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For information, contact:
Michelle Moran
SunStream Hotels & Resorts
(239) 765-4111
Michelle.Moran@SunStream.com
SunStream.com

DIAMONDHEAD BEACH RESORT – WHERE GREEN IS GOOD

FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA – In September 2008, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) welcomed the DiamondHead Beach Resort to the Florida Green Lodging Program, which provides guidelines for lodging properties to help conserve natural resources and prevent air pollution.

“DiamondHead is proud to be a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said General Manager Neil Hopgood.  “It’s one way our staff can show our appreciation for the incredible beauty that surrounds our resort’s beachfront setting. We also want to illustrate how important it is that we all work together to continually take steps that are ecologically minded and environmentally sensitive, to ensure that our visitors for generations to come will be able to enjoy this amazing shoreline and all of the remarkable sights of nature Southwest Florida has to offer.”

At DiamondHead, “green practices” involve a number of recycling and improved energy efficiency, water conservation, air quality and waste reduction programs.

For instance, hotel guests and staff have the opportunity to recycle not only glass, plastic, cans and paper, but also batteries, cell phones, ink cartridges, florescent bulbs and computer equipment. The hotel cleans its air handler units frequently and utilizes energy-efficient programmable thermostats and air filters; it purchases green cleaning products and laundry detergents for all restaurant and housekeeping operations; and actively practices waste reduction purchasing programs, making recycled products and reduced/bulk packaging a priority.

The resort has also created the “EV-Spot,” a parking area specifically designed for Electric Vehicle owners. According to Andrew Roddy of the Florida Electric Auto Association, such a move has been eagerly anticipated by the growing number of electric vehicle owners around the state.

“Our owners obviously appreciate the environmental practices that DiamondHead has implemented,” said Roddy, “but what I think we’re more excited about is finally having access to such a wonderful vacation place in Southwest Florida! We welcome the resort’s charging station and are anxious to get more businesses to join our ‘Electric Highway.’”

DiamondHead Beach Resort now joins the growing list of Florida Green Lodges that benefit from vacationers and meeting planners seeking environmentally-conscious lodging establishments. To show support for the program, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed an executive order mandating all state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences solely at designated Green Lodging facilities. With DiamondHead Beach Resort’s designation, the program now has over 419 designated properties statewide with an additional 390 applicants awaiting certification.

“The management and staff of the DiamondHead Beach Resort recognize that environmentally-friendly initiatives not only make good business sense, but help to protect Florida’s unique environment for the continued enjoyment of our millions of residents and visitors,” said DEP South District Director Jon Iglehart.  “We proudly welcome the DiamondHead Beach Resort to the Florida Green Lodging Program.”

DiamondHead Beach Resort, one in SunStream Hotels & Resorts collection of distinctive properties in Southwest Florida, is located at 2000 Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach, Florida. For reservations and more information, call 888-765-5002 or 239-765-7654, or visit DiamondHeadFL.com.

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