As part of a state-wide study examining energy use and opinions, Florida's Regional Planning Councils are providing the survey below regarding household electricity, gasoline usage, and renewable energy resources.

In Florida, summer rains wash fertilizers with nitrogen and phosphorus into our lakes and oceans, damaging what makes this state so beautiful. That’s why Sarasota County prohibits the application and use of fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus during the rainy season, and why 50% slow-release fertilizer is required during the rest of the year. The good news is there are lots of ways to keep your yard looking great – while keeping algae-feeding nitrogen and phosphorus out of our waterways.

On September 20, 2012, the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council approved its new five-year (2012-2017) Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) plan. The CEDS Plan highlights the Region's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges and provides a set of guiding principles for community leaders to set common economic development goals and priorities for action. The development of this CEDS plan was guided, supported, and coordinated in parallel with the development of the State of Florida's 2012-2017 Statewide Strategic Plan for Economic Development. The framework adopted for state and regional economic development planning efforts is the Six Pillars of Florida's Future Economy developed by the Florida Chamber Foundation. The Six Pillars identifies the critical factors determining Florida's future: (1) Talent Supply and Education, (2) Innovation and Economic Development, (3) Infrastructure and Growth Leadership, (4) Business Climate and Competitiveness, (5) Civic and Governance Systems, and (6) Quality Places.