If you want to see the future of electric cars, be sure to check out this weekend's event at FAU in Jupiter. The Florida Electric Auto Association (FLEAA) is hosting “Battery Beach Burnout”, an alternative fuel / electric vehicle competition on February 21st and 22nd. The free event consists of multiple competitions involving electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

The action starts at 9:00 a.m. Saturday and attendees will be able to ride in several of the cars on display and vote for their favorite car. Autocross will be held on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and the competition will conclude at 3:30 PM with a raffle drawing and award ceremony.

One hundred vehicles are expected to be on display throughout the weekend. The stated purpose of Battery Beach Burnout is to raise public and media awareness of the current state of electric and hybrid vehicles and to educate people about green alternative fuel vehicles.

It should be a beautiful weekend and this is a great way to spend time learning about alternative energy technologies that can help solve our transportation, energy and air quality problems.

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The Atlantic Ocean from the Bahamas to Cape Verde now has three major tropical disturbances. Hurricane Hanna is near the Bahamas and forecast to head north. It is presently stalled which raises concern that it could drift further east toward Florida before the northward push. Tropical Storm Ike is predicted to move westward toward Florida as is the new Tropical Depression Ten. Both storms are too far away to determine where they will be beyond day five.

While none of these storms as of now are predicted to make land in Florida, it is important that we all have our evacuation routes and plans for securing properties in place. There is too much activity in the tropics for anyone to risk having a lackadaisical attitude.

The news forecasters all note that we are in the height of hurricane season. Given the amount of activity, let us hope they are right. If we continue to see this many disturbances in the Atlantic, the chances of Florida remaining relatively unscathed will be greatly diminished.

While we do not need to get into panic mode, now is a good time to address our anxiety levels by continuing to prepare. Hurricane alley is heating up and we need to be ready for any eventuality.

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When was the last time you heard an elected official in Boca Raton discussing environmental issues? Yes, Mayor Susan Whelchel did campaign on a platform of environmental sensitivity, but what specific actions are taking place?

To the City's credit, there is a program for waste water reclamation. However, this is the only "green" item on the City website. What is the City doing about low energy light bulbs, xeriscape landscaping to conserve water, and promoting bike paths to cut down on automobile traffic?

My research found an article that said the City purchased four hybrid vehicles in 2005 to ferry police personnel around town. Does the City still own these automobiles and are there plans in the works to purchase other fuel efficient vehicles? Does the City have any plans to build Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ("LEED") certified buildings? If the City proceeds with its proposal to build a second multimillion dollar library will it be LEED certified?

If the City is acting in an environmentally responsible manner, it has not made the local citizens aware of its actions. While is it everyone's individual responsibility to be environmentally sensitive, the City should be leading the effort from the top down. Use this Earth Day as a platform for letting elected officials know that you care about the environment and that you want Boca Raton to be a "green" city.

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Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22 and everyone can help make a difference at The Great America Cleanup sponsored by Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Join Saturday, April 19th with volunteers from the community for a three hour annual beach cleanup, as part of a national effort to beautify the nation. Meet at 8:30 at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center to receive everything you will need for this event: gloves, garbage bags, water, and an event ball cap (while supplies last).

The event is free but reservations are required and can be made by calling (561) 338-1473. All ages are welcome to participate and children and teens under the age of 18 MAY NOT participate if they arrive without an adult.

There will also be a special Earth Day event at Gumbo Limbo for children ages 7 through 12 on Tuesday, April 22 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. In the program, titled "Earth Day is Everyday" children will learn what they can do to help the earth on a daily basis. They will create an earth friendly project that will make a difference to Mother Earth everyday. Adults will not need to stay and the member cost is $10 and the non-member cost is $15. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (561) 338-1473.

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