FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Wayne Daltry, Smart Growth Director, 335-2840

THIRD ALL-DAY SMART GROWTH WORKSHOP THIS Friday (MARCH 14, 2003)

Environmental and Water Issues to be Discussed

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 10, 2003) - At 9:00 AM, March 14th, Hall of 50 States, 2254 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers, the 3rd workshop on converting Issues to Recommendations will be held by the Smart Growth Committee.

This workshop will address water and environmental issues, and is being held in conjunction with the Caloosahatchee River Festival organized by the Calusa Nature Center and its many sponsors.

The Workshop will begin with speakers from the Lee County Departments of Natural Resources and Utilities, the South Florida Water Management District, the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program and the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, among other presenters. It will then go into workhop sessions by which initial issue lists will be discussed and recommendations made.

The public is welcome to attend and particiapte in the workshop sessions. Pre-registration of this free event is requested so that participants can be assured to receive the workbooks. For information call the Southwest Flrida Regional Planning Council at 656-7720, or the Lee County Smart Growth Initiative at 335-2840.