Living Green: The Year in Review

Living Green means many different things. From saving money, to protecting and enjoying our natural resources, to building stronger and more efficient homes. We covered a little bit of everything over the past year in our Living Green reports.

Several Suncoast companies and public facilities are now taking advantage of the power of the sun. In April, Sarasota Memorial Hospital installing 42 solar hot water panels on the roof of the hospital's Waldemere tower.

Mote Marine Lab installing 126 donated photovoltaic panels on the roof of Mote's Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center. So the place where they work to save the lives of dolphins, whales and sea turtles, will be saving energy as well.

Solar power just one of the green initiatives happening along Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island. These charming, two story buildings are built to the strongest, energy efficient and hurricane resistant standards. On the bottom floor are locally owned businesses, residential units are on the second level. It all fits with the charm that is Anna Maria Island and their goal of preserving the past and embracing the future.

Another example of that theme happening near Downtown Sarasota. Erika's Bungalow was built in the early 20th century and it now boasts 21st century technology that makes it among the greenest homes in the area.

Things are brighter in North Port. The city using leftover federal grant money to install energy efficient LED lights in the parking lots around City Hall and the police station. It will lead to big savings on the city's electric bill and that's a more efficient use of your tax dollars.

Living Green also means enjoying our natural resources and those that are manmade as well. Sarasota County enhancing its Celery Fields with a 75-foot observation mound where you can get a panoramic view of the 450 acre park below and beyond. There are also trails, walkways and piers that allow you to see more than 200 species of birds.

You can also enjoy the Suncoast at a faster pace on a motorcycle, but this one doesn't use a drop of gasoline. Hap's Cycle Sales offering these Zero Motorcycles, powered only by lithium ion batteries. Riders can travel from 40 to more than 100 miles on a single charge. Yes, Living Green can be fun too! Just a few of the highlights of this past year's Living Green segments.