Tragedy to Triumph!   

Tropical Storm Fay hit us hard on the morning of August 22, 2008.  Within hours, the rain and river waters breached the bulkhead and we were knee deep in sewage water.  We had no electricity and the septic backed up adding to our fears and consternation.  We had to evacuate the home we loved and had named Villa Paraiso.  

During the months of negotiation with the insurance company and FEMA, we would often return to the house and sit on the dock to mentally create our new home.  

We had talked many times before the flood about adding solar power, and realized we would have a blank slate to build whatever we wanted. Stilts were the way to go, since we never wanted to live through another flood.  OK, two decisions down – stilts and solar!

Then we began seriously considering building totally green.  This will be our Forever Dream home and it was important to do it right!  Quickly we learned there are literally thousands of ways in which to build a green home; green products for the home are evolving faster, the costs are falling inline with consumption – and The Economic Stimulus Plan is full of rebates and incentives! We started to see the whole project as an opportunity!   

We are proud to announce that our home is registered with the USGBC and is on track to become the first Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) home in NE Florida!  Our talented and passionate team of Players share knowledge and creativity freely, and we are on a major learning curve throughout the process! 

Turning tragedy into triumph has made a lot of people take a look at this project – from Jacksonville, FL Mayor John Peyton - Florida Senator Bill Nelson - and President Barack Obama.  Our hope is that our experience will help educate others how to go “Green”!