Documentary Features Bonita Bay, Old Collier Golf Club, Londay Bay

The half-hour documentary focuses on innovative approaches to sustainability pioneered by Florida businesses, organizations and communities. Dennis Gilkey, president/CEO of The Bonita Bay Group, Tim Hiers, golf course manager of The Old Collier Golf Club and Mark Wilson, president of London Bay Homes appear in the segment that addresses smart growth and green development practices. These Southwest Florida representatives join environmentally responsible community and business leaders from around the state who are profiled in recognition of their commitment to sustainable development. The program is being offered to PBS stations, statewide, and several plan to broadcast the program in celebration of Earth Day.

The video is sponsored by the Office of Sustainable Development, U.S. Department of Commerce/NOAA and produced by Applied Sustainability Enterprises. Donald Lesh and Diane Delaney, co-directors of ASE, head the consulting firm that works with a wide variety of clients on strategies for improving the long-term balance of economic progress, environmental stewardship and prudent management of natural resources, and community participation.

"I was aware of The Bonita Bay Group and its long history of environmentally sensitive development practices through ASE's work with the Council for Sustainable Florida," Lesh said. The council confers annual recognitions for award-winning sustainable projects throughout the state, and The Bonita Bay Group has earned two top awards. "As part of the selection process for the documentary, we reviewed the case studies of CSF winners, and chose The Bonita Bay Group from a final field of four or five real estate development companies. The company demonstrates outstanding leadership in policies and practices for long-term sustainability, and it was clear that, if we wanted one absolutely striking example, it should be The Bonita Bay Group."

In the documentary, Gilkey addresses some of the company's standard approaches to development based on principles that have been the foundation of the company since its inception more than 20 years ago. "As a company, we began implementing the principles of sustainable development and environmental stewardship long before the environmental movement gained momentum," he said. "We are always searching for new approaches to preserve natural resources, enhance the environment and educate our staff, building partners and residents about responsible land stewardship. In this video, we share some of the innovative approaches and green development practices that we have successfully implemented in our region."

Among the areas noted are green building principals, dual water systems, Xeriscape requirements and helping to create community cultures that reflect the company's passionate approach to environmental preservation.

According to Lesh, the case studies chosen for the documentary offer experiences with broad application that can assist communities who want to address similar challenges nationwide. "While the case studies are Florida based, each one can stimulate parallel thinking in communities across the nation, and even around the world."

In 2000, The Bonita Bay Group became the national leader in green building participation, with nearly 100 percent of its participating builders having achieved certification. The company, which has begun to require participating builders be build-green certified, earned the state's first-ever Green Advantage Outstanding Corporate Commitment Award for exceptional organizational commitment to green development policies.Mark Wilson is president of London Bay Homes, the build-green certified builder of Home & Condo's 2003 Dream Home at The Estates at TwinEagles. The master-planned community is being developed by The Bonita Bay Group in North Naples. The 2003 Dream Home is referred to as The Natural Evolution for its emphasis on green building materials, construction and landscaping. In the video, Wilson talks about some of the green building techniques used, such as siting and use of materials that elevate air quality. "The Dream Home is a showcase of green building principles and the quintessential demonstration that a luxury home can be environmentally friendly and enhance the luxury lifestyle," he said.

Tim Hiers of Old Collier Golf Club talks about preserving the natural assets and creating a golf amenity in accordance with Audubon International guidelines. Hiers has taken a leadership role in the creation of environmentally responsible golf courses and created the first certified Audubon International Signature Sanctuary in Southwest Florida.

Immediately following the broadcast, a panel of community and environmental leaders will discuss their experiences and innovative approaches to balancing growth and economic development with environmental protection and enhancement. The panel discussion, "In Focus Special Report - Sharing the Sunshine," will be moderated by John Fitch, Ph.D., associate professor at FGCU, will include Gilkey, Hiers, Kathy Prosser, President & CEO of The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and Bill Hammond, Ph.D., associate professor at FGCU. Both programs will be broadcast again on Friday, April 25 at 10:30 p.m.

For additional information about Applied Sustainability Enterprises or its nonprofit affiliate Florida Foresight, or to obtain a copy of "Success in the Sunshine" with the accompanying 90-page viewer's guide, call (850) 984-0661.