Sustainable Sarasota

Why is Solar Energy Inhibited in Florida?


Why is Solar Energy Inhibited in Florida?

One would think that Florida, the “Sunshine State, would rank higher than 13th in solar energy generation and that solar would provide more than just 2% of the energy mix for the state. This is because Florida is one of only four states that requires that solar energy be sold exclusively by the utilities companies. Direct sales by private companies that install solar panels is banned in this state. The state also further taxes commercial property owners who install solar arrays. 


Other states allow businesses and property owners to install solar panels and sell excess energy back to the utility grids. Since the average price of photovoltaic cells has plummeted 60 percent since 2010, due to lower production costs and more­efficient design, solar energy is now a very viable option for clean energy production.

Other states also allow solar power purchase agreements. These are financial agreements where a developer arranges for the design, permitting, financing and installation of a solar energy system on a customer’s property at little to no cost. The developer sells the power generated to the host customer at a fixed rate that is typically lower than the local utility’s retail rate. This lower electricity price serves to offset the customer’s purchase of electricity from the grid while the developer receives the income from these sales of electricity as well as any tax credits and other incentives generated from the system.

The utility companies oppose the free­market use of solar energy since it will reduce demand and their financial bottom line. They argue that since there would be less demand on the grid, the cost of energy for those without solar energy would increase. However, since solar energy reduces demand on the grid, it would not be necessary to construct new power stations, which are a major expense, and environmental concerns with energy production would be greatly alleviated.

The solar energy dilemma in Florida may soon be changing since a broad coalition of both conservatives and liberals have come together for expansion of solar energy in the state through a constitutional amendment. The ballot initiative allows for more competition in the electricity market and does not involve subsides or mandates. The success of the petition drive has triggered a review of the ballot language by the Florida Supreme Court. If the initiative takes hold and opens up the free­ market, solar energy will take­ off in the Sunshine State.

Raymond Young, Ph.D.
Sarasota Sister Cities Association



Honore Park - Proposed - Ward Lake, Braden River


Ward Lake is a very nice and attractive lake. It is owned by the City of Bradenton and provides water supply and recreation. Ward Lake is also known as Ever's Reservoir and is on the Braden River.

The County of Manatee has provided a very nice recreational facility called Jigg's Landing located at the northeast corner of the lake. Canoes and boats can be launched from Jigg's Landing.

Honore borders the southern border of the Lake. But the area is fenced and the lake cannot be seen or used by local residents. To see or use the lake requires an over 5 mile drive.

We propose that Manatee County develop a small park on the southwestern boundary of the Lake on Honore. The County already owns property in this location and with a small effort the County could create a nice small park that would provide an attractive area for the people near Honore. We propose the nameHonore Park.





Jiggs Landing can be seen in the north east corner of the Lake.  The proposed new park would be at the south east corner of the Lake with access from Honore







The map below shows how residents who live near Honore must now travel to get to Ward Lake.  The new park would lower the distance by over 5 miles. Bikers and walkers could easily get to the lake.




The map below shows the location of the proposed Honore Park. People living west of I75, north of Univeristy, east of Prospect and south of State Road 70 would benefit from the park and covenient access to the Lake.



The outlined parcel below is owned by Manatee County. It fronts on Honore and has a small detention pond on the west end. If is also very close to Ward Lake. Land on all sides of the parcel is owned by the City of Bradenton.  The County could easily create a small park in this location with nice overlooks and access to Ward Lake.




Bradenton has just announced that they intend to sell the 200 acres just west of the Lake and bordering Honore.  They have received a number of offers for the land.  Now would be an excellent time for the County to buy some or all of this land. So the County could do a minimalist park, or acquire some of the property, or all of the property.

We are forming a Committee to explore this acquisition.  We ask that the County Board explore the possibility of an acquisition of some or all of the site.


Jigg's Landing is a very nice Manatee County Park. A list of Amenities at Jigg's Landing is listed below:

  • Picnic areas and pavilions
  • Boardwalks
  • Concession stand
  • Wildlife viewing areas
  • Dock
  • Nature-themed Playground

Kayak/Canoeing: A new handicap accessible canoe/kayak launch is located at the site. The launch gives paddlers access to the entire Braden River and its freshwater system.

Picnicking: Available at the various sites throughout the preserve on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Pavilion: The picnic pavilion is available by reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can reserve a pavilion online or by calling 941-742-5923.

Wildlife Viewing: Visitors can view a variety of birds and wildlife throughout the preserve in the restored native ecosystems.

Coming Soon:
The following amenities will be added to Jiggs Landing as it develops:
  • Interpretive signage
  • Kayak concessions
  • Bicycle concessions
  • Food, bait, and drink concessions

http://www.mymanatee.org/home/government/departments/parks-and-recreation/natural-resources/preserves/jiggs-landing



Conclusion

Manatee could create a nice small park on Honore with access and views of Ward Lake. 


Contact Craig Hullinger at craighullinger@gmail.com if you have comments or concerns or if you would like to help make this park a reality.   craighullinger.com



Click for a One Page Executive Summary