Growing Florida Green on theboneonline.com

Accelerate Florida: Extending Florida's Economic Horizon

Governor Charlie Crist announced his “Accelerate Florida: Extending Florida's Economic Horizons” economic stimulus plan by charging state agencies to speed up billions of dollars in approved construction and capital outlay projects through expedited approval and contracting. He also directed agencies to promote less intrusive, more effective government by identifying burdensome regulation and barriers to job creation. Joining Governor Crist for the announcement are (from left to right) Secretary Mike Sole of the Department of Environmental Protection ; Secretary Chuck Drago of the Department of Business...
(click to read more).

How Gov. Crist Became Gov. Climate

Chalk it up to old friends and some help from California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Just six months after taking office, Gov. Charlie Crist has leaped to the forefront of an issue his predecessors rarely mentioned: global warming.

His two-day summit on the issue last week drew 600 participants. He was written up in Time and interviewed on the CBS Early Show. Environmental groups sang his praises, and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called him "another great action hero."
(click to read more).

A Pragmatic Turn To Green

It's about quality of life, national security for Mayor Rick Baker.

When Gov. Charlie Crist talks about his interest in alternative energy, he credits his old friend from Florida State University, Rick Baker. It was Baker who led the Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida, which recommended the state move toward energy independence.

And it was Baker who sold Crist on the idea of alternative energy in private talks earlier this year. Now the governor has tapped the mayor of St. Petersburg as vice chairman of his so-called action team on energy and climate change.
(click to read more).

Mayor's Green City Action Accord

Pinellas County mayors joined Pinellas County Commissioner Karen Willams Seel May 3 in the signing of the Mayor's Green City Action Accord. The ceremony, held at the Harborview Center the first morning of the Pinellas Living Green Expo, symbolized the strong and unified support of green initiatives throughout the community.
(click to read more).

Next: How Gov. Crist Became Gov. Climate

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CHECK OUT THE FLORIDA CITIES MAKING A DIFFERENCE

"St. Petersburg is leading the way in Florida by implementing strategies for a sustainable future. St. Petersburg is the first and only city in the state to receive the Green Building Coalition's Green City designation, and has been recognized for energy conservation, recycling, water conservation, fuel efficiency, landscaping and preservation of open spaces, and other environmental programs." -- Mayor Rick Baker

- St. Pete Green Initiatives
- Green City Action Accord
- Green City Initiatives

GREEN QUIZ

Caring about our environment is important, and so is reducing our carbon footprint through recycling and conservation.

Are you an Eco-Hero, a Tree-Hugger-Hater or a Green-in-Between? Take the quiz to find out.