MANASOTA & PEACE RIVER BBDs Meeting Notebook 10-21-09.docx

L206
FYN Builder/Dev Charlotte, Manatee, Sarasota
Project Type Cooperative Funding
AOR(s)
Water Supply, Water Quality, Natural Systems
Basin(s) Peace River, Manasota
Cooperator(s)
Project Manager DURELL, SYLVIA
Task Manager(s)
Status Completed
Charlotte County, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, Manatee County, Manatee County
Cooperative Extension Service, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Sarasota County
Description
This program provided education on Florida-friendly landscaping primarily to builders, developers and landscape and
irrigation professionals through conferences, workshops, one-on-one interactions, newspaper articles, electronic
media and distribution of printed materials. The coordinator also certified the landscape section of the model homes
being reviewed for the Florida Green Building Coalition's certification criteria. Because new home building declined and
to enhance consistency, outreach to builders, developers and landscape professionals has been consolidated under
the Florida Water Star GoldSM program (B277). For that reason, and at staff's request, Manatee County withdrew its
application for funding of the FYN Charlotte, Manatee, Sarasota Builder/Developer program for FY2010.
Benefits
Reognizing that the majority of decisions concerning new landscapes are made by builders, developers, landscape
and irrigation professionals, this program benefitted water resources by promoting the use of the nine Florida Yards &
Neighborhoods principles to that audience. Approximately 5,000 builders, developers, landscape and irrigation
specialists and realtors received education annually on Florida-friendly landscaping and best management practices
through personal meetings and workshops.
Costs
The total cost of the FY2009 project was $141,000, with the District contibuting $70,500, (Manasota $52,875): (Peace
River $17,625). District funds supported the contracted outreach coordinator's salary, travel, training, materials and
office expenses. Manatee County provided in-kind support for administrative and supervisory support, office expenses
including a computer, telephone, office supplies and promotional materials. Budget lines below included costs for staff
to manage the project.
Additional Information
The District funded education outreach to builders and developers in the tri-county area from FY2005 to FY2009.
Education was based on the nine Florida-friendly landscapingTM principles that were created by the University of
Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences for the FYN program: Right Plant, Right Place, Water Efficiently,
Fertilize Appropriately, Mulch, Attract Wildlife, Manage Yard Pests Responsibly, Recycle, Reduce Stormwater Runoff
and Protect the Waterfront. Education outreach for the six months the FY2009 program was active includes the
following: 27 group presentations/workshops to 80 people; 1,378 contacts with individuals; 177 building or green
industry contacts; 22 FWSG contacts; 203 HOA,COA contacts; 3 realtor contacts; 1 exhibit attracting 30,000 people;
900 pieces of educational materials distributed and 4 newsletter articles that potentially reached 1,050 people per
issue and 5 newspaper articles that potentially reached 276,101 people.
020 - Peace River Basin 255