Company News & Information

The Creating Florida-Friendly Communities newsletter by the University of Florida IFAS Extension features success stories about water-saving communities and new and existing communities that take steps to protect water quality, and provide “how to” information on becoming Florida-friendly.  Ocean Hammock, a property maintained by Austin Outdoor since 1998, was featured in the April 2010 issue.

Ocean Hammock, a 1,000-acre beachside gated community in Flagler County, saved thousands of dollars through a common-sense, hands-on approach in a major landscape retrofit during the last four years, and credits the University of Florida/IFAS Master Gardener program as a major catalyst for its improvements.

Following a visioning process by the homeowner association board of directors that led the community to realize their common area landscaping was not in synch with their goal to be “regarded as one of the most beautiful and socially inviting resort environments anywhere,” they put Steve Hatcher, Master Gardener and former board member, in charge of a $400,000 beautification project.  According to Steve, the board’s vision and support were the key enablers to the success of the project.

He also credits the UF/IFAS Master Gardener program as the impetus for the savings in the project.  He and fellow Master Gardener Ann Butler collaborated with a team on the project.  “The savings we attained are directly attributable to the training Ann and I received in the Master Gardener program, consultant Louise Leister’s advice, and proactive suggestions made by Austin Outdoor,” Steve said.  

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