Bradenton, Florida -- Many visitors to Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, and on the mainland, in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, have discovered the destination’s commitment to green lodging. Known collectively as Florida’s Gulf Islands, the area has 29 hotels and resorts participating in the Southwest Florida Water Management District water conservation program, and 11 other properties that are certified Green Lodging by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Together these properties offer a variety of recycling and towel and linen reuse programs, and utilize eco-friendly cleaning agents, Energy Star appliances and energy-efficient light bulbs. A few select accommodators, however, have taken the next step in their commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources by adding sustainable practices that leave a lighter footprint on the environment, and provide cost savings.
An Island Getaway at Palm Tree Villas on Anna Maria Island uses MERV 8 AC filters to improve air quality for their guests, and micro sprinklers on their lawn to reduce water consumption. The Villas also recently invested in solar energy, installing a 12KW solar electric system consisting of 56 photovoltaic panels on their roof, which provide power for the common area and laundry facility. In addition, three solar hot water systems using roof mounted collectors and solar hot water tanks now provide hot water to all villas and the laundry facility. This investment reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 500 tons of CO2, which is equivalent to driving 70,000 automobile miles or saving 12 acres of forest. For more information, please visit www.palmtreevillas.com.
The Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport is the destination’s only property offering PURE Rooms. They operate 20 guest rooms, as well as meeting rooms, that are outfitted with cutting-edge clean air technology and hypoallergenic bedding. The process removes up to 99 percent of air pollutants, protecting guests from irritants such as mold, viruses, bacteria, pollen, and yeast, and eliminating odors to leave each room smelling fresh. For more information, please visit www.hiltongardensarasota.com.
Pineapplefish Luxury Vacation Rentals on Anna Maria Island have enlisted an independent “green” consultancy firm to conduct efficiency audits on all of their vacation rental homes. They are making improvements in more efficient air conditioning systems, as well as installing solar power units for all swimming pools and photovoltaic panels on the roofs. For more information, please visit www.pineapplefish.com.
Also on Anna Maria Island, White Sands Beach Resort practices environment and energy conservation using a mix of systems. A sand parking lot provides a simple solution for natural water absorption. The resort also uses 16 energy saving solar panels combined with an 85 percent high efficiency propane heater backup for the heated swimming pool, and nine new solar water heating systems for guestroom bathing comfort at their two properties. For more information, please visit www.whitesandsbeachresort.com.
In addition to these accommodations, several area arts and culture organizations participate in green practices, including Bradenton’s Village of the Arts which hosts an annual Re*Vision Recycled Art Exhibit. On Saturday, March 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Village galleries will feature the works of an eclectic group of “dumpster divers”, aka “green” artists, who turn recycled materials into artistic masterpieces. Everything from art, jewelry and fashions will be on display. For more information, please visit www.villageofthearts.com.
About Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key - Ideally located between Sarasota and Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key, and on the mainland, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, form a magical margin along Florida’s beautiful southwest coast with their small town, Old Florida charm, breath-taking scenery, funky dining and shopping districts, and miles of sugar-white sands.
The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes tourism to Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch through domestic and international advertising, public relations and marketing efforts. For more information, call (941) 729-9177, ext. 231 or visit www.AnnaMariaIsland-LongboatKey.com.
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