Florida’s environment provides both the foundation for this state’s quality of life and the cornerstone of its economy. Residents and visitors alike are attracted by the abundant opportunities provided by Florida’s beautiful rivers, springs, lakes, beaches, and wild and natural lands. Tourism officials market Florida’s distinctive lifestyle, economic development leaders promote it to attract new businesses, and residents enjoy the many benefits this lifestyle confers. In addition, Florida’s seafood industry is a major economic driver dependent on a healthy environment, and the state is the recreational fishing capital of the world.

In 2014, Florida surpassed New York to become the third most populous state in the nation, with its 2016 population exceeding 20 million residents. In 2017 alone more than 116 million tourists visited Florida and, once again, this state is attracting in excess of 1000 new residents a day. This rate of growth places a tremendous strain on Florida’s lands and waters.

In January 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 19-12 creating the Blue-Green Algae Task Force (BGATF) charged with expediting progress toward reducing the adverse impacts of toxic blue-green algae blooms. In October 2019, the Task Force issued an initial consensus document outlining recommendations to make progress toward that goal.

As we approach the three-year anniversary of the issuance of those recommendations, ecological conditions in Florida have not improved and, in many cases, they have worsened. Lack of meaningful water quality protections have resulted in persistent harmful algal blooms, a record number of manatee deaths, and an overall decline in water quality statewide.

Development, roads, agriculture and other byproducts of human development in the region’s springsheds are negatively impacting the quality of Florida’s springs. Recognizing the significance of Florida’s springs, 1000 Friends has been in the forefront of efforts to develop workable land use strategies to protect Florida’s springsheds — and springs — from the impacts of human activity.

Due to the vulnerability of coastal areas, Chapter 163.3178, Florida Statues. defines requirements regarding coastal planning in this state. Florida’s coastal counties are required to prepare a coastal element for their comprehensive plan with requirements outlined on this Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) webpage.

Lessons from the Ocklawaha

The campaign to “Free the Ocklawaha” is moving forward, offering lessons for other parts of Florida.  Dammed in 1968, the iconic Ocklawaha River once connected Silver Springs to the St. John’s River and the Atlantic Ocean.  Free the Ocklawaha River Coalition Chair Margaret Spontak provides an overview of the campaign and recent polling.  Florida Springs Council President Casey Fitzgerald summarizes the environmental benefits of restoration along the 215-mile Great Florida Riverway including Silver Springs and the 20 “lost” springs.  Dominic Calabro, President & CEO of Florida TaxWatch, discusses their recent economic analysis of removing the dam and restoring the flow.  St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman wraps up with a brief review of lessons learned and next steps.  The session will conclude with a question-and-answer period, moderated by Vivian Young, AICP.

Reducing the Footprint of Irrigated Landscapes in Florida’s Residential Developments

Residential landscape irrigation is becoming Florida’s single biggest user of potable water. In certain situations, developers have successfully reduced the number and extent of irrigation systems in their projects. This presentation reviews examples and considers how to facilitate a more widespread shift in Florida’s residential landscaping paradigm by reevaluating financial implications, focusing on soils management, and redeveloping our plant pallet. Presenters include Cherrylake President Timothee Sallin, and Pierce Jones and Nick Taylor of the University of Florida’s Program for Resource Efficient Communities share Florida case studies and explore options for promoting greater sustainability in residential landscaping.

OUTSIDE 2020:  Sharing Perspectives

To foster the conversation on promoting sustainable landscaping in Florida, 1000 Friends is pleased to continue to partner with OUTSIDE 2020.  This webinar addresses questions from the industry, academic and government perspectives to help lay the foundation for meaningful change related to how to promote the adoption of sustainable landscape principles at a meaningful scale in Florida.  Presenters include Dr. Patrick Bohlen, Director of Landscape and Natural Resources (LNR) and Arboretum and Professor of Biology at the University of Central Florida, Levey Consulting Managing Director Richard L. Levey, Ph.D., AICP, and Lake County Florida District 2 Commissioner Sean Parks.

Outside: Sustainable Landscape Collaborative

Why is it important for local governments and the State of Florida to focus resources on the adoption of sustainable landscapes? What are some of the next steps for moving local governments and the State forward towards the adoption of sustainable landscape policies and principles? A panel addresses these questions and more from the industry, academic and landscape architecture perspectives to help lay the foundation for meaningful change.

Water 2070

Moderate projections indicate that by 2070, Florida’s population will reach approximately 33.7 million residents, close to 15 million more than in 2010. What happens if Florida continues to develop as it has in the past, with development sprawling into rural and agricultural lands? What will our state look like if we choose more compact development patterns closer to existing development, and protect more natural lands?

Implementing Water 2070: Water Conservation Planning for Florida Communities

As Water 2070 confirms, significant water conservation measures are essential to lessen development-related water demand in Florida over the coming decades. Speakers discuss Florida-specific water conservation planning and residential irrigation water trends based on utility billing records from several regions of Florida.

Sustainable Landscaping Principles and Practices

Explore best practices, trends and market opportunities for sustainable landscaping in the State of Florida. Sustainable landscaping is a set of landscaping principles and practices which minimize environmental degradation and make more efficient use of energy, water and other natural resources.

Urban Tree Selection for Sustainability

What role can local governments and property owners play in promoting healthy ecosystems within urban environments? This webinar focuses on the importance of maintaining existing and selecting new sustainable vegetation for Florida communities with an emphasis on the role of local governments.

Watershed Planning: Lessons Learned from Florida’s Springs

Find out about challenges facing Florida’s springs, workable planning strategies to address those challenges, and how springshed planning approaches can be applied to other watersheds throughout Florida.