TALLAHASSEE – Secretary Castille announced the appointment of Allan Guyet as DEP’s Director of the Florida Energy Office. Guyet will begin his new position on December 5, 2005.

“Allan’s experience and management will bring new insight and leadership to the state’s energy initiatives,” said Secretary Castille. “His expertise will support our efforts to strengthen and diversify Florida’s energy generation and fuel supply.”

Currently, Guyet serves as Chief of Staff at the Department of Juvenile Justice, where he develops and implements state policy. Previously, he served as the Deputy Policy Director for Legislative Affairs for Governor Jeb Bush and Director of the Federal Office of Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland.

Guyet received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science from Central Connecticut State University and is currently completing a Masters in Business Administration at the University of Florida.

“This position provides an opportunity to advance Florida’s energy program and work towards an independent energy future,” Guyet said. “I look forward to this new challenge, and working to plan and build the State’s energy future.”

The Florida Energy Office is the state’s primary center for energy policy under Governor Bush. In addition to developing and implementing Florida’s energy policy, the Energy Office coordinates all federal energy programs delegated to the state, including energy supply, demand, conservation and allocation. On December 14, the State is hosting an energy forum, an important symposium that will help guide Florida’s future energy strategy.

For more information about the Florida Energy Office, visit www.FloridaEnergy.org.

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida State Parks online park guide recently received the Gold Award from the American Association of Webmasters for its clean design, quality content and useful information. The popular online guide, crafted by DEP Webmaster Michael B. Strivelli and his team, assists visitors in planning trips to Florida’s award-winning state parks.

“Florida’s award-winning state parks combine nature-based recreational activities with educational programs and we are pleased to provide information about these experiences on our Web site,” said Mike Bullock, Florida State Park Director. “We are thankful for the hard work and dedication it took to make Florida’s natural resources shine through modern technology; it is an honor to receive this recognition.”

The Florida State Parks online park guide welcomes nearly 10,000 visitors daily, assisting visitors in planning trips, booking reservations and touring Florida from Key West to Pensacola. The online guide allows visitors to virtually tour state parks, explore recreational and educational opportunities, view pictures of the parks and identify upcoming festivals and events.

The American Association of Webmasters’ award programs recognize websites for creative design and quality content. The association rewards skill, effort and enthusiasm through a rating system of Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards, helping websites gain credibility.

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 159 parks spanning more than 723,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.

For more information about Florida State Parks, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

WAKULLA SPRINGS- The Department welcomed Edward Ball Wakulla Springs Lodge and State Park to Florida’s Green Lodging program today. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving ‘green’ practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

“Green Lodges are leaders in their industry,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy, Mike Sole. “Their environmental commitment serves as an example and a challenge to other hotels and motels to adopt innovative green practices, conserve resources and save money.”

Environmentally-friendly features at the Wakulla Springs Lodge include low flow toilets in guest rooms, a towel and linen reuse program, landscaping using minimal water, energy efficient lighting and appliances, improved indoor air quality, electric golf carts and recycling opportunities. The lodge also provides an opportunity for guest and staff feedback on green practices.

“Our ‘Green Team’ will ensure that guests at Wakulla Springs Lodge not only enjoy a timeless glimpse into Florida’s pristine and elegant past, but also help us conserve the park’s natural resources,” said Manager of Edward Ball Wakulla Springs Lodge and State Park, Sandy Cook.

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Certification Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As reward for designation, Florida recommends Green Lodges to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally-conscious lodging and convention facilities. With the addition of Wakulla Springs Lodge, the program has 12 certified hotels and 13 in the process of becoming certified.

For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Certification Program or to locate a Florida Green Lodge, visit www.floridagreenlodging.org. For more information on Florida State Parks visit www.floridastateparks.org.

PALM BEACH COUNTY – The Department commends Palm Beach County on the completion of the Snook Islands Environmental Enhancement Project, partially funded through the state and administered by the Lake Worth Lagoon Partnership Grant Program.

More than 1.6 million state dollars were allocated through the Partnership to supplement Palm Beach County’s habitat enhancement project in the delicate estuarine system of Lake Worth Lagoon. New and improved eco-features include more than 2 acres of oyster reef, 11 acres of new mangrove wetlands, and nearly 3 acres of Spartina marsh for shoreline stabilization.

“Florida’s more than 4,000 square miles of estuaries provide unique natural habitats and protect coastal water quality,” said DEP Water Resource Management Director Mimi Drew. “State and local partnerships like the Snook Islands project restore and enhance these critical native ecosystems.”

The Lake Worth Lagoon Partnership Grant Program -- a state and county managed initiative -- has funded 32 restoration projects since its inception in 1998, including: enhanced treatment for stormwater runoff; sewage connections to replace aging septic systems; habitat restoration and creation; and public awareness efforts.

“Improvements to local ecosystems and marine nurseries provide an ecological boost with environmental benefits for local communities and their economies,” said DEP Southeast District Director Kevin Neal. “Florida’s ocean-based economy depends on projects like the Snook Islands, which refresh local resources and brighten the future for those that depend of them.”

The Partnership’s restoration and enhancement projects are outlined in the Lake Worth Lagoon Management Plan, devised to support a healthier lagoon through projects promoting water quality, biological diversity and heightened public awareness. Other local achievements include wetland creation and enhancement projects Peanut Island and John’s Island. For more information about the Partnership’s projects visit www.pbcgov.com/erm/enhancement.