In an ambitious two-year stride to become Florida’s first Dark Sky Community, the City of Groveland is tentatively scheduled to conduct a virtual communitywide Dark Sky Workshop Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The workshop discussions will include the benefits of dark sky preservation, dark sky tourism, the City’s current light pollution conditions, the International Dark-Sky Association’s role in limiting light pollution, and the steps needed to achieve the Dark Sky Community designation.

Prospective attendees can access the virtual workshop by visiting the City’s website at www.Groveland-fl.gov, hovering over the “Government” tab on the top margin, and clicking “Community Development” under “Departments”. From there, select “Dark Sky” on the bottom of the left margin and the Zoom meeting connection information will appear. No advanced sign up is necessary to attend this event.

This workshop will also feature the City’s Dark Sky Consultant Madelline Mathis, Central Florida’s International Dark-Sky Association Delegate Steven Miller, and local Dark Sky Activist Marty Proctor, who will each highlight the benefits of limiting light pollution and providing an overview on Groveland’s progress toward the Dark Sky Community Certification.

Attendees can interact with the panelists during the question-and-answer session at the end of the presentation. Guests who would like to submit their questions prior to the workshop are invited to send their inquiries to Ashley.wright@groveland-fl.gov.

For more information, stay connected to the City of Groveland’s Facebook page @CityofGroveland or the City’s website at www.Groveland-fl.gov.

About Groveland’s Dark Sky Initiative
There are many dark sky organizations, but the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), a United States-based nonprofit founded in 1988, is the globally recognized and leading authority on light pollution. An International Dark Sky Community is a local government that has shown extraordinary dedication to preserving the night sky through dark sky lighting policies, education and citizen support. With Groveland’s current momentum, the City hopes to achieve the Dark Sky Community designation within two years.

About Groveland’s Community Development Department
Serving residents, businesses and the community at large, Groveland’s Community Development Department sets the standard for high-quality, innovative urban planning and livability efforts that create more sustainable communities, within the City of Groveland. Through various services, including development review, code compliance, building and permitting, the Department molds a better future for the City while also honoring its unique past.