Several North Atlantic hurricane season records were broken in 2020, including the formation of 30 named storms, 12 of which made landfall in the US. What were the impacts of such an active season on water management in Florida? This webinar featured a panel session to discuss the 2020 hurricane season, impacts to utilities and water management districts, and the challenges associated with disaster/crisis communication in Florida related to climate change. Additional webinar presentations featured two different projects that have the goal of co-producing climate science with stakeholders…

In the past 10 years, the FloridaWCA has held 24 workshops and webinars that bring together diverse stakeholders interested in the nexus of climate change and water supply and planning in Florida. Only ONE person in the history of the group has attended all 24 workshops/ webinars: Dr. Tirusew Asefa, Manager of Planning and System Support at Tampa Bay Water!

Kevin Morris, PE, BCEE, and Manager of Engineering and Projects at the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority, has been a key collaborator of the Florida Water & Climate Alliance for the past 10 years. Kevin is transitioning to a position at Manatee County after 21 years of working with the Authority and will be leaving his current role on the Steering Committee of the FloridaWCA.

The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority included continued engagement with the Florida Water & Climate Alliance as an initiative in their 2020 Strategic Plan, recognizing the importance of the collaboration.

A new publication by University of Florida IFAS Extension provides locally relevant and clear answers to Florida’s climate change frequently asked questions. The FAQ addresses several areas of concerns, including the basic science behind climate change, the projected impacts to residents of south Florida, and actions that individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprints.

The FloridaWCA hosted a webinar on Water Quality and Climate Change Issues on November 13, 2020. The webinar featureed a panel session on water quality issues from Biscayne Bay to Tampa Bay including challenges and successes in addressing such issues in the face of climate change.