A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation on flood vulnerability assessments, which are essential for local communities to qualify for the Resilient Florida Program’s grant funding. Josie Benwell from Pinellas County Public Works initiated the presentation, detailing how the assessments aim to inform communities about flood risks and prioritize necessary adaptations to public infrastructure. The assessments are focused on unincorporated Pinellas County and ten municipalities, with a long-term perspective analyzing potential flooding impacts for the years 2024, 2070, and 2100.

The assessments categorize infrastructure data into four critical areas: community emergency facilities, infrastructure like utilities, natural and historic resources, and transportation routes. The funding for these assessments is derived from a 2021 gaming compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the state, allocating $100 million annually for community flood risk mitigation projects. Sharon Wright from HDR further elaborated on the technical aspects of the assessments, emphasizing the importance of data collection and community engagement in shaping these evaluations. Public engagement played a role, with over 600 individuals participating in workshops and surveys, highlighting concerns over roads, electricity, telecommunications, and buildings.

Community-specific vulnerability assessments will be provided, tailored to the unique assets of each area. The collaborative effort between county and city officials aims to foster a comprehensive approach to addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities and improving flood resilience across the Barrier Islands.

The meeting also included a discussion on flood modeling and exposure analysis, which is vital for planning and preparing for potential flooding scenarios. The county has developed 21 different flood scenarios, which are overlaid onto a map of community assets to determine their impact. This analysis considers various factors, including flood depth, asset criticality, and ownership, to assess sensitivity and plan accordingly. For instance, the Bair Beach Community Center was cited as an example, with tidal flooding predicted to impact the adjacent park but not the elevated structures.

Significant variability in flooding impacts across municipalities was noted, with Belair Beach experiencing higher impacts from extreme rainfall compared to coastal areas more affected by tidal flooding. These findings have crucial implications for regional planning, particularly concerning evacuation routes and infrastructure. The council recognized the need for strategic improvements, particularly for Gulf Boulevard, a key transportation route.

Additionally, the council discussed adaptation planning and funding strategies. Alternative funding sources are being explored, and ongoing adaptation efforts involve communities like Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach. The state encourages participation from all communities, particularly smaller ones, with the county leading these efforts.

A legislative update highlighted the need for advocacy in securing funding for beach nourishment projects. The Senate has allocated substantial funding, while the House has not matched this, prompting local representatives to push for increased support.

The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming city events, fostering community engagement and participation. These include St. Pete Beach’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration and spring concert series, Clearwater’s spring training baseball events, and Madeira Beach’s themed celebrations and cleanup efforts. Indian Shores and Indian Rocks Beach also highlighted their community events, emphasizing collaboration and participation.