Tampa Bay Business Journal Monday, November 19, 2007 - 5:58 PM EST

Gov. Charlie Crist continues to promote environmentally friendly building throughout Florida, making stops Monday in Pinellas and Sarasota counties to recognize efforts there.
Crist visited the 110-year-old Belleview Biltmore Hotel, which will be renovated by Legg Mason Real Estate Investors according to standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

"The Belleview Biltmore is a fixture in this community and its preservation is crucial to our culture and historical industries," Crist said, according to a release. "I commend Legg Mason's concern for the environment and commitment to restoring the resort in a way that will help preserve Florida's beautiful natural environment." Officials with Legg Mason said their goal is to get a designation as a "green lodging" destination by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, a program launched in 2004 that provides environmental guidelines for hotels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution.

As part of the announcement, John Hildreth with the National Trust for Historic Preservation said that the Belleview Biltmore would be removed from the organization's Registry of Most Endangered Buildings. The Belleview Biltmore is one of the largest, continually occupied wood structures in the country, and over the past 100 years has hosted heads of state, movie stars and even British royalty.
Crist also toured the Twin Lakes Green Building, Sarasota County's first LEED-certified building. It is a retrofitted older building made to be more energy efficient and renovated with sustainable materials.

The building is home to the University of Florida-Sarasota County Extension offices and has been awarded a gold-level LEED certification. The new construction manages storm water runoff to limit erosion, utilizes recycled and local materials, and institutes measures for conserving water - including rainwater collection - low-valve fixtures and native plants.

Note to Contributor’s:
We would like to thank everyone that contributed to the Buzz in 2007. Our last issue for this year will be the December 17 issue. For the next three issues (Dec. 3, 10 & 17 publication dates) the deadline for contributions will be Thursdays to ensure inclusion the following Monday. The first 2008 Buzz will return January 7. May your holidays be filled with creative delights!