Florida’s leadership on climate change started below the bottom when Rick Scott would not allow those dirty words “climate change” to be uttered, and non-environmentalist Gov. DeSantis likely considers the term “woke,” so we have far to go.
The progress we have made is mostly from local governments acting on their own, using common sense, which is very scarce in Tallahassee.
Read the original article here with photos at ABC Action News.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum
Report: Florida received D- in coastal management and sea level rise preparations
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Florida’s beaches span hundreds of miles, providing entertainment and an escape for folks to relax.
But our coastlines are under nearly constant threat, and according to a new report by The Surfrider Foundation, our beaches are degrading more and more every year.
The Surfrider Foundation took a look at how states are preparing for sea level rise, erosion, and future infrastructure.
The foundation’s latest report shows that Florida decreased from a C- in 2022 to a D- in 2023 for these categories.
Joe Ahern lives in St. Petersburg and said rising sea levels are already a problem.
“Our home was damaged last year in a hurricane. We had to rebuild our dock and boat lift. We live on the water on the East side of St. Pete here,” said Ahern.
“We were too casual in thinking we would never be damaged,” said Ahern.
Local scientists attribute the issues to rising sea levels and more intense storms.
The Tampa Bay Climate Science Advisory panel predicts that the Tampa Bay Area could experience sea level rise of up to 2.5 feet by 2050.
“We have choices to adapt or to maladapt,” said Maya Burke with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program.
Emma Haydocy is the Florida policy manager for The Surfrider Foundation, and she attributes the decrease in Florida’s grade to current state policies.
“While I am protecting my house, everyone else is going to be more vulnerable to accelerated and increased erosion as a result of that,” said Haydocy.
Burke said sea walls aren’t always a good solution, adding they can cause areas in front of the wall and nearby that don’t have any barriers to erode quickly.
Leaders with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program said natural projects, like the oyster beds and mangroves are the best way to prepare for sea level rise.
But Florida isn’t the only state that The Surfrider Foundation said needs improvement. Four other states received an F grade: New Jersey, Indiana, Alabama, and Ohio.
While Florida’s D- is not something to brag about, Haydocy said the Tampa Bay Area is moving in the right direction.
Burke said it’s critical that Florida plans for erosion and sea level rise caused by climate change.
“Do the things to protect our culture, our property, and all the things we love about Tampa,” said Burke.
