Project Narrative: Benjamin Franklin Dr. Solar Lighting Project 

Project Overview 

• The City of Sarasota, Florida, initiated the project to enhance public safety and accessibility along a 1.6-mile stretch of Benjamin Franklin Drive. 
• The project aimed to implement an environmentally conscious lighting solution for an area serving as a sea turtle nesting beach. 
• The location's proximity to high-end condominiums and hotels necessitated a seamless and aesthetically integrated lighting system. 

Challenges 

• Environmental Sensitivity: 
• The area is a vital nesting ground for sea turtles, requiring strict adherence to wildlife conservation guidelines. 
• Lighting spectrum and intensity needed to prevent disruption to marine life. 
• Regulatory Compliance: 
• The project had to comply with both FWC’s turtle-friendly lighting guidelines and DOT’s roadway illumination standards. 
• Structural and Climatic Considerations: 
• The lighting system needed to withstand harsh coastal conditions, including high winds, storm surges, and a high water table. 
• Aesthetic Integration: 
• The lighting solution had to blend seamlessly with the luxury residences and tourist accommodations. 

Our Approach 

• Tailored Lighting Design: 
• Developed a solution that met both FWC’s and DOT’s lighting requirements. 
• Used amber-colored, non-intrusive luminaires to minimize light pollution. 
• Sustainable, Resilient Infrastructure: 
• Designed a system capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. 
• Smart Energy Utilization: 
• Implemented high-efficiency solar panels and adaptive lighting controls. 
• Seamless Community Integration: 
• Engaged stakeholders to ensure the lighting enhanced safety without compromising the area’s natural beauty. 

Results and Key Success Factors 

• First Large-Scale Solar Lighting Project Approved by FWC and DOT: 
• Established a precedent for integrating solar-powered lighting in environmentally sensitive areas. 
• Enhanced Public Safety and Accessibility: 
• Improved nighttime visibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. 
• Environmental Conservation Achievement: 
• Adhered to sea turtle-friendly guidelines, ensuring wildlife protection. 
• Long-Term Sustainability and Cost Savings: 
• Reduced reliance on grid power, lowering maintenance costs and minimizing carbon footprint. 
• Innovative Leadership in Solar Solutions: 
• SELS demonstrated expertise in solving complex challenges through innovative engineering. 

Conclusion 

• The project showcases successful integration of sustainable technology, environmental conservation, and urban infrastructure. 
• Collaboration and innovation positioned Sarasota as a leader in solar lighting initiatives. 
• The initiative serves as a model for municipalities implementing sustainable lighting in sensitive and regulated environments.