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As we move forward in 2025, Clean Air Northeast Florida remains committed to advancing regional climate action, fostering collaboration, and creating a healthier, more resilient future for our communities. This newsletter brings you the latest updates on sustainability initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved in shaping Northeast Florida's clean energy and climate future.
Exciting progress is underway, from expanding electric vehicle infrastructure to regional climate planning and community-led sustainability efforts. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us in making a lasting impact. Together, we can build a cleaner, more sustainable Northeast Florida!
Sincerely,
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Ashantae Green
Sustainability Manager
City of Jacksonville
greena@coj.net
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Clean Air North East Florida Forum – February 28th
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Join us on Zoom for the next Clean Air Northeast Florida Forum on Friday, February 28th, from 1-2 PM, featuring a discussion with Chris Kelcourse and Angela DeMonbreun, sharing insights from their work and collaboration over the past several months. From August to December, our monthly virtual roundtables brought together voices from the Northeast Florida region to explore emissions reduction strategies, workforce development, and funding opportunities. As we transition to a quarterly meeting schedule, this forum will reflect on the progress and innovative ideas that emerged from these discussions. Hear directly from roundtable chairs about their experiences, key takeaways, and next steps for regional climate action. We will also open the floor for an interactive session—an opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and engage in meaningful dialogue. | |
Join USGBC in Orlando for ADAPT: The Southeast's Premier Resilience & Sustainability Conference | |
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The demand for sustainable, adaptable, and forward-thinking buildings, communities, and infrastructure has never been greater. From climate challenges to resource management and shifting urban landscapes, the southeastern U.S. faces unique hurdles—and ADAPT is where industry leaders come together to tackle them.
Join USGBC and hundreds of sustainability professionals in Orlando, Florida, from March 3rd through 4th for this regional conference, co-located with the Green Schools Conference. Through plenary sessions, interactive workshops, and interdisciplinary education, ADAPT will foster critical conversations on resilience and the built environment.
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UF/IFAS Extension's Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ 2025 Webinar Series – Learn Sustainable Landscaping Practices
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The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program offers free, science-based webinars to help homeowners, professionals, and communities adopt environmentally responsible landscaping practices. In collaboration between UF/IFAS Extension and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, FFL has promoted sustainable alternatives to conventional landscaping since 1993. Participants can gain valuable insights into low-impact, sustainable landscaping techniques that help protect Florida's natural resources.
Webinar series include:
- Homeowner Series – Practical, research-based guidance for residents on creating and maintaining thriving landscapes while reducing environmental impact.
- Professional Series – Training for landscape professionals, community managers, and industry experts on best management practices. CEUs are available for a $15 fee.
- Green Stormwater Infrastructure Series – Strategies for funding, designing, and maintaining green infrastructure to improve water quality and reduce pollution.
Recordings of past webinars are available for those who missed a session or want to revisit key topics. Explore the series and discover how Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ can make a difference in your home, community, or profession.
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2024 State of the River Report: Progress and Challenges for the Lower St. Johns
The 2024 State of the River Report highlights progress and challenges in protecting the Lower St. Johns River Basin. Dissolved oxygen levels remain stable, supporting aquatic life, while blue crab, shrimp, wood stork, and bald eagle populations show positive trends.
However, concerns persist. High fecal bacteria levels contaminate 49 impaired tributaries, with 41 linked to human sewage. Rising salinity from sea level rise and dredging threatens vegetation and fisheries, while wetland loss increases flood risks. Toxic algal blooms and pollutants like pesticides and heavy metals degrade water quality.
Funded by the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board and produced by regional scientists, the report stresses the urgent need for stronger protections, sustainable growth, and regional collaboration to safeguard the river’s future.
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Jacksonville Secures $2.8 Million Grant to Expand EV Charging Network
Jacksonville, JEA, and FSCJ received a $2.8 million federal grant to install 100 new EV chargers across public spaces and campuses. Part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the project aims to expand charging access, cut emissions, and support clean transportation, especially in underserved areas.
Chargers will be added at six FSCJ campuses and four city sites, increasing Jacksonville’s network by 62.5%. With over 13,000 EVs in Duval County, demand for charging is growing. Mayor Donna Deegan called it a major step toward a cleaner city, aligning with local climate goals. The three-year initiative includes installation, site prep, and community outreach.
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St. Augustine Celebrates 42 Years as a Tree City USA at Annual Arbor Day Ceremony
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The City of St. Augustine hosted its 42nd Annual Arbor Day Ceremony on Friday, January 17th, 2025, in the Plaza de la Constitución. The ceremony celebrated the city's longstanding commitment to urban forestry and environmental stewardship. Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline and Street Tree Advisory Committee Chair Fremont Latimer delivered remarks, emphasizing the importance of preserving and expanding St. Augustine's tree canopy.
As part of the celebration, city officials planted a large oak tree, symbolizing growth and resilience for future generations. Cathedral Parish School's fifth-grade students performed a special song, adding to the ceremony's sense of community and tradition. The city's newly appointed Poet Laureate also delivered their first official poem, marking a memorable addition to this year's event.
This year's ceremony marked St. Augustine's 42nd consecutive year as a Tree City USA, recognizing the city's ongoing efforts to protect and enhance its urban tree canopy. Watch the celebratory video to relive the moments and join in honoring St. Augustine's deep-rooted dedication to sustainability!
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Ashantae Green Featured as a Global Sustainability Leader
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Ashantae Green, the City of Jacksonville's Sustainability Manager and leader of the Clean Air Northeast Florida initiative, was featured among top global sustainability experts in a new Streamly video highlighting key industry trends for 2025. Streamly is a curated video platform providing expert insights across various industries, including sustainability, finance, and technology.
In this discussion, Ashantae joins other sustainability leaders to explore emerging trends in waste management, data, the circular economy, and more, offering insights into the future of sustainability and the skills needed to stay ahead. This recognition underscores Ashantae's leadership in driving sustainability initiatives both locally and beyond. Watch the full video to hear from Ashantae and other experts shaping the future of sustainability!
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The Clean Air Northeast Florida team continues to advance regional climate planning efforts through the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program, with significant progress toward developing the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP).
Since August, our monthly roundtables have brought together regional stakeholders from Jacksonville, Duval, Clay, St. Johns, and Nassau counties and the City of Palm Coast, fostering collaboration on GHG reduction strategies, workforce development, and funding opportunities. As we move forward, these discussions will shift to a quarterly format, allowing for more in-depth planning and long-term impact.
A major milestone was the completion of the Climate Action and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction survey, which gathered critical insights from across the region. We have now received all survey responses and are actively reviewing the data. These results will help shape the CCAP's strategies, short-term (2030) and long-term (2050) goals, and actionable policies for reducing emissions in Northeast Florida.
Looking ahead, we are committed to ensuring that the CCAP remains data-driven, inclusive, and impactful. The plan is on track for publication by the end of 2025, marking a key step toward our region's more resilient and sustainable future.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and roundtable discussions—your input is invaluable in shaping Northeast Florida's climate action efforts!
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