Feb 8, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 2008

CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose, Katie Meckley (239)338-3500

Accommodations and attractions going "green" at The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

LEE COUNTY, FL –Known worldwide for its shell-strewn beaches, wildlife refuges, and sparkling waterways, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel offers an ideal location for reconnecting with southwest Florida's most valuable natural resources. It is for this reason that the destination has always had a strong commitment to the protection and preservation of the environment.

In an effort to conserve and protect the area's resources and to save energy, the
hospitality industry is working to do its part. Three area accommodations have been named to the Florida Green Lodging Program and the area's first certified "green building" will open to visitors at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve on April 12.

"We are happy to see our industry take a leading role in preserving and protecting natural resources through active participation in this program," said Executive Director Suya Davenport, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

Launched in 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program is an effort by the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to encourage the lodging industry to conserve and protect Florida's natural resources. The program acknowledges and promotes lodging facilities that demonstrate water and energy conservation, waste minimization, recycling, indoor air quality, environmentally preferable purchasing, program sustainability, and pollution prevention. The voluntary state initiative provides technical assistance to encourage accommodations to adopt cost-saving green' practices. For
more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit
www.floridagreenlodging.org.

Certified "green" accommodations

The DEP cited the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs as the first lodging facility in Florida to achieve the Two Palm Certification status as a Florida Green Lodge. The Two Palm designation certifies that the facility has increased its energy conservation and pollution prevention measures since its One Palm certification.

Since its initial certification in March 2004, the resort has reduced its water
consumption by 28 percent, energy usage by almost 2 percent and minimized waste disposal by almost 3 percent. The resort utilizes a linen reuse program and energy efficient laundry facility, and invested in the latest technologies for ice storage and air controls, heat recovery systems and energy management meters. www.coconutpoint.hyatt.com/239-444-1234.

The Bridgewater Inn in Matlacha, is the second area lodging establishment to be named to the Florida Green Lodging Program for reinforcing its commitment to preserving Florida's environment. By implementing reuse programs and conserving resources, the Bridgewater Inn conserves water and energy through linen and towel reuse services, and uses sensors and compact florescent bulbs for all outdoor lighting. The facility reduces solid waste by providing guests with washable cloths in place of paper towels and recycling aluminum, cardboard, paper, plastic, glass and toner cartridges. In addition, the inn landscapes with planters made of salvaged tires and recycles building repair materials. www.bridgewaterinn.com/239-283-2423.

On Feb. 19, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fort Myers, is scheduled to receive its Green Lodging designation. www.cpfortmyers.com/239-482-2900.

"Green" advantages

Although certification is voluntary on the part of hotels, Gov. Charlie Crist is using  the state's purchasing power to encourage them to go green. He signed an executive order in July 2007, requiring state agencies and departments to use only hotels with Green Lodging certification for conferences and meetings. For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Certification Program or to locate a Florida Green Lodge, visit www.floridagreenlodging.org.

Accommodations working to become "green"

Accommodations working toward qualifications for certification to the Green Lodging Program include Bokeelia Tarpon Inn, Bokeelia; Dockside Inn, Cape Coral; Comfort Inn & Suites Airport, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Fort Myers; La Quinta & Suites, Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, Fort Myers; Inn at the Springs, Bonita Springs; Pink Shell Beach Resort and Spa, Fort Myers Beach; Dune's Golf & Tennis Club, Sanibel Inn, Sanibel Island; Seaside Inn, Sanibel Island; Song of the Sea, Sanibel Island; South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island; Sundial Beach & Golf Resort, Sanibel Island; and Sunset Beach Resort, Sanibel Island.

Building "green"

The first certified "green" building in Lee County is under construction at Six Mile
Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers. Scheduled for opening with special events from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. on April 12, the preserve's new Interpretive Center is certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. This is the nationally accepted benchmark established by the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council for the
design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

A certified green building is one that has minimal negative effects on the environment, achieved through the careful selection of materials, construction methods, energy use strategies and maintenance practices.

The center will contain space for exhibits, administration, and education and interpretation to orient and educate visitors. Window viewing areas of a pond will connect visitors to the wonders of the slough, and an outdoor teaching deck will enhance educational opportunities and aid in the visitors' transition to the boardwalk trails. www.leeparks.org/sixmile/239-432-2004.

For information on planning a vacation to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida includes: Sanibel Island. Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres

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