Sarasota Livin'

From their press release this is a very important project for our area.....

03.03.2009 - VENICE, FL (March 2, 2009) – Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice is pursuing a partnership to create what could be the largest urban solar-energy project in the country. A solar facility constructed on land that the Foundation owns in Sarasota County could generate an estimated 40 megawatts of clean, renewable electricity, or enough to provide power for about 4,800 homes. The Foundation announced its plan today at a luncheon featuring New York Times columnist and best-selling author Thomas L. Friedman.

“Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s courageous Board of Directors envisions this opportunity as a catalyst for renewable energy technology and applications in Sarasota County and our surrounding region,” said Teri A Hansen, president and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “The Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve, and investing in clean, renewable energy will generate economic benefits while helping to preserve our environment and secure our energy independence.”

At the event, Ms. Hansen also read a letter from Governor Charlie Crist. “Congratulations on your historic announcement today,” she quoted from the letter. “When it comes to solar energy policy, I often remind our fellow Floridians that Florida is the Sunshine State. We must take action to encourage the development of technology that utilizes our abundant and renewable gift.”