Mayor Deegan Launches 2025 Lights Out Northeast Florida Initiative
Mayor Donna Deegan, in collaboration with community leaders, has unveiled the 2025 Lights Out Northeast Florida initiative, marking a significant step towards environmental conservation in the region. The initiative, launched at the University of North Florida's Osprey Challenge Course, aims to protect migratory birds by encouraging the reduction of artificial light during their peak migration periods.
The announcement was made during a special event attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from local governments, environmental organizations, and bird enthusiasts. The initiative's primary goal is to minimize light pollution, which can disorient birds and lead to fatal collisions with buildings. By turning off non-essential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the migration seasons, the initiative hopes to create safer passage routes for these birds.
The 2025 Lights Out Northeast Florida initiative also includes educational outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of reducing light pollution. These programs will target schools, businesses, and residents, providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to participate effectively. Mayor Deegan emphasized the community's role in the success of this initiative, stating, 'It's our collective responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our migratory birds.'
This initiative follows similar efforts in other cities and is part of a broader movement to address environmental issues through community action. The launch event not only highlighted the immediate steps to be taken but also set the stage for ongoing collaboration and future environmental projects in Northeast Florida.
