Palm Garden of Tampa, in line with Governor Christ's Environmental goals, has earned recognition from the national Green Care Centers Association for being the first "green" nursing home location in Florida. Palm Garden received this honor during the Florida Health Care Association’s Annual Conference in Orlando in August. The facility was honored for implementing a number of "green" techniques in less than one year, including the installation of an Energy saving water softening system and LED Exit signs, ENERGYSTAR rated appliances purchases, providing staff with "green" training and creating a wheelchair accessible garden and Monarch butterfly garden for residents.