In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a new initiative aimed at assessing the town's resilience in the face of severe storm events. The project, funded by a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, focuses on evaluating how quickly the town can recover after major storms, particularly concerning critical infrastructure such as roads and hospitals.

A steering committee, comprising community members, water management district representatives, adjacent municipalities, and a council member, has been established to guide the study. The committee's primary goal is to ensure the project aligns with the town's needs and objectives.

The study will utilize a Geographic Information System (GIS) database to catalog approximately 600 culverts connected to the town's canal system. This database will enable town staff to assess the condition of these culverts, aiding in capital improvement planning and long-term vulnerability analysis. The project aims to model the town's response to significant rainfall events, including the potential impact of back-to-back 100-year storms, which have historically affected the area.

While the study will provide valuable insights into the town's stormwater management and infrastructure resilience, officials clarified that it will not delve into specific regulatory criteria. However, the findings could inform future regulatory updates and improvements to the town's stormwater management practices.

The meeting underscored the importance of community feedback in shaping the study's direction, as officials seek to engage residents in discussions about data collection and critical facilities. The initiative represents a proactive step towards enhancing the town's preparedness for extreme weather events, a growing concern in South Florida.