ENERGY ADVISORY PANEL UPDATE Time flies. It is already time for another update article about what has been accomplished in June. Solar Energy. The City of Cedar Key is about to enter the solar energy age. We will soon have a 5,000-watt electricity-producing solar panel array on the Community Center roof. There is enough roof area left for us to install another 10,000-watt system, hopefully in the not-too-distant future. Green Lodging. Congratulations to Doreen and Oliver from the Faraway Inn for being accredited by the Florida Green Lodging program. This program, which is run by the Florida DEP, promotes energy awareness and conservation. While in Cedar Key to certify the Faraway Inn, the Florida DEP`s Sheena Chin, made follow-up visits with several other condo/motel owners and managers. A workshop about the Florida Green Lodging program had been held earlier this year. From going around with Miss Sheena that day, I expect that several more motels and condos will be participating in this program. The Greening of Cedar Key. Jim Hoy`s recent Cedar Key News editorial entitled "The Greening of Cedar Key" is exactly right. The City of Cedar Key has a history of environmental awareness and of taking positive action to enhance and protect our islands and the water that surrounds them. The momentum seems to be moving us to continue in that direction - or, as Mr. Hoy put it, toward "the greening of Cedar Key." Recycling Center. The Recycling Center keeps looking better, thanks to the Cedar Key Garden Club. We now have a second bench, and both benches have been stained green. Also, a thanks to Miss Luz and her tree project. There are now four live oaks incorporated into the landscaping. Volunteers planted these trees and continue to water them. Thanks to all the volunteers for all of their efforts. June figures. For the month of June, we recycled 17,660 pounds of recyclable material. That is the most since record keeping was started. With all of the vacant houses this time of year, I am pleasantly surprised. We are all so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place.
- Tom Deverin, Energy Advisory Panel | 
