Media Inquiries regarding the Department of Environmental Protection should be directed to the Press Office at (850) 245-2112.

For after office hours please contact either Sarah Williams at (850) 519-2897 or Dee Ann Miller at (850) 519-2898.

2008 News Releases
 

January | February | March | April | May | June | July

August

• The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort and the Ritz-Carlton, Naples Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 08/08/08
• The Holiday Inn Express in Daytona Beach Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 08/08/08
• Turtle Cove Marina Receives Clean Marina Designation - 08/08/08
• DEP Agents Investigate Illegal Disposal and Storage of Hazardous Waste - 08/07/08
• US Navy Facility Receives Clean Marina Designation - 08/07/08
• DEP Celebrates 'Clean Marinas' in Florida on Saturday for National Marina Day - 08/06/08
• Wyndham Miami Airport Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 08/05/08

July

• Hyatt Regency Miami Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/30/08
• The Sheraton Safari Hotel and Suites Receives Florida Green Lodging Designation - 07/28/08
• Lookout Lodge Resort Becomes Florida's 200th Green Lodging Member - 07/25/08
• State Grant Program Provides $24 Million to Local Parks - 07/24/08
• The Comfort Suites at World Golf Village Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/24/08
• DEP Receives Award For Boundless Playgrounds® - 07/24/08
• The Reach Resort Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/23/08
• DEP Agents Arrest Jacksonville Doctor for Improperly Disposing of Biomedical Solid Waste - 07/18/08
• The Shamrock Thistle & Crown Bed & Breakfast Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/17/08
• The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/17/08
• Oceans Reach Condominiums Resort Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/17/08
• Florida State Parks Make Environmental Strides with GEM® cars - 07/17/08
• Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/15/08
• Embassy Suites Tampa – Downtown Convention Center Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/15/08
• Residence Inn Tampa NorthPointe Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/15/08
• Solara Surfside Resort Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/15/08
• Belle Harbour Marina Receives Clean Marina Designation - 07/14/08
• Plantation Golf Resort & Spa First In Citrus County To Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/10/08
• Hilton Tampa Westshore Hotel Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/10/08
• Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/10/08
• DEP Agents Arrest Two for Felony Dumping - 07/08/08
• DEP Agents Investigate Waste Burial Site - 07/08/08
• Governor Crist Addresses International Coral Reef Symposium - 07/07/08
• The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedre Beach Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/07/08
• Hilton Miami Airport Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/03/08
• The Historic Casa Monica Hotel Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/03/08
• State Parks Host Recreation and Parks Month Events, Welcome Visitors Without Fees on July 13 (Central Florida) - 07/02/08
• State Parks Host Recreation and Parks Month Events, Welcome Visitors Without Fees on July 13 (Southwest Florida) - 07/02/08
• State Parks Host Recreation and Parks Month Events, Welcome Visitors Without Fees on July 13 (Southeast Florida) - 07/02/08
• State Parks Host Recreation and Parks Month Events, Welcome Visitors Without Fees on July 13 (Northeast Florida) - 07/02/08
• State Parks Host Recreation and Parks Month Events, Welcome Visitors Without Fees on July 13 (Northwest Florida) - 07/02/08
• The Grande Villas at World Golf Village Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/02/08
• DEP Highlights Marine Protection with Coral Reef Symposium and New Law Protecting Ocean Resources in Southeast Florida - 07/01/08
• DEP Applauds Florida Forever Legislation - 07/01/08
• Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 07/01/08

June

• Statement from Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael W. Sole Regarding the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board's Ratification of the Statement of Principles for U.S. Sugar Corporation Negotiations - 06/30/08
• Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruise Port Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/27/08
• Best Western Ambassador Suites Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/27/08
• DEP Applauds Federal Grants for Florida Brownfields - 06/27/08
• DEP Secretary Sole Participates in Business Roundtable During 2008 Serve to Preserve Summit - 06/26/08
• DEP Agents Charge Polk County Man With Felony Dumping - 06/25/08
• Doubletree Grand Key Resort in Key West Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/25/08
• Florida State Parks Encourage Family, Friends and Outdoor Fun, Announces Free Admission to All Parks on July 13 - 06/25/08
• DEP Secretary Sole Hosts Panel Discussion of Climate Change Government, Private Sector Experts at Governor's Summit - 06/25/08
• Military Children Celebrate Florida State Parks at Special Event - 06/25/08
• Hilton Longboat Key Beachfront Resort Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/24/08
• Holiday Inn Riverfront Bradenton Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/24/08
• Governor Crist Unveils Momentous Strategy to Save America’s Everglades, Preserve National Treasure - 06/24/08
• Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/24/08
• Friends of Florida State Parks, Inc. Board Elects New Officers - 06/23/08
• Hampton Inn Hallandale Beach Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/20/08
• Courtyard by Marriott at Aventura Mall Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/20/08
• Residence Inn at Aventura Mall Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/19/08
• The Cabot Lodge Thomasville Road in Tallahassee Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/19/08
• Embassy Suites Miami Airport Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/19/08
• Statement from Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael W. Sole Regarding Legislation filed today by senator Bill Nelson and Congressman Allen Boyd for Basin-Wide Assessment of the Apalachicola River Basin - 06/18/08
• Gulf of Mexico Ocean Literacy Project Demonstrates Importance of Hands-On Learning Through Test Score Results - 06/18/08
• La Quinta Inn Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/18/08
• The Courtyard Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott in Daytona Beach Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/17/08
• DEP Hosts “Florida Coastal and Ocean Economics Forum” - 06/17/08
• Sleep Inn and Suites Dania Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/17/08
• Homewood Suites by Hilton in Sarasota Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/17/08
• Comfort Inn and Suites Fort Lauderdale Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/17/08
• Courtyard and Springhill Suites by Marriott Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/17/08
• The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/17/08
• Comfort Suites Tamarac Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/17/08
• Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/17/08
• The Shore Club Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/16/08
• Florida DEP Continues Restoration of Rivers, Lakes, Estuaries - 06/13/08
• Embassy Suites Tampa – University of South Florida/Busch Gardens Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/12/08
• Courtyard Marriott Tampa North Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/12/08
• DEP's Office of Greenways & Trails Receives National Recognition - 06/12/08
• Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Receives Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/12/08
• Hyatt Regency Tampa Receives Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/12/08
• DEP Agents Investigate Commercial Dumping Case - 06/12/08
• The Island House in Key West Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/11/08
• DEP Agents Solve Illegal Deadhead Logging Case - 06/11/08
• 2008-09 Budget Furthers Protection for Florida’s Environment - 06/11/08
• State Park Welcomes One Millionth Visitor - 06/10/08
• Days Inn and Comfort Inn Hotels in Sarasota Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/10/08
• Baystar Hotel Group’s Hampton Inn & Suites – Largo Central Park Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/10/08
• DEP Celebrates Florida's Rivers Month - 06/10/08
• DoubleTree Beach Resort in North Redington Beach Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/09/08
• DEP Recognizes 2008 Disney's Environmentality Challenge Winners - 06/09/08
• The Sheraton Orlando Downtown Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/06/08
• Panhandle Area Teachers to Receive ‘LIFE’ Lesson - 06/05/08
• Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/05/08
• Mariner's Resort Villas and Marina Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/05/08
• The Courtyard by Marriott Gainesville Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/05/08
• DEP Employees Win Productivity Awards - 06/03/08
• Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach Resort and Spa receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 06/03/08
• DEP Celebrates Opening of Boundless Playground® on the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail - 06/03/08
• Statement by Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael W. Sole Regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Biological Opinion on the Corps’ Proposed Revision to the Interim Operations Plan - 06/02/08
• Statement from Governor Charlie Crist Regarding U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Opinion on Proposed Revision to the Interim Operations Plan - 06/02/08
• Florida Recognizes Rip Current Awareness Week - 06/02/08

May

• Casa Marina Resort and Beach Club Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 05/30/08
• Sandpearl Resort Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 05/30/08
• Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 05/30/08
• DEP Agents Investigate Dredge and Fill Permit Violation - 05/29/08
• Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change Considers Policy Recommendations for Final Report - 05/29/08
• Emergency Responders Participate in Coastal Oil Spill Response Training - 05/28/08
• Hyatt Coconut Plantation Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 05/27/08
• Amelia Island Plantation Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 05/27/08
• State Park Hosts 56th Annual Florida Folk Festival - 05/23/08
• The Marriott Orlando World Center Resort and Convention Center Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 05/22/08
• Florida State Park Named Best Beach in the Nation - 05/22/08
• Embassy Suites Boca Raton Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 05/20/08
• Tarpon Springs Municipal Marina Receives Clean Marina Designation - 05/20/08
• DEP Touts $3.5 Million Grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Remodeled Clean Vessel Act Web Site - 05/20/08
• Florida Recognizes National Beach Safety Week - 05/20/08
• DEP Launches Green Travel Web Site - 05/16/08
• Hotel Biba Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 05/15/08
• WaterColor Inn Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Two Palm Designation- 05/15/08
• DEP Releases Long Branch Basin Management Action Plan - 05/15/08
• DEP Releases Orange Creek Basin Management Action Plan - 05/15/08
• Riviera Villas Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 05/07/08
• Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 05/07/08
• DEP Agents Investigate Violation of Florida Litter Law - 05/07/08
• DEP Agents Solve Illegal Dumping Case - 05/07/08
• DEP Encourages Consumers to Recycle Old TV’s - 05/06/08
• The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 05/01/08
• Turtle Beach Inn Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Two Palm Designation - 05/01/08

April

• Florida Celebrates International Year of the Reef 2008 - 04/30/08
• Governor Crist Announces 2008 Climate Change Summit - 04/29/08
• Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail Premiers Signage for East Coast Greenway in Florida - 04/26/08
• Five Jalaram Hotels, Inc. Properties Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 04/25/08
• The Shores Resort and Spa Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 04/25/08
• Dunedin Municipal Marina Receives Clean Marina Designation - 04/25/08
• Isles Yacht Club Receives Clean Marina Designation - 04/24/08
• DEP to Participate in “Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work” Day - 04/23/08
• The Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 04/23/08
• Wicker Guesthouse and Ocean Breeze Inn Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 04/22/08
• Governor Crist Celebrates Earth Day at the Capitol - 04/22/08
• Three Universal Orlando Resorts Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 04/21/08
• Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 04/21/08
• Florida DEP Sets First Springs Water Quality Restoration Goals - 04/18/08
• DEP’S State Parks, Greenways and Trails Celebrate Earth Day - 04/18/08
• DEP Promotes “Green” Cleaning - 04/17/08
• Dial #DEP to Report Environmental Crimes - 04/17/08
• Statement by Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael W. Sole Regarding the Florida Senate’s Passage of Senate Bill 1302 Relating to Wastewater Disposal/Ocean Outfalls - 04/16/08
• Governor, Cabinet Approve Florida Keys Land Purchase - 04/15/08
• Florida Recognizes National Environmental Crimes Prevention Week - 04/14/08
• Naples Grande Beach Resort Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 04/11/08
• DEP's LIFE Program Engages Students in Protecting Coastal Environment - 04/10/08
• The Residence Inn by Marriott and the Courtyard by Marriott in Ocala Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 04/10/08
• Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 04/09/08
• State Park Director Receives Honor From College Alma Mater - 04/09/08
• The Courtyard by Marriott Orlando/Maitland Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 04/09/08
• Tradewinds Island Grand Resort and Tradewinds Sandpiper Suites Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Two Palm Designation - 04/08/08
• DEP Secretary Applauds $2.2 Million for Florida's Communities - 04/08/08
• Sebastian Inlet State Park Marina Receives Clean Marina Designation - 04/03/08
• DEP Encourages Eco-Friendly Maritime Practices With Boating Tips & A New Clean Marina Web Site - 04/03/08
• DEP's LIFE Program Engages Students in Protecting Coastal Environment - 04/01/08

March

• Inn at the Springs and Inn at Pelican Bay Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 03/28/08
• State Park Hosts Ceremonial Ribbon-Cutting for Legacy Trail Grand Opening - 03/28/08
• Florida State Parks Participate in Paddle Florida - 03/27/08
• Embassy Suites International Drive/Jamaican Court Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 03/26/08
• DEP Secretary to Floridians: Take Part in Earth Hour 2008 - 03/26/08
• Governor, Cabinet Celebrate April as Water Conservation Month - 03/25/08
• DEP Names Director for Division of State Lands - 03/25/08
• State Park and Partners Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony for Future Veterans Memorial - 03/22/08
• DEP Awards Loan to City of Marco Island - 03/21/08
• DEP Awards Grant to Ochlockonee Soil and Water Conservation District to Improve Lake Lafayette Water Quality - 03/20/08
• Florida Celebrates Value of State's Seagrasses - 03/20/08
• Governor Crist and DEP Secretary Sole Introduce New Permitting Notification System - 03/19/08
• City of Cedar Key Marina Receives Clean Marina Designation - 03/19/08
• The Doubletree Guest Suites in Walt Disney World Resort Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 03/19/08
• The Florida Green Lodging Program Designates Its 100th Property - 03/18/08
• The Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 03/18/08
• Bellasera Hotel Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 03/17/08
• The Doubletree Hotel At The Entrance To Universal Orlando Receives Florida Green Lodging Designation - 03/17/08
• DEP Presents Recycling Award to Rockledge High School - 03/17/08
• Florida Celebrates Oceans Day - 03/12/08
• Florida State Park Receives State and National Historical Designation - 03/12/08
• Sombrero Marina and Dockside Lounge Receives Clean Marina Designation - 03/12/08
• Governor, Cabinet Preserve 1,135 Acres in Northeast Florida - 03/11/08
• DEP and DOH Remind Floridians of Proper Disposal Methods for Unwanted Medications - 03/11/08
• The Holiday Inn Select Orlando International Airport Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 03/06/08
• New Cabins at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Host Grand Opening Ceremony and Receive Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 03/01/08

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February

• Loggerhead Club and Marina in Daytona Beach Receives Clean Marina Designation - 02/29/08
• State Releases 2008 South Florida Environmental Report - 02/29/08
• The Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal Receives Florida Green Lodging Designation - 02/28/08
• The Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center Receives Florida Green Lodging Designation - 02/28/08
• Davis Island Yacht Club Receives Clean Marina Designation - 02/27/08
• Doubletree Hotel in Tallahassee Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 02/27/08
• State Awards Grants for Renewable Energy Technologies - 02/26/08
• Governor, Cabinet Honor Resource Manager of the Year - 02/26/08
• Governor Crist Applauds Environmental Restoration by City of Maitland - 2/22/08
• Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 2/22/08
• DEP Unveils New Recruitment Page on Agency Web Site - 2/22/08
• Homewood Suites by Hilton in Tallahassee Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 2/22/08
• Three Florida State Agencies Partner to Increase Recycling in State Buildings - 2/22/08
• Hampton Inn and Suites in Tallahassee Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 2/21/08
• The Orlando Airport Marriott Receives Florida Green Lodging Designation - 2/21/08
• Pulitzer Prize Winning Novelist Gets 'Stamp of Approval' at her Historic Florida State Park Home 02/21/08
• Doubletree Guest Suites Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 02/20/08
• The Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs Receives Florida Green Lodging Designation - 02/20/08
• Statement by Florida Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary Mimi Drew Regarding EPA Approval of Florida's Impaired Waters Rule - 02/20/08
• DEP Holds First Peace River Basin Management Advisory Committee Meeting - 02/20/08
• Marbella Yacht Club Receives Clean Marina Designation - 2/20/08
• The Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Downtown Receives Florida Green Lodging Designation - 2/20/08
• Crowne Plaza Fort Myers Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 02/19/08
• DEP Agents Solve Illegal Deadhead Logging Case - 02/19/08
• Department of Environmental Protection and Weeki Wachee Hold Ceremonial Signing of Agreement - 02/18/08
• DEP Enhances Trails with Native Flowers - 2/16/08
• State Park Commemorates Civil War - 2/15/08
• DEP’s “LIFE” Program Engages Middle School Students in Beach Nourishment Project - 2/15/08
• The Orlando Marriott Downtown Receives Florida Green Lodging Designation - 2/14/08
• Governor Crist Announces Baseline Measurement for State Government Greenhouse Gas Emissions - 02/14/08
• Governor Crist Announces New Serve to Preserve Scout Award - 02/13/08
• DEP Unveils Comprehensive Sand Source Inventory - 02/11/08
• Statement From Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael W. Sole Regarding United States Court of Appeals Decision in Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River System Litigation - 02/05/08
• Florida State Parks and Trails Participate in Step Up, Florida! - 02/05/08
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection Joins California Emissions Lawsuit - 02/04/08
• DEP Celebrates February as Florida Hiking Trails Month and the 40th Anniversary of the National Trails System Act - 02/04/08
• Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change Begins Phase Two of Florida's Action Plan - 02/01/08
• Submission of Lake Okeechobee Watershed Construction Project Phase II Technical Plan - 02/01/08

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January

• Crist/Kottkamp 2008-09 Budget Reaffirms Commitment to Florida's Environment - 01/31/08
• The Residence Inn Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach Receives Florida Green Lodging Designation - 01/30/08
• Three Cocoa Beach Hotels Receive Florida Green Lodging Designation - 01/29/08
• Two US Navy Facilities Receive Clean Marina Designation - 01/28/08
• Homosassa Hippo Celebrates 48TH Birthday - 01/25/08
• The Florida Hotel and Conference Center Receives Florida Green Lodging Designation - 01/23/08
• The Holiday Inn International Drive Resort Receives Florida Green Lodging Designation - 01/22/08
• Florida Arbor Day Emphasizes the Role of Trees in Florida's Commitment to Clean Air and Environmental Preservation - 01/18/08
• DEP Secretary Participates in Lake Okeechobee Forum - 01/17/08
• DEP Secretary Addresses Annual Everglades Conference - 01/12/08
• Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown St. Petersburg Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 01/08/08
• Quorum Hotel-Tampa Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation- 01/08/08
• State Takes Ownership of Longest Rail-Trail in Florida - 01/03/08
• The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 01/03/08
• Captiva Beach Resort Receives Florida Green Lodging Program Designation - 01/03/08

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