Central Florida agencies unite to enhance hurricane preparedness and flood management
The St. Johns River flooded nearby homes and communities after Hurricane Ian. The St. Johns River Water Management District brought local and regional representatives together at the Central Florida Coordination meeting to discuss resilience efforts and flood management.
The St. Johns River flooded nearby homes and communities after Hurricane Ian. The St. Johns River Water Management District brought local and regional representatives together at the Central Florida Coordination meeting to discuss resilience efforts and flood management.
PALATKA, Fla., June 28, 2024 — As storms gear up in the Atlantic, key partners in hurricane preparedness and flood management gathered today at the Central Florida Coordination meeting hosted by the St. Johns River Water Management District (District). Representatives from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), local cities, counties and state planning agencies, including the Florida Department of Transportation and the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, came together to discuss strategies and updates aimed at bolstering emergency response capabilities and regional resilience.
The meeting featured updates on emergency operations and resources, emphasizing inter-agency collaboration. The District’s Emergency Coordinating Officer, Chris Kinslow, highlighted the need for effective communication during emergencies and reviewed the District’s flood control structure operations.
“Working together with our regional partners allows us to leverage resources and expertise, ensuring that our communities are better prepared for hurricanes and flood events,” said the District’s Chief Resilience Officer Tom Frick. “Our shared commitment to resilience is essential for protecting the central Florida region before, during and after storm events.”
Local government representatives from Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties, city of Altamonte Springs, and city of Orlando provided insights into ongoing initiatives and challenges, from housing issues post-storms to the need for better public understanding of stormwater systems.
Residents are encouraged to play a role in protecting their local communities by following key measures before and during hurricane season, including keeping debris out of storm drains, reporting clogged ditches to their local governments, retrofitting buildings for watertightness and obtaining flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
For more information on the District’s role in flood protection and storm preparedness and response, visit www.sjrwmd.com/storm.
New to Florida or need a refresher on how stormwater systems work? Learn more about stormwater design, management and its limitations at www.sjrwmd.com/education/stormwater-systems.