Under the leadership of Governor Jeb Bush, Florida has forged ahead to implement the 30-year, $10.5 billion, State-federal Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Since 2000, Florida has invested $2 billion of its committed $3.3 billion through the end of the decade to clean up and restore the 2.4 million-acre River of Grass.

To date, more than half – 55 percent, or 210,597 acres – of land needed for CERP are in public ownership. In addition, 97 percent of the land needed to complete the Acceler8 projects has been acquired.

Restoring America’s Everglades is reviving habitat for more than 60 threatened and endangered species, establishing a reliable supply of water for millions of Floridians and providing flood control consistent with the restoration.

2006 accomplishments include:

• Allocating $25 million to restore coastal wetlands in Biscayne Bay and $10 million for water storage around the Loxahatchee River.
• Allocating $25 million to save Lake Okeechobee — the heart of America’s Everglades. These funds will expand water storage areas, construct treatment marshes and expedite environmental management initiatives to enhance the ecological health of the lake and downstream coastal estuaries, the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers.
• Opening two treatment marshes in Okeechobee County to improve the quality of water entering Lake Okeechobee.
• Opening the Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area. This new facility includes a 6,000 acre-foot reservoir and a 152-acre treatment marsh that filters pollution from water entering the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon.
• Completing the 102,061-acre acquisition of the Everglades headwaters for the Kissimmee River restoration.
• Funding, design and construction of six of the eight Acceler8 projects are underway. Since the beginning of 2006, the State has expanded three Everglades Agricultural Area treatment wetlands and launched construction on the C-43 Caloosahatchee West Storage Reservoir, the C-44 St Lucie Canal Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area, the Acme Basin B Discharge Project, the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir and the second phase of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project.

In 1999, Governor Bush and the Florida Legislature established Florida Forever, the nation’s most successful land conservation acquisition program. The 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program is the largest conservation effort in the nation, conserving more land than even the federal government.

Since 1999, 1,297,058 acres at an investment of $3,349,642,965 have been acquired. In addition to land conservation, the Florida Forever program enhances ecosystem restoration, protects water resources and increases recreational access to public land.

2006 acquisitions include:

• Babcock Ranch – The 74,000-acre purchase represents preservation of the single largest tract of contiguous conservation land in the state’s history. This acquisition protects a vitally needed water-recharge area for Southwest Florida; a wildlife corridor to support the sustainability of the Florida panther, black bear and other endemic species; and provides the public with outstanding outdoor recreational activities.
• A 4,471-acre parcel near Silver Springs acquired from Avatar Inc. is critical to protect the water quality of one of the largest artesian springs in the world. The acquisition was possible through a partnership between the State, Marion County and The Nature Conservancy.
• More than 60 acres within the Florida Keys Ecosystem Florida Forever project critical to protecting sensitive habitat and preserving wildlife and plant habitat along with the area’s environmental and economic value.
• Adding 481 acres to Peacock Springs State Park more than doubling the size of the park, protecting two major springs, a spring run, six sinkholes and one of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States.
• Obtaining 1,810 acres of the 4,569-acre Joshua Creek property located in Orange and Seminole counties, which is part of the Econ-St. Johns Ecosystem Florida Forever project. This land preserves and protects a large expanse of undeveloped land between the growing cities of Orlando and Titusville.
• Increasing the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway Florida Forever project through the acquisition of a 570-acre conservation easement together with a 1,580-acre parcel identified for protection in the Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act signed into law by Governor Bush in 2004. With these additions, more than 45,000 acres of the 76,700-acre greenway is now in public ownership. The project forms a continuous corridor linking Wekiva Springs State Park, Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park and Hontoon Island State Park with the Ocala National Forest, protecting habitat for several endangered and threatened species including the Florida black bear.
• Securing approval of 2,590 acres within the Upper St. Marks River Corridor Florida Forever project to protect the water quality of the river and surrounding waters, and preserve habitat for the endangered gopher tortoise, threatened Florida black bear and migrant bird species.
• Increasing protection for Central Florida’s water with the purchase of 5,100 acres in the Green Swamp that will become Polk County’s second state park. The property includes two major tributaries to the Withlacoochee River.
• Conserving 28,579 ecologically valuable acres in Florida’s fast-growing Panhandle, through partnerships with International Paper, The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund and the Northwest Florida Water Management District. This initiative protects miles of rivers, creeks and streams, links natural federal and state lands and optimizes conservation, while allowing recreation on previously restricted lands.

Today more than 18 million people call Florida home and population projections indicate that Florida will soon become the third largest state in the nation.

More residents, more students and more vehicles will create a need for more homes, more schools, more roads, and more water. In 2005, Floridians used 7.9 billion gallons of fresh water per day – nearly half of that water was used in neighborhoods to irrigate lawns. Projections indicate that in the year 2025, daily usage will increase to 9.8 billion gallons a day.

Safeguarding Florida’s waterways and ensuring a reliable supply of water for the growing economy is a top priority and includes ensuring responsible growth management and reserving water for the environment and a growing population.

2006 accomplishments include:

• In the 2005/2006 budget, Governor Bush made it a priority to invest more than $671 million to manage, protect and restore the state’s water resources, including more than $2.5 million to monitor and restore Florida’s springs; $300 million for local government wastewater and stormwater projects to protect rivers, streams, lakes, and aquifers; $49.2 million to improve local drinking water systems; $100 million for alternative water supply projects to preserve and renew fresh water supplies; and $75 million for watershed restoration through the Total Maximum Daily Load and Surface Water Improvement and Management programs.
• A $385.4 million commitment in the 2006/2007 budget to expand funding for water quality improvement projects throughout the state, strengthening protection for Florida's water resources.
• In March, Governor Bush unveiled the Action Plan for Healthy and Resilient Coasts. The plan affords two nations, five Gulf States and 22 separate and distinct agencies unprecedented opportunities to protect this complex ecosystem and outlines 11 actions to improve and protect water quality, restore coastal wetlands and estuarine ecosystems, reduce pollution and nutrient loading, identify Gulf habitats to support coastal management and expand environmental education.
• In May, the Governor and the 2006 Legislature allocated $20 million for the construction of new wastewater systems in the Florida Keys. Using previous appropriations and local resources, six new plants are either completed or currently under construction with enough capacity to serve more than 11,000 customers in Key Largo, Islamorada, Conch Key, Layton, Bay Point, and Stock Island. The most recent funding will be used to build or expand projects in Key Largo, Marathon and unincorporated Monroe County.
• Under the Department’s Clean Marina and Clean Boating programs, there are now 140 designated Clean Marinas throughout the state with 61 facilities awaiting the Clean Marina designation and 21 designated Clean Boatyards. The public/private partnership between the Department and the marine industry educates the public about the importance of clean water to sustain the state’s marine resources while protecting Florida’s waterways.
• The Department awarded $17.8 million to various local governments and universities to reduce urban stormwater pollution to Florida’s priority impaired waterways. The funds come from a federal grant and from the Water Protection and Sustainability Program established by the Florida Legislature in 2005 through passage of Senate Bill 444.
• Through its State Revolving Fund programs, the Department awarded more than $248 million in low-interest loans to cities and counties to upgrade, plan, design and build public water, wastewater and stormwater plants and systems.
• In October, Governor Bush and the Florida Cabinet approved a 5-year management plan for the Dry Tortugas National Park. The plan was developed to protect the pristine subtropical marine ecosystem of underwater tropical marine species and restore fish populations.
• In June, Governor Bush signed into law HB 7163 creating an Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP) program for the first time in Northwest Florida. The program expands protection for wetlands, waterways and wildlife habitat across the Panhandle while allowing the regional economy to grow.

As the fourth most populous state, Florida ranks third nationally in total energy consumption. With a growing economy, over the next 10 years, Florida’s electricity consumption is expected to increase by close to 30 percent and the demand for motor vehicle transportation fuel is expected to grow from 28 million gallons per day to more than 32 million gallons per day.

With Florida’s anticipated growth in energy consumption, Governor Bush unveiled the 2006 Florida Energy Act — a four-year, $100 million plan to diversify the state’s fuel supply and promote energy conservation and efficiency.

The 2006 Florida Energy Act diversifies the state’s fuel supply and promotes energy conservation and efficiency. By reducing regulatory barriers and providing economic incentives, the Act takes the first comprehensive step toward a diverse, reliable and secure energy future.

The Florida Energy Office is implementing the majority of the new law’s provisions and as of December 14, 2006, has issued 690 Solar Rebates to Florida residents at a value of $462,406 deferring an estimated 2,090,800 kilowatt hours per year of electricity; received 183 grant proposals that seek $215 million in grant funding and provide $505 million in cost share.

As one of just three states east of the Mississippi River to meet all federal standards for clean air, Florida continues to be a leader in pursuing alternative fuel sources and promoting energy conservation.

2006 energy advances include:

• DEP partnered with Pinellas County to install pollution controls on 76 school buses and with Seminole County to install the controls on nine buses. The devices will eliminate 10 tons and 2.5 tons, respectively, of air pollution.
• Received approval from the Environmental Regulation Commission to implement more stringent air emission standards to improve Florida’s air quality by requiring power plants to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide and reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.
• Florida celebrated its first sales tax holiday for energy efficient products during Energy Efficient Week, October 5 – 11, 2006. Energy Efficient Week encourages Floridians to invest in energy efficient products by providing sales tax relief for approved products and appliances up to $1,500.
• Governor Bush and Secretary Castille participated with executives from General Motors and Inland Food Stores to support Florida’s first Ethanol E85 fuel pump; Located in Tallahassee, the pump is the first of 17 ethanol pumps to be installed by Inland Food Stores in North Florida during the next eight months.
• Governor Bush joined with top officials this summer to celebrate the launching of the Tampa area's first ethanol plant. Upon completion, the Port Sutton plant is expected to produce an estimated 40 million gallons of fuel grade ethanol per year.

Florida’s public lands are home to thousands of miles of recreational greenways and trails. The number of guests who visit Florida’s state parks has grown to more than 18 million annually and DEP's Office of Greenways and Trails has recorded visitation numbers totaling more 2.9 million for this year. Florida's state parks, greenways and trails offer educational and recreational opportunities for everyone — from cultural and historical resources to nature-based activities, providing public access and alternative transportation while protecting Florida’s natural resources.

• More than 8,100 acres of trails were purchased this year; over 800 miles are on the Office of Greenways and Trails managed and subleased lands.
• In February 2006, the first segment of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail was completed. The three-year project was made possible through the $2 million Florida Oceans Initiative launched in 2005 by Governor Bush. Upon completion of the 26 segments, the 1,300 mile journey will encompass the outer limits of Florida, from Pensacola on the West coast to Fernandina Beach on the East coast and the entire peninsula of Florida in between.
• This month, Governor and Cabinet members approved an additional nearly three acres to the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail that will link to the Circumnavigational Paddling Trail.
• The Florida Folk Festival, held annually at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, celebrated its 54th anniversary. Musical headliners included Roseanne Cash, David Holt and Vicki Genfan. More than 20,000 arts, crafts and music enthusiasts attended this year’s historical event.
• The Florida Park Service unveiled a multimedia map series highlighting the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. The Park Service contracted with National Geographic to develop print and interactive, web-based destination maps that feature the natural areas, cultural heritage and recreational activities on the trail and in the Suwannee River basin. Visitors can use the maps to locate points of interest, outfitter services, camping and lodging, restaurants and other services when planning their visits.
• Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve celebrated its 40th anniversary in December. One of 41 aquatic preserves recognized throughout the state, Estero Bay was the first to be protected through Florida’s Aquatic Preserve Act.
• In Fiscal Year 2005-2006, the direct economic impact of state parks was more than $813 million.
• More than 7,800 acres of new state parklands were added to Florida’s park system.

Between fiscal years 1999/2000 and 2005/2006, the Department issued 7,468 consent orders – 1,318 more than during the previous six-year period. In addition, over the last eight years, DEP resolved 311 judicial settlements. During the same period, assessed penalties statewide increased dramatically totaling more than $46 million.

In addition to contributing to cleaner water, by partnering with industry, the Department’s Clean Marina program helps to improve compliance, reduce waste and market green practices. Since its inception in 2000, the program has been an outstanding success:

• Designating 140 clean marinas, 23 clean boatyards and most recently one clean retailer;
• Distributing 26,208 oil absorbing bilge socks to the public;
• Dispensing 50 Preventative Fuel Spill Kits to marinas;
• Handing out more than 10,334 children’s life jackets; and
• Passing out more than 313,821 Pollution Prevention brochures and handbooks to the public.

The Department’s Storage Tank Regulation Program deployed statewide the Florida Inspection Reporting for Storage Tanks (FIRST) database system and field-based hardware to permit inspectors to retrieve and upload compliance inspection data as they conduct inspections, dramatically increasing productivity.

And the Department’s Hazardous Waste Program conducted numerous activities designed to improve compliance with environmental regulations including:

• Offering nine workshops to help automotive recyclers reduce waste, comply with environmental regulations and maintain a cleaner auto salvage yard.
• Notifying more than 900 auto recyclers of the National voluntary mercury switch removal and recycling program and encouraging all Florida auto recyclers to participate.
• Adding two automotive facilities to the ‘Green Yards’ program which helps automotive recyclers understand and comply with environmental regulations and teaches how to prevent pollution.
• Certifying ten additional Florida lodging facilities as a Green Lodge for their implementation of pollution prevention and reduction programs, use of environmentally friendly products, water reduction and reuse plans and conservation methods. The Green Lodging program now has 19 hotels certified, with 18 in the process of becoming certified.
• Implementing a School Chemical Cleanout Campaign, in partnership with the Florida Department of Education, to assist school science laboratories in cleaning out excess, out-of-date, unused and improperly stored chemicals and implementing preventive mechanisms.
• Focusing on compliance in the Used Oil Recycling Program by distributing labels to businesses that store used oil, and conducted free used oil transporter driver training across the state for drivers to learn the latest used oil management standards.
• Publishing several hazardous waste compliance assistance guides in Spanish to assist targeted industries in meeting environmental regulations including automotive recyclers, auto repair shops, and small quantity generators of hazardous waste.
• Developing flyers for the public on the proper disposal of unwanted medicines, and for local governments and other entities that want to stage a take-back or collection effort for spent/expired/unused pharmaceuticals.

Learning in Florida’s Environment (LIFE) is an initiative to establish a series of field-based, environmental-science, education programs for seventh graders around the state. This year two more LIFE sites were added into the program bringing the total to six.

New sites include:

• Wakulla Springs State Park -- where visiting students can explore Florida’s largest first magnitude spring to develop a greater understanding of the fragile surrounding environment and the importance of protecting our valuable natural resources
• Savannas Preserve State Park -- the site will enable students to study the largest and most intact remnant of Florida's east coast savannas, learn about the freshwater marshes and the wetlands that are home to many endangered wildlife species.