Farm-to-fuel initiative takes shape in Osceola

Development of Destiny -- a proposed self-contained eco-sustainable city near Yeehaw
Junction in Osceola County -- may be 25 years away, but a small portion of the property is
home to a farm-to-fuel initiative. Called the Destiny Sustainable Energy Farm, it will serve as a learning center where farming technologies will produce energy crops such as sweet sorghum, algae, jatropha and other crops that can be used for alternative fuels.

Three years ago, Delray Beach developer Anthony V. Pugliese III made a successful bid of
$137-million for 27,400 acres of pasture land in rural southern Osceola. "Destiny's Energy Farm will be a proving ground for technologies and practices of the future and is a testament to our commitment to create a truly eco-sustainable community in the state," Pugliese said. "It's just the beginning of building a city that operates with minimal impact on the environment and serves as a scientific hub where the latest green technology innovations will emerge."

Twenty acres of sweet sorghum, a plant that requires less water and fertilizer in less-thanideal
soil conditions, have already been planted. The farm is the result of a cooperative effort between several private/public individuals and companies, including the University of Florida, GreenTechnologies LLC, Everglades Farm Equipment, American Drilling Services, Global Renewable Energy, Southern Farms, Energy Structures & Systems and Bio Greens Oil USA LLC. Pugliese is working with partner Fred DeLuca, founder of Subway restaurants. They also own Green Sky Industries, a vertical recycling operation based in New Jersey.

Pugliese has said he envisions 40,000 homes will be built over the next 25 to 50 years. The
city is still years from construction. He is working with the state and Osceola County to secure
entitlement. Pugliese, who owns several development companies, has been credited with transforming Pineapple Grove in Delray Beach from a blighted neighborhood into an upscale community.