Hi Everybody,
The old-timers on the Lansing (MI) Fire Department will whimsically recall this new recruits uniformed a** (literally!), up in the air most mornings, bent over the big trash bins, digging through, picking out the recyclables. It was before curbside recycling service and big fancy bins and such (1983). I eventually placed and maintained recycling containers (cardboard boxes) in all 9 fire houses. Now, LFD has curbside recycling. And you do too!
Pasco County Recycling Coordinator Jennifer L. Seney, FMN, FMG reminds us all to “Curb Your Blues”. Not that it isn’t excellent and timeless advice, but she’s not referring to putting your depression on hold. Moreover, she’s encouraging us to use those attractive Blue Bags for curbside recycling. Thanks for all that you do, Jennifer, and of your tireless Pasco County Utilities Fiscal & Business Services Department teams over there in New Port Richey. Thanks also goes to Eric Keaton and Ed Caum of Pasco County Tourism Development Office, who just today at the PascoCounty.com/7th Annual Tourism Summit reiterated the close link between tourism and maintaining a pristine environment.
Pasco County has long served as a quintessential family vacation destination, also known as the Southernmost County on Florida’s Nature Coast. Whos motto is ‘It’s Only Natural‘, her natural ‘eco.tunities‘, international sporting events and Gulf coastal attractions [see: Vimeo.com/Nature Coast FAM], do just that ~attract ~ a lucky several hundred thousand adventure seeking visitors each year from all reaches of the world. As John Webb, President of Florida Sports proudly pronounces “Florida ~ Where the World comes to Play”. To me, this also begs the difficult question. “How can we develop our (tourism) resources while still protecting our parks and communities ~ our environment?”
Some statistics show that for every 82 tourists, 1 job is created. But what kind of impact does that same amount of visitors have on the environment? Theodore Roosevelt once said “Conservation means development as much as it does protection, but the nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired in value.” So, in addition to awareness and education on the subjects of Tourism and Naturism, the Environment will be a concurrent theme during my tenure if I am elected as Honorary Mayor of Land O’Lakes and for the multitudes of trips around the sun into the ever after. I would propose to Jennifer that we work closely to understand, and perhaps, take the lead in managed growth as it relates to the tourism industry. What are they doing over there in Polk? I’d like to hear how they’re handling these types of things. From what I heard at the Pasco County Tourism Summit today, I gather very well.
Kudos to Eric and Ed for an all-star line-up again this year. It’s my 3rd Summit. I enjoy seeing faces, known and new, and come away with new perspectives on a myriad of complex subjects concerning tourism. Each year very different, and always informative. Eric and Ed say good-bye to our beloved Colleen, and a cheery hello to their new assistant, Audrey. Her inaugural Summit, Audrey’s performance was a stellar display of efficiency and good old fashioned Southern hospitality . Friendly as a puppy, I think she is happy to have found a new ‘home’. Best wishes Audrey!
Peace, Love, Unity & Respect,
Oakes 4 O’Lakes
P.O. Box 2975
L.O.L. 34639
pamoakeslol@gmail.com
“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has”. — Margaret Mead
For more information please call Pasco County Recycling (727) 847-8041 or visit www.pascocountyutilities.com
A Pam Promise: I will make every attempt to offer recycling at any events that I organize and encourage others to follow Pasco County’s commitment to the environment. See HOW TO OPTIMIZE RECYCLING AT YOUR PASCO COUNTY EVENT.
Classifieds: I am actively seeking Volunteers in many areas to assist with the Pam Oakes 4 Land O’Lakes campaign which runs through to its conclusion in March 2013 at the Central Pasco Business Expo. Please contact me at pamoakesLOL@gmail.com
Classifieds: Intern Opportunities!!! Volunteer Recycling Coordinator and as many elves as possible to assist a small town hopeful. Apply at pamoakesLOL@gmail.com
Classifieds: Your Ad Could Be Here! Contact: Classified Ad Department pamoakesLOL@gmail.com
Pam Oakes, your Honorary Mayor 