Recently, both Orange and Seminole Counties have passed new outdoor
lighting ordinances. I haven't seen the Orange County one yet, but
the Seminole County one requires cut-off lighting fixtures for new
installations in unincorporated commercial areas. No limits on
illumination levels where included. Neither county chose to work
with Dark-sky organizations, limiting their input to the IESNA
only. So we now have half the equation in the ordinances, but its a
start!

I have heard that Volusia County is looking into expanding its beach
lighting ordinances county-wide, but I have yet to hear from them.

A local group of Sanford residents presented a petition to the City
a couple of weeks ago asking that an outdoor lighting ordinace be
passed for their city. This group was led by a man that got turned
on to Dark-skies after one of my standard presentations during one
of my planetarium shows at Seminole Community College Planetarium in
Sanford.

Also, I gave a presentation to the Southeastern Seminole County
Voters Association about dark-skies this past spring at their
request! This rural area of Seminole County is very concerned about
the improachment of light pollution in their area. They plan to
work with Seminole County to improve its lighting ordinance.

I will be adding the new ordinances to the Files at the Southern
Night-sky Restoration Project's group as soon as I can
get copies of them. I know that I've been too busy to post here or
on SNRP, or add to the Files sections, for a long time. But I want
you to know that the work goes on!

Please check out the links section of SNRP and consider joining our
sister group as well. Dark skies should concern all of us!

Laurent Pellerin
Founder, Southern Nights Astronomical League of Florida
Founder, Southern Night-sky Restoration Project