St. Lucie County, Florida is embarking on a green initiative to facilitate the nation’s first sustainable community’s demonstration project.  Although the details are a bit over my head, I was struck by the idea that a partnership was being made to move towards a greener economy.  Included in the plan is a 65,000 square foot alternative energy center that will be incorporated as a real-world classroom with hands-on experiences for students at a local state college. Discussions are also under way to bring in from around the world leading scientists to the classrooms and energy center thus broadening the idea of sharing and partnering for a greener community.

The highly competitive grant was the only one awarded in the state of Florida.  Community leaders and program partners have toured St. Lucie County and the Fort Pierce area looking for public, educational, manufacturing and industrial facilities in addition to commercial structures to be included in what they have termed the “Green Mile District.”

The idea of having a ‘green mile’ struck me as ironic knowing how popular a different ‘green’ is in the area. Port St. Lucie, Florida has some great greens in the form of PGA golf clubs! 

For instance, you can basically have a PGA golf course in your back yard at your ‘home away from home’ at one of Florida’s golf resorts.   Green abounds at these beautiful links that include courses designed by the famed Tom Fazio and Pete Dye.

Visitors wanting to save some ‘green’ can do so by checking out the golf specials and packages in Port St. Lucie. 

Make the plan to save some green, hit that perfect shot to the green and visit a green community with a HUGE alternative energy center all in the same area.  Your friends will be green with envy at the stories you come back telling of all your green experiences.  Heck, I’m turning a little green myself.

Welcome back!

It has been over 100 days since the oil drilling platform explosion in the Gulf of Mexico and despite what you may have heard, Florida beaches are still open! Additionally, as of 8/10/10, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reopened 5, 144 square miles of the Gulf of Mexico for finfish fishing. Flights over the area in the last 30 days and NOAA data show no oil in the area reopened for fishing. Although crab and shrimp fishing remains closed, visitors and commercial fisherman can catch renowned grouper, snapper, tuna and mahi mahi.

The eastern edge this recent closure affected Cape San Blas on Florida Panhandle’s Forgotten Coast. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection(DEP) confirmed reports of tar balls near Pensacola, FL, however local Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency are monitoring the air and water quality closely in Cape San Blas, and so far the beaches remain beautiful and open. According to a statement by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman, Rodney Barreto, “Both the water and fish have been thoroughly tested and Florida’s seafood is certified good to eat and great tasting.”

Still hesitant about booking a Florida vacation?

I recommend finding a reputable company that is offering options to its guests in the event of beach closures. Pristine Properties is one of those reputable Cape San Blas vacation rental companies. Their recent newsletter announced options for their guests to relocate to open beaches, reschedule to a future date, or refund reservations in the event of a closure. Owners, Alyson and Justin Gerlach, are making all attempts to keep their visitors happy and coming back year after year. “We understand this situation has created a great deal of uncertainty for you as well as us.  We’re planning to handle this to the best of our ability and our main concern is not having our guests feeling like they’re going at it alone.” 

A meaningful vacation

For those of you looking to do more than just relax on your Florida vacation, check out one of these webpages for volunteer opportunities: www.gulfcounty-fl.gov/deephorizonsoilspill.cfm or www.gulfcounty-fl.gov/forms.cfm?id=619.

The weather is getting nice, the spring break insanity is over, and you deserve a warm, sun-soaked getaway!  One of our favorite family vacation destinations is offering great deals on amazing family vacations, so why not pack up the whole group and head down to a great Orlando vacation rental for some fun in the sun?

Orlando offers a wide variety of fun things to do in the spring and summer months, at a variety of price points.  Here are a few of our favorite activities:

• Disney World – We can’t bring up Orlando without thoughts of the magic of Disney coming to mind.  One of the most popular Orlando family vacation experiences, but it can be expensive.  Be sure to save up for this one!
• Universal Studios – For those who have already experienced Disney World, or have some teens in your group, Universal Studios should be on your list of things to experience while visiting Orlando.  Visitors of all ages will enjoy the thrill rides, attractions, and dining options offered by Universal Studios!
• Sea World Orlando – A must-visit attraction for groups bringing a marine lover along on vacation.  Guests can visit scheduled shows in addition to a variety of attractions and fun experiences.
• Water Parks – Looking for a cool alternative to the summer heat?  Check out some of the popular area water parks, and choose your favorite!
• Beaches – There are several great Florida beaches within reasonable driving distance from the Orlando area, so why not take advantage of Orlando’s centralized location and check out a few of them?  Some of the most popular include Cocoa, Daytona, and St. Petersburg beaches.  Be sure to pack your sunscreen!
• Free Attractions – Many people worry about what a trip to Orlando will do to their budgets.  Have no fear, we’ve got a great list of free things to do in Orlando!  Choose from outdoor activities, museums, beaches, and Downtown Disney for some fun in the sun that won’t break the bank!

Images Courtesy @ LaRsNoW @ and Discount Vacation Rentals Online

One of the most exciting fishing stories you can bring home from your Florida vacation, is about the one that didn’t get away. If you have discovered the beauty and adventure of Marco Island, a fisherman’s delight surrounded by mangrove islands and sparkling coastal waters, then you probably have your fair share of big catches to boast about.

Marco Island is a mere six miles in length and just four miles wide, but this little slice of heaven is not easily forgotten. In fact, if fishing, boating, and kayaking are three of your favorite words, it is likely that your first visit to the Island will become the first of many. While you visit – check out the wide variety of Marco Island Vacation Rentals on the island, you’re sure to find one within walking-distance of your charter office or marina.

The convenience factor itself is amazing. Imagine never being more than a mile or two from your condo or hotel, yet just moments away from some of the best fly fishing in the world. The lukewarm gulf temperatures of the backwater bay provide the perfect home for tarpon, snook, spanish mackerel, sea trout, and mangrove snapper. Secluded fishing holes are not hard to find, even during tourist season, since most of the visitors take their fishing offshore. Guided backwater fishing excursions are easy to find, or simply rent a canoe or kayak and set off exploring.

Charter boats can take you offshore, for either full or half day fishing trips. Grouper, barracuda, amberjack, cobia, and king mackerel are a few of the trophies you may have the good fortune to hook. Your boat captain will take you to the best fishing holes.

Once you’ve had your fill of fishing – is that even possible? – you can experience a completely different type of boating adventure. How about taking a three hour ride on a 155 foot catamaran that will deliver you to Key West for the day? Getting there is truly half the fun when you are riding on one of these luxurious watercrafts. Fully air conditioned and equipped with big screen TVs, satellite television and a full bar, this is traveling in style. After swimming with the dolphins or enjoying the historical sights of Key West, you’ll be safely returned to Marco Island. That’s a lot of paradise to handle, all in one vacation. Now you are beginning to see why Marco Island has the ability to become an annual family getaway.

Did I mention the dinner sunset boat trips, the superb shelling, or the fact that there are over 50 top rated restaurants and over 100 retail shops on the island? Marco Island – all the comforts of home and the ability to catch a 200 lb fish right in your back yard. That’s what I call a vacation. How about you?

With Fall just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning your winter beach vacation!  What better way to shake the cold weather blues than by spending some time with your toes in the sand?  With miles of beautiful white sand beaches, the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and a variety of great activities, Panama City Beach is perfect for your winter vacation!

Book a great Panama City Beach vacation rental, toss your sandals and a great book in a bag, and head for the beach!  Beautiful year-round, the only white stuff you’ll see on the ground is the beautiful white sand covering the shoreline!  A longtime popular Snowbird destination, Panama City Beach is a great destination for a beautiful and relaxing beach vacation.

Panama City Beach is known for its long stretch of shoreline, with beautiful white sand beaches and shimmering emerald waters.  The amazing climate makes the area a popular vacation destination year-round.  While visiting, enjoy activities such as sport fishing, boating, golf, shopping, nightlife, and more!  Whatever you are looking for in a fun and affordable beach destination, Panama City has it!

Images Courtesy Dreamcious