Go Green FWB!

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The Latest Green from Fort Walton Beach:

New! It's time to gear up for Earth Day/Arbor Day 2010 Celebration at the Landing! Follow the link to download the exhibitor application form or contact 833-9697.

The Draft Eco-Way Multi-Modal Transportation Plan. What's the Eco-friendly way of getting around in Fort Walton Beach? Ramble, pedal, or paddle! Rediscover your City by walking, biking, boating, transit, and more! Take the eco-way!

Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance and the City of Fort Walton Beach partnered to complete an ecological stream restoration project at Liza Jackson Park. The project is complete and new environmental education elements have been added at the park. Check out the October Beach Bits article, p 3.

Citizens Section


What Can YOU Do to "Go Green"?
Green Building                                                                                                                                                                          green_building_icon
WHY DOES IT MATTER WHAT COLOR MY BUILDING IS!? Green isn't just a color; it's a way of thinking and making decisions that use our natural resources wisely. Green Building is the practice of constructing and renovating building sites in an environmentally sustainable way, whether it's a single family home or a larger development. There are several different aspects of building green including energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and using sustainable building materials. Programs exist that can help you certify and possible receive an award for your green building, making it more marketable to the new environmentally conscious buyers. Click on the link to learn more about the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The Florida Green Building Coalition's certification program is also another great resource. Even if you don't get your building certified, these web sites offer guidance on sustainable building practices that you can still brag about.

Energy Savers                                                                                                                                                                                 red_light_bulb
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN CLAIM A TAX CREDIT OF UP TO $1,500 FOR INSTALLING A NEW, MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT ROOF ON YOUR HOME IN 2009 OR 2010?

Energy Savers is a U.S. Department of Energy program that shows you how to save energy through increased energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy and take advantage of tax credits and rebates that save you money. You may also qualify for tax credits for installing new energy efficient windows and doors and adding more insulation to your home. Find out more on the federal tax credits and incentives. There are also several simple, no-cost ways to lower your energy bill, including taking your hot water heater thermostat down a notch or using natural lighting when possible. Find out more about no-cost and low-cost ways to save money and energy by viewing the Energy Savers Guide.

Water Quality Tips                                                                                                                                                                           Water_Icon
EVER WONDER WHERE ALL OF THAT RAIN WATER GOES? Did you know that rain water drainage (also known as stormwater runoff) can have a negative impact on the local surface water quality? How? When it rains, water drains into the nearest street inlet. Along the way, it picks up all sorts of pollutants such as cigarette butts, pet waste, lawn fertilizer, oil, sediments, and anything else left on the ground. The runoff ultimately enters straight into the nearest water body such as Santa Rosa Sound, Choctawhatchee Bay, and Cinco bayou where people fish, swim, and play. Many unique and beautiful fish and wildlife also call those waters home. What can you do? Properly dispose of cigarette butts and other trash instead of throwing it on the street; otherwise, it will inevitably end up on the beach. Frequently check your car for leaks- good for your car and the environment. Do not pour any substances into the stormwater drainage system- many inlets are marked with "Don't Dump Drains to Bay".
Find out more about what the City is doing to help protect local surface water quality by visiting the City's Water Quality Initiative webpage or click here for a quick "Citizen's Guide to Preventing Stormwater Pollution in Fort Walton Beach." The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance website also has information on stormwater pollution prevention and water quality projects.

Visitors Section


Fort Walton Beach knows how to go green! We've set out to be designated as a Florida "green local government" by November 2010 (Ord No. 1791) and we are well on our way to achieving that goal. Check out some of our programs here.

How can You "Green" Your Stay??

Destinations and Activities

BIRDING- Popular local spots inlcude the FWB Spray Fields, Liza Jackson Park on the Sound, and Garniers Beach. Common sitings include great blue heron, tri-colored heron, cattle egret, and more. The local Choctawhatchee Audobon Society has an Emerald Coast Birding Sites brochure to help guide you on your birding adventure and a bird checklist for Okaloosa and Walton counties.

PARKS- Fort Walton Beach has many beautiful local parks to enjoy, inlcuding many waterfront soundside parks. Liza Jackson Park recently received ecological upgrades and environmental education ammenities for all to enjoy. A natural meandering stream exists that flows into the Sound. The Fort Walton Landing on Santa Rosa Sound is home to the most popular yearly events including Billy Bowlegs and the Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration. It's in the heart of downtown and in close proximity to shops, restaurants, and lodging.

Stay in downtown Fort Walton Beach and you're five minutes from GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE, a quiet, white sandy beach maintained by the U.S. National Park Service. Federally endagered least terns call this unique habitat home. Bring your bird list to check off many unique species.

Eglin Air Force Base on Santa Rosa Island- Fort Walton Beach is likely the only place in the world where you will see an undisturbed interdunal swale system. Liza Jackson Park is the perfect place to launch your canoe and explore the Gulf Islands habitat.

You can also visit Fort Walton Beach's Heritage Park and Cultural Center where you can view the National Historic Landmark and learn about the history of Fort Walton Beach from prehistoric times.

Where To Stay
Take advantage of eco-friendly options at no additional cost to you! Florida has a green lodging certification program so you can choose to green your stay. Certified green hotels meet environmental standards in 5 different categories. Check out local certified green hotels here.

Getting Around
The Eco-Way! Existing eco-friendly transportation options include The Wave (Okaloosa County Transit) and the Fort Walton Beach paddling trail.We are currently fully developing a system of eco-friendly transportation options in Fort Walton Beach including the 2-mile waterfront Boardwalk and designated bike routes. A Waterways Map and Guide is also available at this link. It provides information on water-accessible restaurants, shops, parks with picnicking, restrooms, and more!

Other Important Info and Links



Check out info on the City's Surface Water Quality/Stormwater- the Water Quality Initiative

You may also find these additional links helpful:

Drinking Water- Consumer Confidence Report
Air Quality Index
Where to Recycle- The City has 2 locations to drop off recyclables. Robinwood Dr and Country Club Ave. Click here to find out what you can recycle.
See also the City's Environmental and Sustainability Planning page.

Contact Us Any Time: Stella Jones, ejones@fwb.org or (850) 833-9616


Last Updated (Tuesday, 02 February 2010 09:56)

 

City of Fort Walton Beach