provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Two nationally recognized experts from the University of Florida, Dr. Jules Bruk, FASLA, PLA, director of the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning and Chair and professor of landscape architecture, and Jeff Carney, professor in the School of Architecture and director of the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER), are presenting the program.
Registration is required for this free event. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3JVlPRv.
The presentation from professors Bruk and Carney will provide background on storm surge and how it is impacted by sea level rise, rising temperatures, and intensified storms, as well as the loss of protective systems such as reefs, mangroves, and dunes. More importantly, the discussion will explore ways to mitigate these impacts.
The presenters will outline a broad array of solutions, including nature-based coastal strategies, infrastructure protection, and adapting structures and landscapes to reduce damage and accelerate recovery.
Throughout the discussion, Bruk and Carney will highlight examples of what has been effective in other communities, and attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
“There is probably no more relevant topic for our island community than this one,” said Bob Moore, Chair of the SanCap Resilience steering committee. “After living through multiple storm surge events, we’re all eager to learn how we can protect ourselves in the future.
“In fact, in our community survey last spring, 95 percent of respondents stated they would like to see Sanibel and Captiva become a model of coastal resilience as it relates to adapting our islands to the impacts of climate change,” said Moore.
Ashlee Painter, newly appointed Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Sanibel, also commented on the program.
“This workshop will be a good way for the community to learn about mitigation actions they can take to help reduce the effects of storm surge,” said Painter. “It will also provide some background information that will be useful for residents as the City begins its Adaptation Plan.”
The SanCap Resilience group invites the community to this presentation and discussion on the tools and strategies that coastal and island communities are using to build resilience and visualize their future.
This event is designed to spark conversation, connection, and collective ideas for action as we imagine Sanibel and Captiva’s next chapter together. It is made possible, in part, by support from the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), Committee of the Islands (COTI), the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, and the City of Sanibel City Catalyst Grant.
