Officials at the University of Florida cut the cord today, but that doesn't mean they lost power.

Today was the official ribbon -- or power cord -- cutting ceremony for UF's first ever Solar Dok, a high tech picnic table that uses solar energy to provide power.

U-F first lady Chris Machen was among those on hand to celebrate with residents of UF's Diamond Village, where the Solar Dok is located.

Equipped with four standard outlets and two u-s-b outlets, the Solar Dok can power cellphones, laptops, iPads... and even a 250-watt amplification system... as it did today for the ceremony.

According to supporters, there are other benefits to staying off the grid.

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Norb Dunkel said, "In the evening, you'll see 10 or 15 students come together with their laptops, and sure, they'll conduct their work and work on their laptops, but more so, it brings the community together. so we need more activities that bring people out of their apartments, to get to know their neighbors a little bit, and the Solar Dok has been doing that."

Supporters say the Solar Dok, along with Diamond Village's herb garden and rain water reclamation barrels, helps promote sustainable living at the University of Florida.