Considering the recent storms that have impacted Florida, this webinar examines the critical role of science and data collection in improving hurricane forecasts and developing effective strategies for mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events. Experts in climate science, economic impact, utility operations, and water management will share insights on how cutting-edge research, real-time data, and collaborative efforts are enhancing our ability to prepare for and respond to hurricanes. The session will explore successful strategies in storm prediction, damage reduction, and recovery, while also addressing the challenges faced by communities, businesses, and infrastructure.

Dr. Jasmeet Judge, a Steering Committee Member, and Dr. Hui Wang from Tampa Bay Water, a utility partner of FloridaWCA, highlighted the importance of stakeholder-scientist partnerships for achieving lasting project impact at the NASA Water Resources Team Meeting, held September 17-19 in Cambridge, MA. They participated as panelists and shared the outputs of FloridaWCA’s NASA-funded project integrating NASA Earth Systems data into decision-making tools of member utilities.

Florida is at the forefront of climate change impacts, including rising sea levels, increased rainfall, and extreme weather events like hurricanes. Resiliency initiatives are vital to help communities adapt to these changes, safeguarding infrastructure, protecting natural resources, and fostering sustainable economic growth. This webinar cohosted by FloridaWCA and the Florida Flood Hub highlights the resiliency efforts across the state, with a deep dive into the collaborative work being done at the Flood Hub through their Sea Level Rise and Rainfall Workgroups.

This webinar, co-hosted with Geosyntec Consultants, summarized new research and technological advancements in evaporation measurements, vegetation mapping, suspended sediment models, algal blooms, and hurricane-induced storm surge that provide insight into Lake Okeechobee science and management. Over 100 participants joined the webinar from private industry, water management districts, academic institutions, local, state, federal, and international government agencies, utilities, tribal nations, and non-government organizations.

The Florida Water& Climate Alliance welcomes Dr. Mark Rains as a new member of its Steering Committee. Dr. Rains serves as a professor at the University of South Florida and as the Chief Science Office of the State of Florida for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The Steering Committee is excited to work with Dr. Rains at fulfilling the FloridaWCA’s mission.

Tirusew Asefa, FloridaWCA Chair and Decision Support Manager for Tampa Bay Water, was featured in the July 2024 issue of Water Utility Executive by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. In the article titled “Building a Resilient Future: Tampa Bay’s Innovative Approach to Climate Adaptation,” Tirusew emphasized the important role collaboration has in achieving sustainability and adaptability to climate variability and discussed the benefits of sharing resources and data through state-wide initiatives such as FloridaWCA.

This webinar will summarize statewide drought concepts and coordinated response strategies, forecasting groundwater highs and lows under future climate scenarios, and discuss approaches to assessing water supply vulnerability and saltwater intrusion.

Members of the Florida Water and Climate Alliance Steering Committee attended and participated at the 2024 UF Water Institute Symposium on Feb 20 and 21. The Symposium provided an invaluable opportunity for the FloridaWCA to exchange insights and expertise on pressing climate and water-related challenges facing our state. Our Steering Committee members engaged enthusiastically through various avenues including presentations, session moderation, outreach table display, and networking events.

Darlene Velez has been appointed as the Florida Water & Climate Alliance (FloridaWCA) Coordinator. The FloridaWCA is excited to welcome Darlene, who will leverage her diverse background to advance the organization’s mission.

The Florida Water & Climate Alliance (FloridaWCA) welcomes Dr. Jasmeet Judge as a new member of its Steering Committee. Dr. Judge is Professor of Microwave Remote Sensing at the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department of the University of Florida and Director of the Center for Remote Sensing. The Steering Committee is excited to have Dr. Judge as they work towards fostering partnerships in the water sector.