Florida`s coast is instrumental in attracting people to our state. People come here to fish, swim, engage in business, and admire the beauty of the area. Much of Florida`s heart and soul is tied to its coast. Sometimes, we forget that coastlines are dynamic areas that have changed in the past and will continue to change, now and into the future. Changes to the coast have been well publicized recently with news reports discussing future sea level rise impacts to the U.S. coast and saltwater intrusion in drinking water wells. Tide gage measurements show that sea level is rising, and scientists are predicting the rate to increase over the next several decades. Such changes to the coast may seriously affect Florida`s cherished qualities and lifestyle, and many people may be wondering, "what does this mean for me?" Come join the University of Florida and the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce on September 27th, 6:00-8:00 PM, at the Cedar Key Library, 466 2nd Street, to discuss the topic of coastal change in Levy County. Issues to be discussed include: how the coast is changing; how changes in the coast might affect your community; and what those changes might mean for you. The general public is encouraged to attend.
As part of a Florida Sea Grant funded project, University of Florida students associated with the College of Design, Construction, and Planning will be working with the public and interested parties to discuss potential changes to the coast in Levy County. The project team has gathered information and performed technical analyses to examine coastal change impacts to the area. The student team`s public outreach work will provide the project team`s information and results to local decision makers, businesses, and the public. By working with the people of Levy County, the student team intends to:
1) Identify important current and future community assets and concerns;
2) Present information regarding coastal change impacts using locally relevant information;
3) Receive input and feedback from local decision makers, businesses, and citizens across Levy County;
4) Begin a conversation that allows the people of Levy County to engage in the process of planning for the long term health, safety, and prosperity of its coastal areas and communities in light of future change. Let`s not leave for tomorrow what must be done today. For more information regarding the project, please contact the principal investigator, Kathryn Frank, at kifrank@ufl.edu, or visit the project website at: changinglevycoast.org. For more information on the student team`s public outreach work, please contact Gail Easley, at easleyg@ufl.edu. |
