Florida Resilience Conference Draws 600+ Leaders to Charlotte Harbor to Advance Adaptation and Action
Florida Resilience Conference Draws 600+ Leaders to Charlotte Harbor to Advance Adaptation and Action
Charlotte Harbor, Fla. – More than 600 elected officials, engineers, scientists, policymakers, business leaders, and community advocates gathered in Charlotte Harbor for the 4th Annual Florida Resilience Conference under the theme “Adapting Today, Powering Tomorrow!”
The three-day event, co-hosted by the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association (FSBPA) and Resiliency Florida, highlighted the urgent need to safeguard Florida’s communities and natural resources in the face of stronger storms, sea-level rise, and mounting infrastructure challenges.
“This year’s theme was about taking action now,” said David Rathke, Executive Director of Resiliency Florida. “We’re not going to solve these challenges today, but we’re setting things in motion that will impact Florida for generations.”
In her opening keynote, Sen. Ana Maria Rodríguez, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, highlighted landmark investments in Florida’s future, including:
- $400 million for the Resilient Florida program to help communities prepare for flooding and sea-level rise.
- $600 million for Everglades restoration, vital for water supply and flood protection.
- $52 million for beaches.
- Expanded support for home and condo hardening programs, coastal protection, water quality upgrades, and nature-based shoreline solutions.
“Resilience is not just about bouncing back after disasters – it’s about bouncing forward, building a Florida that is stronger, smarter, and more sustainable for generations to come,” Rodríguez said.
Conference sessions spanned four tracks that gave participants an opportunity to share innovative practices and tools: Beach Management, Energy Management, Infrastructure, and Smart Planning.
In addition to expert panels and technical sessions, companies across Florida showcased solutions to strengthen critical systems, from resilient power grids to living shorelines. “We need to continue to encourage these discussions between local governments, state leaders, and industry, because collaboration is the only way we’ll be ready for what’s coming,” said Pepper Uchino, President of FSBPA.
The conference also hosted the 68th Annual Meeting of the FSBPA and the 9th Annual Meeting of Resiliency Florida, highlighting decades of leadership in beach preservation and statewide adaptation planning.
“This conference brings together science, policy, and local expertise to chart a clear path forward for our state,” Uchino added. “Florida is setting an example for others to follow.”
For more information about the Florida Resilience Conference, visit www.floridaresilienceconference.org.
About the FSBPA
https://www.fsbpa.com/
Founded in 1957, the FSBPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving Florida’s beaches and shorelines. FSBPA serves as a statewide voice for coastal communities, bringing together local governments, citizens, and experts to advocate for effective beach management and long-term preservation strategies. Through legislative engagement, partnerships with state and federal agencies, and educational outreach, FSBPA has helped Florida become a national leader in beach preservation and restoration.
About Resiliency Florida
https://www.resiliencyflorida.org/
Resiliency Florida is a non-profit organization and leading voice in helping Florida communities plan and adapt for the impacts of extreme weather. With members from both the public and private sectors, the organization promotes statewide and regional strategies, advocates for investment in critical infrastructure and natural systems, and works to secure legislative support for resilience initiatives. Through collaboration, advocacy, and resource sharing, Resiliency Florida helps local governments and partners strengthen preparedness and build more resilient communities across the state.