by Rachel Witkowski
Staff Writer
Local environmentalists got their moment in the spotlight Tuesday at the 14th Annual Mayor’s Environmental Luncheon. Nine awards were presented to environmentalists, organizations and businesses that have contributed to a better environment and St. Johns River.
Mayor John Peyton was the keynote speaker for the third time at the luncheon in the Main Library. Chief Meteorologist for Ch. 30/47, Mike Buresh, gave the welcoming and closing.
“I want Mike to explain why I saw at the bottom of the television screen a flood warning and my front yard is dry as a bone,” said Peyton jokingly at the start of his speech.
In response, Buresh promised Peyton rain by the end of the week.
“If you don’t, I’ll come sprinkle it (Peyton’s lawn),” said Buresh in closing.
It is the second year that environmentalists were recognized for not only land protection, but also water protection. Ken Wright and Peter Belmont, members of the Sierra Club, won the Champions of the Environment award. Wright accepted the award for their efforts in halting the Freedom Commerce Center’s expansion into the Pottsburg and Julington Creek streams. The original project would drain and fill 265 acres of wetlands. It was reduced to effect only 36 acres of wetlands.
“This river is essential to the Downtown revitalization,” said Peyton. “We’re going to see more action and more deliverables.”
The Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol and Citi Cards were among three recipients for the 2006 Keep Jacksonville Beautiful Awards. The Green Team Project was another organization to be recognized at the luncheon for the Environmental Protection Board award in the category of organizations.