R4R Update:
Advocating for Resilience
Hello Residents for Resilience!
I hope this message finds you well, and that you are enjoying our beautiful cooler weather, especially after the record breaking heat we experienced this past summer. It has been an eventful time for our dedicated R4R team as we have been actively engaged in attending meetings, seminars, and making final preparations for an upcoming event that holds immense importance.
I am thrilled to invite you all to the opening of our first Water-Logged Series, titled "Beneath the Surface." This thought-provoking event aims to shed light on the alarming state of our waterways and the pressing need for collective action. We have gathered a panel of esteemed Marine Water experts who will share their insights and expertise on this critical issue. We are thankful to be partnering with the Marine Research Hub and their Executive Director, Katherine O’Fallon!
The first part of this series will be a webinar, on Thursday, February 22 at 7pm. During this session, we will delve deep into the current state of our waterways, examining the challenges and implications we face. The experts will provide a comprehensive overview of the situation, highlighting the urgency for immediate attention and change.
But our journey does not stop there. The second part of the series, which will follow in April, will focus on exploring potential solutions to address this alarming problem. We have invited a different panel of Marine Experts who will present their suggested solutions and discuss practical approaches to implementation. Together, we will brainstorm and seek actionable steps to make a positive impact on our waterways.
I sincerely hope you can join us for this eye-opening event. By attending, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, engage in meaningful discussions, ask important questions, and contribute to the collective effort of safeguarding our precious water resources.
Please mark your calendars for the opening of the Water-Logged Series, "Beneath the Surface," and stay tuned for further details regarding the second part of this series. Together, we can make a difference and create a resilient future for our community.
Warm Regards,
Suzee Bailey
Founder Residents for Resilience
Residents in Action
COUNTY JOINT WATER ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
By R4R Executive Director
Tricia Halliday
During my attendance at the Joint Water Advisory/Technical Advisory Board meeting on January 12, 2024, chaired by Senator Steven Geller, Suzee and I witnessed his frustration regarding the lack of response from municipalities and stakeholders regarding flooding and storm resiliency issues. Senator Geller emphasized the need for proactive involvement and assistance in the mitigation process.
Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Broward County's Chief Resilience Officer, provided an update on the 2024 flood and heat report conducted by Hazen. She also shared insights from her outreach and listening sessions with various community groups,
youth groups, developers, among others.
Dr. Jurado highlighted the significance of green infrastructure in mitigating heat and stormwater runoff, as well as the importance of identifying areas for temporary water storage. She also mentioned the Central & Southern Florida (C&SF) Flood Resiliency Study, noting that flooding and sea level rise have impacted the functionality of our South Florida Drainage System (SFWMD), with two gates already not functioning properly. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agreed to take a look at the failures in this drainage system and write up a study suggesting ways to fix it, like installing more powerful stormwater pumps, raising the banks of canals or moving the floodgates more inland.
with two gates already not functioning properly. READ MORE...
* CHECK OUT ENTIRE MEETING CLICK HERE!
TALLAHASSEE TRIP REFLECTIONS
By R4R Advisory Board Member
Kelly Fischer
The month of January marked a significant milestone in my advocacy journey as I made my inaugural trip to The Capital. As the halls echoed with the weight of responsibility, I stepped into the unknown territory of legislative decision-making,
eager yet apprehensive about the tasks that lay ahead.
The Florida Legislature meets in session every year for sixty consecutive days. Committees conduct hearings, analyze bills, and may recommend amendments before sending them to the full chamber for consideration. Our State Legislators work with colleagues to build consensus and support. This involves negotiation, compromise,
and collaboration to address diverse perspectives.
As I delved into the first meeting of seven total for the day, I felt I had my "why"
but I didn't necessarily know the "how" of getting Legislators to co-sponsor a bill.
Joined by esteemed organizations: Surfrider, Oceana in Florida, Clean Miami Beach, and Debris Free Oceans, I felt a sense of solidarity as we banded together to advocate for clean water and healthy beaches in Tallahassee...READ MORE...
PROPOSED MARINE RESILIENCY OFFICER
R4R member Michael Lembrecht has been
meeting with city leaders to champion this new resilience role. He hopes he can count on our support when he presents his proposal to our Commission. We will let you know when he is scheduled to speak and hope you will join us in attending that meeting.
FORT LAUDERDALE’S COASTAL RESILIENCE CHALLENGE:
Bridging the Gap with Miami in Living Shoreline Solutions
By David Punchard
R4R Expert Advisory Board
Hailed as the "Venice of America” the City extensive network of clean,
vibrant and healthy canals, have underpinned the cities identity and economic strength.
However, after decades of enjoying the luxury of being able to take these natural assets for granted, declining water quality and rising tides are triggering massive change and putting Southeast Florida’s global reputation and property values at serious risk.
Every city and county in southeast Florida must now explain to property owners and developers how the city managers propose to address these challenges, re-direct budget, hire experienced forward-looking staff, navigate regulatory complexities and engage with local stakeholders, to balance public environmental initiatives with predominantly privately owned canal walls and shoreline. READ MORE...
Thank you for your support as we strive to find solutions to
restore the health of our priceless waterways,
and to educate and inform on flood mitigation and storm resiliency,
and safe clean drinking water!
We believe in:
EDUCATION - COMMUNICATION - PARTICIPATION - COLLABORATION
.
If you are interested in getting more involved with some of the critical issues
with which we are trying so diligently to address
please contact us at:
res4resilience@gmail.com
...and don’t forget to share this information with your
family and friends!
