Five Questions

In 2005, the Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida was created in an effort to explore challenges and solutions the state could face up to 50 years from now. The commission’s 15 members are appointed by the state Senate, Speaker of the House and governor. Among the members is Dennis Gilkey, former president and CEO of Bonita Bay Group, and now the CEO and managing principal of the Gilkey Organization, a land-use strategy consulting firm.

1. What is the Century Commission?
It was initiated to look at the future of Florida 25 and 50 years out and consider major issues, including governmental issues, funding, natural lands issues, and how the state is to develop into the future. It’s an advisory commission to the Legislature and the governor, and we’re required each year to provide an annual report.

2. The 2008 report outlines five recommendations, from convening a water summit to designing sustainable communities and monitoring energy security. What steps are being taken to address them?
The first thing the Century Commission looked at was global warming and energy issues. When you look out 50 years or beyond, the consequences in Florida [are] kind of an eye-opener. The focus this year is more on water issues: How do we become sustainable in a way that we’re not depleting our water resources? Maybe in 50 years the use [will be] no more than it is today, even though the population might double. The same with energy. How do we conserve—not just find new sources but conserve?