TAVARES — In mounting reaction to unprecedented growth, there has been an outpouring of public support across Florida for preserving the natural environment. While urbanization can lead to traffic, congestion and growth problems, a major concern is conservation.

Conserving land will be the main topic at an Open Space Seminar Monday, Oct. 18, as a host of speakers will detail some of the top conservation successes in the state. The seminar, to be held at the Lake-Sumter Community College Magnolia Room, 9501 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg, will feature former Jacksonville Mayor and current University of North Florida president John Delaney as the key speaker. Other speakers include:

• Greg Beliveau — president, principal planner for Mount Dora planning firm LPG Urban & Regional Planners Inc.
• Will Abberger — associate director for The Trust for Public Land
• Clay Henderson — senior counsel for Orlando legal firm Holland & Knight
• Jay Exum — principal planner, director of Environmental Services for Orlando planning firm Glatting Jackson
• Cecelia Bonifay — attorney for Orlando legal firm Akerman Senterfitt
• John Osborne — principal planner for Manatee County

Following the slate of speakers, a panel discussion with a question-and-answer session will be conducted. Lake County Commissioner Catherine Hanson will make closing remarks.

According to planners, preserving open space is integral in the protection of natural resources that can lead to the development of enjoyable parks, pristine gardens and natural areas that ensure livable communities for years to come.

Interested citizens, local planners and others are encouraged to attend the seminar scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. For more information or reservations, call (352) 343-9632 or e-mail openspace@co.lake.fl.us.

The Open Space Seminar is sponsored by Akerman Senterfitt, Commerce Park Investments, Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association, Farner Barley and Associates, Inc., The Florida Planning & Zoning Association, Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin Lopez Rinehart Green Consulting Group Inc., Hartman & Associates Inc., LPG Urban & Regional Planners Inc., Yalaha Country Bakery and Steve Richey.

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Contact information:
Christopher Patton
Communications Coordinator
Office: (352) 343-9609; Cell: (352) 455-0445
cpatton@co.lake.fl.us