlight

TPC Sawgrass

Greg Strong, DEP Northeast District director, presents the Environmental Stewardship Recognition award to Jim Triola, chief of operations, PGA TOUR Golf Course Properties, and Matt Rapp, senior vice president and executive director of THE PLAYERS Championship. 

In an effort to partner with local communities and businesses to protect natural resources and promote economic growth, the Northeast District has initiated an Environmental Stewardship Recognition Program to recognize corporate and non-profit partners and stakeholders who go above and beyond to protect Florida's natural resources.

The first recipient of the award was THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass for its exemplary commitment to implementing environmental management policies, including an ultimate goal of achieving zero-percent waste at THE PLAYERS Championship and utilizing reclaimed water for irrigation. They plan to begin implementing single-stream recycling technology and waste compactors as well as compostable materials for concession products and promotional materials to reach their zero-waste goal.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season

loggerhead hatchlings

Loggerhead turtle hatchlings at Sebastian Inlet State Park.

Five sea turtle species are found in Florida waters and nest on our beaches from March through October. Help ensure that sea turtles have a safe and successful nesting season by following these tips while you’re at the beach:

  • Knock down sand castles and fill in holes to prevent obstacles for hatchlings headed to the water.
  • Remove beach chairs and furniture as they can trap sea turtle hatchlings.
  • Use sea-turtle friendly lights, or no lights at all, as artificial light can confuse sea turtles’ sense of direction, preventing them from finding the water.

Water Conservation During the Rainy Season 

Strong afternoon thunderstorms are a daily occurrence in Florida throughout the summer. When prolonged or heavy rains saturate the ground, stormwater retention ponds may overflow and yards and streets may flood, causing sanitary sewer systems to also overflow. 

We can help avoid an overflow by putting less water in the sewer system during heavy rains. Water conservation protects an essential resource, and it can also protect our homes and our environment from overflows. Learn more about how you can help conserve water this time of the year.