EDF Builds on the Case for Resilience in Florida from Efforts in Tampa Bay with New Video

Dec. 9, 2022 (ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.) -- Today, the Environmental Defense Fund released the fourth and final video of its “Keeping Florida, Florida” series across its digital platforms, showcasing the need and opportunities for coastal resilience in a state increasingly threatened by climate change.

Entitled “Keeping Florida, Florida: Tampa Bay, Florida's Center for Science and Natural Solutions,” the video highlights the importance of science-informed, nature-based practices to address the climate-related threats impacting Tampa Bay.

The video examines how the Sunshine State’s new Flood Hub, a research and forecasting center based at the University of South Florida, will work as a resource for communities looking to strengthen their flood protections across the state. 

It also highlights lessons learned from the devastating flooding caused by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, which lead to extreme damages in the Tampa Bay area. These storms have revealed the imminent need for resilience investments across the state, leaving Floridians increasingly aware of the growing climate threats they face.

Experts featured in the video include Peter Clark, President of Tampa Bay Watch, Dr. Thomas Frazer, Dean & Professor of the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science and Executive Director of the Florida Flood Hub, and Thomas Ries, Founder of Ecosphere Restoration Institute, Inc. and Vice President of Environmental Science Associates.

During Florida’s upcoming session, legislators will have the chance to rebuild and leverage recent historic action and climate funding from the federal government.

Florida’s leaders can keep Florida resilient for generations to come by:

1. Prioritizing nature-based solutions that are 2-3x more cost effective and are proven to provide enhanced storm surge protections, 
2. Investing in science and modeling to better predict impacts, and 
3. Improving the state’s energy independence and reduce weather outages by strengthening access to solar power.

“If we do not act, Florida will face substantial economic and environmental losses,” said Dawn Shirreffs, Florida Director at EDF. “Investing in nature-based solutions to adapt to sea level rise, storm surge, and increased flooding will protect Florida. EDF is committed to working with communities and leaders to advocate for nature-based solutions that keep Florida, Florida.”