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Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway Announces Management Team |
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NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2008
Media Contact:
Criss Specht
ABI Marketing & Promotions
(352) 817-8280
FLORIDA BLACK BEAR SCENIC BYWAY ANNOUNCES MANAGEMENT TEAM
(Ocala, Fla., May 21, 2008). A first official slate of elected officers and Executive Committee members has been announced for the recently designated Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway. The Byway extends approximately 60 miles along SR 40 from Silver Springs in Marion County east through the Ocala National Forest to I-95 at the City of Ormond Beach in Volusia County, and includes portions of SR 19 North from Putnam County to South SR 19 in Lake County.
The elected officials are Chairman Tony Ehrlich, Vice Chairman Monso Tatum and Secretary/Treasurer Criss Specht and Executive Committee Members At Large are Michael Woods, Greg Wiley and Jim Thorsen. County Liaisons include Greg Wiley for Marion, Carol McFarlane for Volusia, Don Jacobovitz for Putnam and Linda Stewart for Lake.
The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway is the 21st scenic highway to be designated in the state. Plans for the Byway include the installation of wildlife crossings, construction of informational kiosks and interpretative areas, and applying for status as a National Scenic Highway. The group's goals include reducing wildlife road kills and improving habitat connectivity; building and maintaining community support; promoting and encouraging sustainable economic development and economic opportunities for local and regional residents; and supporting community plans within the corridor.
Designation of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway was the result of a cooperative effort between Marion, Lake, Putnam and Volusia County governments, state and federal government agencies, business and land owners and local citizens on the corridor. The Byway corridor traverses some of Florida's most pristine ecosystems such as Juniper Springs Wilderness Area, Silver River State Park, the Cross Florida Greenway, Florida National Scenic Trail and the Tiger Bay State Forest. The route also crosses several waterways, which have received special designation because of their uniqueness, including the St. Johns River, an American Heritage River and the Ocklawaha River, an Outstanding Florida Water Way.
Interested parties are encouraged to participate in the CME by learning about the group's goals which include preserving, maintaining, protecting and enhancing the intrinsic resources of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway while creating and maintaining a safe Scenic Byway for all users. For more information on the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway meeting dates and locations, visit www.flbbb.org or contact Tony Ehrlich, (386) 749-3642 or
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