Winter Haven Mayor Brad Dantzler (right) addresses crowd at unveiling on new downtown EV charging stations
Winter Haven officials on Monday celebrated the addition of more electric vehicle charging stations in the downtown area
The new charging stations are in addition to facilities that had been previously installed in the city’s downtown parking garage.
“Electric is the future,” said Winter Haven Mayor Brad Dantzler, one of a crowd of EV owners who turned out for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
He said this event marks a significant change in transportation technology.
“I never thought in a million years I’d be talking about electric vehicles,” he said.
City officials tied this event to annual celebration of Earth Day, which will occur later this month.
The expansion of charging stations, which initially be available at no charge to EV owners, has been a goal connected to the increased public acceptance of electric vehicles.
Monday’s event attracted a crowd of about 50 EV owners and other members of the public.
Sierra supports increased use of electric vehicles as one approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that have been connected to climate change.
Ancient Islands Chair Tom Palmer, Vice Chair and Conservation Chair Marian Ryan and Clean Energy Committee Chair Karen Freedman attended the event.
This week President Joe Biden announced plans to increase regulations on emissions; from internal-combustion engines, which have powered vehicles for more than a century. In an attempt move the automobile market toward the adoption of more electric vehicles in coming years.
Florida is a key state in the climate change discussion because of the effects of sea-level rise and increased tropical storm activity.
This could affect inland areas of Florida in the future as climate refugees put more pressure on natural resources in this part of the state.
