Resilience Planning Effort Engages Public and Clears Path for Adaptation

With more than 85 percent of its land area at an elevation below ten feet, the vulnerable barrier island town of Satellite Beach stepped up efforts to make the community more resilient. Their efforts led to comprehensive land use policy amendments that incorporate sea level rise projections.

The new adaptation action policies were created to address inland flooding and coastal erosion. Topographic maps, vulnerability assessments, and extensive public input were part of the process, as project partners determined vulnerability exposure from five perspectives: financial, built parcels, land use, critical facility, and environmental and ecological.

Community erosion policies now favor the use of natural features for protection and restoration. A sustainability board is in place that makes recommendations for efforts where climate change and environmental sustainability play a role.

NOAA and the Florida Coastal Management Program provided funding to support this effort.

Partners: City of Satellite Beach, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida Sea Grant, Metroquest, NOAA Office for Coastal Management