Public Meetings Scheduled for Monroe County's Vulnerability Assessment

Monroe County's Office of Sustainability will host several meetings starting with a two-part virtual series to gain public input on the Monroe County Vulnerability Assessment. Monroe County has been planning over the last year to create an updated Vulnerability Assessment to comply with new state requirements under Section 380.093, Florida Statutes, and is now completing the modeling and analysis for the project. The County received grant funding from the State of Florida for this project. The content will be different in each meeting.

Wednesday, Aug. 28, 5 p.m.: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6757369686?pwd=Z3k2Rm9QVHRZRkcvbFdzUFNNcXhJZz09&omn=86191804382&from=addon

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 5 p.m.: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6757369686?pwd=Z3k2Rm9QVHRZRkcvbFdzUFNNcXhJZz09&omn=87822398463&from=addon

In the first meeting, the presentation will be about the planning process, the State's requirements, the modeling and analysis completed, and the County's vulnerability to flood risk from sea level rise, tidal flooding, rainfall, and combined flooding events. The County will also have maps available for the public to request certain areas for review and show specific flood risk scenarios.

In the second meeting, the presentation will focus on information about the County's critical assets, infrastructure, and other regional assets to determine how to prioritize its adaptation response. There will be a discussion to identify at-risk "hot spots" in addition to asking for public comment regarding priorities.

"We are seeking the public's input to ensure we have included all of the important County assets and infrastructure, that we have developed the right priorities, and that we hear from you on the types of adaptation response you would like to see the County pursue," said Chief Resiliency Officer Rhonda Haag.

Later in September, the County will also hold three in-person public meetings in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys, which will be announced at a later date, where community members can discuss the project and provide feedback.