Sarasota County launches interactive "Green Map" of sustainability features

SARASOTA COUNTY – A new interactive "Green Map" of sustainability features is now available online at www.scgov.net/greenmap. The interactive mapping tool provides residents and visitors with information on sustainable community resources and aspects, such as ways to find local produce, locate green hotels or check out the solar installations in their neighborhood.

As a community tool, the Sarasota County Green Map will continue to grow and change as residents use and add to it. "The new Sarasota County Green Map encourages you to engage with the green places in our community in brand new ways. ," said Aubrey Phillips, administrative manager with Sarasota County Extension. "Visitors can suggest new sites, share comments and photos, and describe how places have impacted them, bringing to light the connections between neighbors and neighborhoods.

There are currently more than 4,000 existing sites on the Green Map, including 1,906 on solar energy, 822 on Florida-friendly landscaping, 137 on green buildings and 130 on green businesses. Other aspects include alternative health resources, organic and local food, park and recreation areas and libraries. Residents and businesses are encouraged to suggest additional sustainability resources or comment on those already featured.

The map is a collaborative effort between Sarasota County, the University of Florida (UF)/IFAS Extension and SCOPE (Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence). Laurel Corrao, GIS analyst at SCOPE, believes that this effort is particularly important to local community engagement efforts around sustainability. "I can't wait to see all the new ways Sarasota County residents share and get excited about 'green-centric' data on the new Green Map," said Corrao.

The Sarasota County Green Map is part of the award-winning global Green Map System, which supports locally led Green Map projects in encouraging environmental awareness and sustainability consciousness. Today, there are more than 400 Green Map projects in 51 countries to help people locate sustainable urban and rural places and institutions.

For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.

About SCOPE (Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence)
SCOPE's mission is to connect and inspire citizens to create a better community. SCOPE provides opportunities where all residents' voices are welcomed and heard. SCOPE brings together residents, business owners, government officials and organizations to listen, learn and discuss issues that impact the quality of life in Sarasota County. SCOPE focuses on possibilities and the power of active citizens to create a better community.