Im posting this on this page because I think Suwannee Springs would be valuable a valuable asset to the North Florida rural tourism industry. Our most valuable and overlooked asset in North Central Florida is not big industry. It is the springs, rivers, flora, trees, parks and unspoiled land. Ironically, it is these very assets that has enabled the dirty industries to produce and operate in North Central Florida. For many years, big industry has used and abused these irreplaceable natural resources to create needed jobs and boost the economy. This way of thinking is now outdated. According to the 1999 Florida State Senate study, Next Steps in Infrastructure and Nature-Based Tourism, Development strategies that center on using industrial parks and economic development incentives to lure manufacturing businesses appear to be largely ineffective. As a community we have accepted the belief that bringing in big industry is a win-win proposition. However, the only true winner is the mostly foreign companys who move in and proceed to pollute our air, poison and bottle our water, destroy and use our land and resources for financial gain. Fortunately, there is an alternative to this dirty industry, and it is rural tourism. This economic alternative is ideal for North Central Florida. Not only is this area easily accessible, it has enough assets and natural resources for three types of rural tourism, Geotourism, Ecotourism and Agritourism. This advantage should not be overlooked. According to an article published in 2010 by the University of Florida titled,Rural tourism can create jobs and draw vacationers to Florida towns. University of Florida researchers studied how rural areas can attract Floridians from the large cities to come for relaxation and fun. One researcher remarked, The Sunshine State has an untapped industry close to home. In North Florida, rural tourism could make a splash in riverside communities, with opportunities to kayak, canoe and paddle; bicycle on tree-lined country roads; and walk through historic downtowns. Rural tourism offers an economic boost to small communities struggling to survive as young people leave for jobs elsewhere by luring urbanities in the opposite directions and by protecting local “mom and pop” businesses against encroaching mega corporations. In addition to agriculture, rural living, parks, local history, and the Suwannee river, North Florida has the largest concentration of natural springs in the world! Also, financial gain is not the only benefit the area can derive from rural tourism. There are other potential benefits as well, such as additional funding for preservation and protection, educating the public about our natural resources, funding for environmental improvements, new business potentials, and new use for historical structures and places. In order for this to even begin to become a reality the residents must first get the community leaders to recognize the true value in the surrounding natural resources, the springs, the rivers, the land. When that happens the possibilities are endless. As an organized community we must start saying no to dirty industry and find alternatives that our children will thank us for. Rural tourism isnt going to solve all the problems this area is facing, but its a good start. Janet Politano
Posted on: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 20:31:07 +0000