Summer 2019 | Post-Hurricane Updates

FLORIDA PLANNING A publication of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association

Summer 2019

florida.planning.org

HURRICANE UPDATES: Lessons Learned and Best Practices from Planners Who Helped Cities Rebuild After Florida’s Most Historic Storms

OTHER FEATURES

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

4

Rural NW Florida is Forgotten after Hurricane Michael

7

Charley Changed Charlotte for the Better

10

Redesign with Resilience in Mind: A Coral Gables Story

12 14 16

Post-Storm Coalition Building Vital to Rebuilding

Deerfield Beach Updates PDRP After Irma

Hurricane Michael Task Force Efforts

17 18

Building Resilient Communities in NE Florida

AARP Florida Working to Prepare for the Next Storm

19

Florida Must Have an Improved Disaster Recovery System

21

2019 APA Florida Conference Updates

President’s Message - p. 3 Proposed ByLaw Changes - p. 22 Plan on Attending the Annual Meeting in September - p. 22 Great Places in Florida - p. 23 Planner Q&A p. 24 Planners on the Move p. 25 APA Working for You - p. 27 Consultants Directory - p. 28 Events - back page

The Florida Chapter of APA provides statewide leadership in the development of sustainable communities by advocating excellence in planning, providing professional development for its members, and working to protect and enhance the natural and built environments.

[APA FLORIDA] KEY CONTACTS - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Name

Phone E-mail

APA Florida Executive Committee President Laura Everitt, AICP, Esq., LEED GA

813-327-5450

president@floridaplanning.org

Immediate Past President

Andre Anderson, AICP

407-957-8428

pastpresident@floridaplanning.org fx

President-Elect

Wiatt Bowers, AICP

904-363-8488

presidentelect@floridaplanning.org

Heart of Florida Section

Marisa Barmby, AICP

863-534-7130

heartoffl@floridaplanning.org

Secretary

Lara Bouck, AICP, PE

407-514-2782

secretary@floridaplanning.org

San Felasco Section

Terry Clark, AICP, PMP

561-346-6392

sanfelasco@floridaplanning.org

First Coast Section

Ennis Davis, AICP

904-396-5727

firstcoast@floridaplanning.org

Orlando Metro Section

Joshua DeVries, AICP

407-742-7813

orlandometro@floridaplanning.org

Sun Coast Section

Melissa Dickens, AICP

813-273-3774

suncoast@floridaplanning.org

Atlantic Coast Section

Mike Disher, AICP

386-236-2183

atlanticcoast@floridaplanning.org

Treasurer

Kathyrn Gademer, AICP, CFM

386-671-8120

treasurer@floridaplanning.org

Promised Lands Section

Jason Green, AICP

941-505-1700

promisedlands@floridaplanning.org

University Liaison

Christopher Hawkins

407-823-2604

university@floridaplanning.org

VP Communications

Michelle Heinrich, AICP

813-276-2167

communications@floridaplanning.org

YPG Representative

Brandon Henry

813-272-5940

ypg@floridaplanning.org

VP Section Affairs

Doug Kelly, AICP, CSI

321-319-3213

sectionaffairs@floridaplanning.org

Capital Area Section

Devan Leavins

850-891-6441

capitalarea@floridaplanning.org

VP-Professional Development

Allison Megrath, AICP

352-438-3046

profdevelopment@floridaplanning.org

Emerald Coast Section

Catherine McCloy, AICP

850-769-6476

emeraldcoast@floridaplanning.org

Broward Section

Robert Modys

954-828-4911

broward@floridaplanning.org

Gold Coast Section

Edward Ng, AICP, MPP, MPI

305-594-0735

goldcoast@floridaplanning.org

Treasure Coast Section

Alessandria Palmer

561-366-1100

treasurecoast@floridaplanning.orgf

VP Certification Maintenance

Jill Quigley, AICP

954-641-5680

certmaintenance@floridaplanning.org

VP Member Services

Yexsy Schomberg

561-299-0508

membership@floridaplanning.org

VP Conference Services

Thuy Turner, AICP, LEED AP BD+C

conferencesvcs@floridaplanning.org

Student Representative

Tyler Woolsey

954-527-6209

students@floridaplanning.org taf

Executive Director

Julia “Alex“ Magee

850-201-3272

fapa@floridaplanning.org

Ad. Assistant/Bookkeeper

Denise Johns-Smith

850-201-3272

adminbk@floridaplanning.org

Communications Coordinator Patti Shea

850-201-3272

staff@floridaplanning.org

Legislative Representative

Lester Abberger

850-524-2779

lesterabberger@nettally.com

Webmaster (Consultant)

Summer Taylor

888-949-5487 x706 summer@exaktmarketing.com

All other inquiries, contact APA Florida at 850-201-3272 or e-mail fapa@floridaplanning.org.

2 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE APA Florida Assistance for Communities Affected by Hurricane Michael As we approach the tenth month since Hurricane Michael made landfall, I wanted to share actions and activities undertaken by the APA Florida Executive Committee to assist in addressing the lingering effects of this devastating storm. As you may be aware, this area of our state is experiencing ongoing hurdles to recovery. In addition to the areas impacted being primarily rural, donation amounts to large national charities are far below what they were for other similar storms. For those who were able to make the 2019 Public Policy Workshop, we heard moving personal stories from folks on the ground in this region about these challenges, and we continue to hear from our members about the long-term economic impacts of this storm. The following are efforts by APA Florida to continue to respond to members and communities in this area of our state.

Following Hurricane Michael’s landfall last year, APA Florida’s Executive Committee immediately formed a sub-committee to develop and vet ideas for assistance. Thank you to Sun Coast Section Chair Melissa Dickens and Treasure Coast Chair Ali Palmer for leading this effort. As a first step, we wanted to help our Emerald Coast and Capital Area Sections serve their members. Each of the other APA Sections generously agreed to donate portions of their annual funding from the chapter, for a total of $1,800 to go towards section programming and support in the affected areas.

Secondly, at our April 5 APA Florida Executive Committee meeting, leadership voted to donate $2,000 to the Community Foundation of Northwest Florida’s Disaster Relief Fund, which had a matching grant designated to support Hurricane Michael recovery efforts.

This donation opportunity was unique, as the grant matches all donations to the fund through April 15, doubling the impact of our contribution. In addition, staff and executive committee leadership have been working with the Community Foundation to develop technical assistance programming related to planning, so some of these dollars may come back in the form of planning-related assistance. We encourage our members to make a donation of the charity of their choice to help this region.

Finally, we continue to work with the Community Foundation and other organizations to coordinate peer and expert programming as well as other planning support services. We are working to develop a technical assistance team composed of planners, community leaders, elected officials and others that can visit the affected areas and provide guidance and expertise on planning and community development topics. Should you wish to get involved, please contact Alex Magee, APA Florida Executive Director, at fapa@floridaplanning.org.

There is a long road ahead toward full recovery in these communities. We hope you will join APA Florida in continuing to assist, volunteer and contribute towards these recovery efforts.

Laura Everitt, AICP, Esq., LEED GA APA Florida President

Summer 2019 / Florida Planning 3

Hurricane Michael struck on Oct. 10, 2018 at Category 5 strength, the strongest hurricane to ever hit Florida’s Northwest coast and the fourth storm of this magnitude to ever make U.S. landfall since 1850. The storm was so strong, it remained a Category 3 when it hit the Georgia state line, another record as the first major hurricane to directly impact Georgia since the 1890s.

The effects of the loss of housing and economic drivers will be felt for many years. As this region continues to rebuild and plan for recovery, local government officials who have never had to face such catastrophic loss are faced with many tough fiscal decisions.

The following commentary is submitted by Richard Williams, the Executive Director of Opportunity Florida, a rural regional economic development organization serving the regional Rural Area of Opportunity, and the Executive Director of Career Source Chipola.

– Allara Mills Gutcher, AICP

RURAL NORTHWEST FLORIDA IS FORGOTTEN AFTER

By Richard Williams

The challenge of explaining where we stand post Hurricane Michael as it relates to rebuilding, lessons learned, and how we are preparing for the next storm is a task that is much like the recovery. It seems impossible at first, but if you take it one step at a time, realize you are going to make mistakes, and realize it is going to take a lot of time to see even a little progress you can move forward positively.

Planning for the new “us” is underway. We are encouraging our communities to dream. We are finding that in a region economically depressed prior to the storm, learning to dream about the future is often a tough sell. Many communities simply don’t believe that the resources to make those dreams become a reality will be delivered. Given what happened in the immediate aftermath I can’t blame them for having those negative thoughts, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t working to change their view of tomorrow. continued on page 5

4 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

[HURRICANE MICHAEL] RURAL NORTHWEST FLORIDA

continued from page 4

Today we stand forgotten by most of the outside world, but despite this we are doing what we always do here in rural Florida.

We are taking what resources we have and making them work as best we can every single day. It took 239 days for a relief bill to be passed and signed by the president. By comparison aid was passed for Hurricane Katrina in just 10 days.

In the rural counties local government are still reeling from the physical impacts and are just beginning to really tackle the fiscal impacts on the budget for this and future years. Community leaders find their days filled with meetings that are just now starting to move from promises to planning. We are finding the passage of relief funds doesn’t mean there is money ready to be spent on needs such as housing. It will still take time to establish the rules and regulations around those funds. The passage of money does mean people are just now starting to realize there really are reasons to dream big about the future.

The shortage of available workforce housing is having a real impact on the local economy, and many communities are now realizing that they must tackle this issue if they want any chance at future growth, or maybe even future survival as a community. The need for planning around the housing issue has never been more pressing.

Where do we stand now? We are starting to move forward with more than just digging out of debris, and we are starting to see actual plans being developed that take into consideration needs of today and tomorrow. We have learned many lessons, too many to write in this space, but the main lesson we were forced to learn is three words. Recovery Takes Time.

Richard Williams, the Executive Director of Opportunity Florida,

Today we stand forgotten by most of the outside world, but despite this we are doing what we always do here in rural Florida.

and the Executive Director of Career Source Chipola. He can be reached at richard.williams@careersourcechipola.com.

Images courtesy of AARP Florida.

Summer 2019 / Florida Planning 5

6 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

CHARLEY CHANGED CHARLOTTE FOR THE BETTER By: Tony Palermo, AICP

I can’t believe it’s been 15 years since the worst hurricane to hit Southwest Florida in four decades passed over my house. Friday, August 13, 2004 sticks in my mind, like it does to a lot of people in Southwest Florida.

The “experts” said Hurricane Charley would be weak and hit to the north in Tampa Bay. Wrong. Hurricane Charley was Category 4 – took a turn to the south, and went down the throat of Charlotte Harbor armed with 145 mile-per-hour winds – bringing a lot of rain and a lot of heartache.

Then came Frances. Followed by Ivan. Jeanne piled on - all in the space of a month and a half. This summer of storms killed more than 100 and made 16,000 homeless in the Sunshine State.

Damage to our Charlotte County home was relatively minimal. Thank God. I can’t say the same for our neighbors. Some lost their roof. Some homes a short distance from ours were blasted apart. The neighborhood has mostly recovered - but still shows scars even today.

More than half the public schools in Charlotte County were severely damaged. Businesses took a beating. Places of worship weren’t spared either. The damage was catastrophic.

I still live in Charlotte County. I worked for Lee County in 2004. Today I work for the City of Fort Myers – and can look back at 2004 with some perspective. continued on page 8

An office building demolished by Charley (inset) becomes the Sunloft Center post storm. Courtesy Mitchell Austin.

Summer 2019 / Florida Planning 7

[HURRICANE CHARLEY] CHANGED CHARLOTTE

continued from page 7

Charlotte County had a meager 12,594 souls when the legendary Hurricane Donna hit in 1960. It was 153,956 when Charley struck.

Today it’s 184,998. In 1960 54,539 called Lee County home. Four decades later it boomed to 521,253. Today it’s 749,224 – larger than some states in our union.

Every day some 1,000 people still move to Florida, in spite of days like that and years like 2004. Since then - the hits kept on coming. In 2017 Irma rolled over the whole state – including Southwest Florida - like a bulldozer. Maria devastated Puerto Rico the same year.

Michael belted the Panhandle in 2018. Those effected by the death and destruction remember the dates of those storms – no doubt.

Since 2004, counties like Lee and Charlotte - cities like Fort Myers and Punta Gorda - have recovered and even did some serious planning and redevelopment. TEAM Punta Gorda, a grassroots organization, helped create a 2005 Master Plan for rebuilding the city. The fruits of that labor are tangible. TEAM Punta Gorda thrives today, switching from recovery to citizen engagement and community development. There are so many examples of recovery in downtown Punta Gorda. Just one is the Sunloft Center – with its lofts, offices, condos, and fine restaurants. A real mixed-use development stands where a rather unattractive office building with dark glass stood before. Charley lit into that building and scattered its Darth Vaderlike mask throughout the city streets. Today you’d never know it was ever there before.

It’s weird to say, but many have said, “This would not have happened without the hurricane.”

Perhaps that’s the lesson learned many years later. Even when your community experiences the worst - sometimes the best is yet to come.

Before and after of Charlotte High School. Courtesy Mitchell Austin.

Tony Palermo, AICP is the Assistant Director of Community Development for the City of Fort Myers and immediate past chair of the Promised Lands Section. He can be reached at apalermo@cityftmyers.com.

Port Charlotte circa 2004, post Charley. Courtesy Tony Palermo

8 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

North Fort Myers circa 2004, post Charley. Courtesy Tony Palermo

Summer 2019 / Florida Planning 9

Giralda Plaza during Umbrella Sky. Source: Google Maps

Redesign with Resilience in Mind: A Coral Gables Story By: Edward Ng, AICP MPP, MPI What comes to mind when we speak about

innovative means to fight the impacts of climate change were blended with placemaking to protect local businesses, protect community investment, and ensure a return to normal in record time. Tested during Hurricane Irma in 2017, where 7 inches of water per hour of rainfall fell on the area, businesses were able to reopen the day after the hurricane.

sea level rise and resiliency? Images usually invoked are the raising of seawalls, the evacuation of coastlines in severe weather, and managed retreat. Most resiliency discussions encountered by many planners is that of our relationship with the ocean, and supported by the waterfront images that accompany many resiliency presentations and discussions.

HOW DID THIS COME TO BE? In Miami-Dade, however, rising sea levels Giralda Plaza is a pedestrianized roadway can have drastic effects on inland areas as within Coral Gables that was closed off saltwater pressures increase against the to traffic to create a civic promenade. A Biscayne Aquifer’s freshwater, resulting beautifully unique public space, with outdoor in elevated groundwater as the osmotic seating, colored brick pavement, and public pressure causes upswelling. The result for art exhibitions, it took 20 years of community places like Coral Gables’s Miracle Mile are Giralda Plaza in pre-Irma 2015 and today. collaboration before funding for the redesign underground pipes submerged in water, and Source: Google Maps was approved in August of 2015. systems where drains and surface catch The development of a new social interaction and gathering space basins become overwhelmed with rain. was particularly important for Coral Gables, a built-up city with a Coral Gables understood this challenge, and rose to it in its need for more public space within its downtown. The change has redesign of Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza, where the roadways brought new patrons, and the city is supporting future development can now handle rain intensities of 8 inches of rain per hour. Here, continued on page 11

10 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

[CORAL GABLES] DESIGN WITH RESILIENCE

continued from page 10

through the creation a new zoning overlay district which allows for balconies overlooking the street, new residential uses, extended business hours, and other amenities. Programmed events such as “Giralda Under the Stars” also activate the space.

What makes Giralda Plaza more special is the example of integrated resiliency by design, demonstrated by the approach taken through the inclusion of an improved drainage system. This system was integrated with the landscaping and streetscape, which itself, when viewed from above, is one large art piece of circular design.

Looking at the street as redesigned, however, the drainage is seamlessly integrated. The median bronze strip, as well as the tree wells, are part of an intricate drainage system in the street’s resilient design.

To be back to normal the next day is resiliency at its finest. For the average visitor, however, Giralda Plaza is a place to go eat, hang out, and partake in the beauty of a community, while being blissfully unaware of the magic underneath their feet. Resiliency, here, isn’t some special aspect to be added and highlighted. It’s integrated into the DNA of the place, and part of what makes this public space whole.

And that’s the way it should be.

Edward Ng, AICP, MPP, MPI is the Technical Vice President of Planning

Stormwater system integrating both landscaping and storm sewer for Giralda.

Source: Local Office Landscape and Urban Design

for The Corradino Group. He can be reached at ed@corradino.com.

Source: Miamidade.gov

WHAT'S THE NEXT STEP

IN YOUR CAREER? Master of Urban and Regional Planning Ph.D. Concentration in Urban and Regional Planning Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

www.fau.edu/surp (561) 297-4279 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning 11

POST-STORM COALITION BUILDING Vital to Rebuilding

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma,

stakeholders and decision-makers responded to the storm’s impacts on Florida.

To facilitate a discussion on the state of our resilience and provide

information to the planning community, the Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions (CUES) at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) convened a summit, Lessons from Hurricane Irma for Increasing Resilience: From Practice to Revising Plans and Policy. The event took place on Nov. 28, 2017 at the Marine Industries Association of South Florida in Fort Lauderdale in partnership with FAU Harbor Branch, FAU’s Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention (I-HEALTH), FAU’s Florida Center for Environmental Studies and FAU’s Freight Mobility Research Institute.

During three panel discussions, planners benefitted from information from researchers, non-profit leaders and the Mayor of Hollywood. The panelists reported their experiences on the topics of evacuation, sheltering, policy actions and research needs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS South Florida will continue to be exposed to major hurricanes; therefore, we need to continually engage stakeholders to refine plans and continue to develop a culture of preparedness.

We still have a long way to go to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are included in evacuation and sheltering plans.

This includes the elderly. Planning also needs to consider the large

12 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

By Serena Ann Hoermann

segment of the population that have pets and are not willing to abandon them during an emergency.

The more we can think holistically about how communities and buildings are designed, the more resilient we will be in the aftermath of disasters. City-scale planning, land use and development provides strategic opportunities to be ready for multiple hazards. Moreover, disaster planning allows city officials to think beyond extreme events to better consider ongoing quality of life concerns in communities, such as safety. Designing resilient roadways, power plants and other critical infrastructure speeds recovery time and can reduce costs. Resilient architecture means our buildings are not only designed to withstand the impact of wind, but also the longer impact of power outages through passive ventilation strategies and other tenants of design in hot-humid climates.

Nonprofits like Evacuteer.org based in New Orleans and KeysStrong.org in the Florida Keys recruit and involve citizen volunteers for preparedness and response to disasters. Many more communities could benefit from involving these and other nonprofit organizations into their planning efforts.

To learn about the panelists and view their presentations, please visit cues.fau.edu/events/irma. For more information contact Dr. John Renne, Director of FAU’s Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions (CUES), at jrenne@fau.edu and Serena Hoermann, Outreach Coordinator at shoermann@fau.edu.

Serena Ann Hoermann, MBA is the Communications/Outreach Coordinator for FAU’s School of Urban & Regional Planning. She can be reached at shoermann@fau.edu.

Summer 2019 / Florida Planning 13

Best Practice:

Deerfield Beach Updates PDRP After Irma Though APA Foundation Grant By: Alexa Ogburn

Emergency management planning is required to ensure that jurisdictions are readily prepared, resilient, responsive and able to redevelop during and after storms or other disaster events.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017, the City of Deerfield Beach identified the need to update their emergency management program to be consistent with county, state, and federal requirements, meet the operational needs of the city during and after a disaster, and ensure the city is eligible to receive maximum reimbursement following a disaster.

Within the development of the emergency management program, the city identified the need to update their emergency management plans, policies, and procedures, including the development of a Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan (PDRP).

These plans will create the framework for city operations and preparation of staff to operate and function as a government during and after disaster situations when priorities and functions change from ‘blue skies’ daily operations of the city to ‘grey skies’ response, recovery and redevelopment efforts.

The purpose of the PDRP is to embrace the long-term community vision, establish post-disaster priorities, and identify actions that can be taken by public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders in the aftermath of a large-scale disaster. The plan emphasizes seizing opportunities for hazard mitigation and community improvement consistent with the goals of

14 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

the comprehensive plan, land development code, economic development plans, infrastructure plans, and other city-wide and neighborhood related plans.

The PDRP builds a framework to efficiently rebuild the city, establish quality of life elements necessary to sustain the community, and promote economic viability. The plan also provides guidance to maximize disaster funds and resources available following a disaster, identify the capacity of the city to manage long-term recovery, and provide strategic guidance throughout the redevelopment process.

Deerfield Beach applied for a grant to assist in the development of the emergency management program through the American Planning Association Foundation and was awarded funds to develop a post-disaster redevelopment plan. The grant has greatly assisted the city in ensuring that plans, policies and procedures that are developed for the post-disaster environment contribute to the preparedness and resilience of city operations to meet the needs of the public.

Alexa Ogburn is a grants writer for the City of Deerfield Beach.

She can be reached at aogburn@deerfield-beach.com.

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Summer 2019 / Florida Planning 15

HURRICANE MICHAEL TASK FORCE EFFORTS By: Melissa Dickens, AICP, and Ali Palmer At the Feb. 9 Executive Committee meeting the task force The Hurricane Michael Task Force was proposed by its two foundproposed a one-time donation to be provided by each section from ing members, Melissa Dickens (Sun Coast Chair) and Ali Palmer their non-competitive grant fund to Emerald Coast and Capital Area (Treasure Coast Chair), at the Nov. 2, 2018 Executive Committee, a Sections. The Executive Committee, including each section chair, few weeks after the devastating storm had hit the panhandle region approved a one-time $150 donation, a total of $1,800 with $900 of the state. Melissa and Ali had attempted to get in contact with going to each of the affected sections, the Emerald Coast Section Chair, Catherine with funding to be utilized specifically for McCloy, to make sure she was safe and to This October will mark one year programming and assistance in counties get an update on the section’s members and after the storm made landfall affected by the storm. The Executive Comfamilies. It was through this communication and yet the local governments of mittee also approved further exploration that the discussion began. the inland communities remain of the “road show” concept, a one-day What could the chapter do to help the overwhelmed and in need of our workshop intended for the smaller inland members located in the Capital Area and support. If you are interested in municipalities where peers who have sufEmerald Coast sections that were affected becoming part of the task force, fered from previous storm events can share by the storm? The Executive Committee please contact Alex Magee in the their lessons learned and best practices. overwhelming supported the task force and chapter office, 850-201-3272 or At the April 6 Executive Committee approved its initiation. Devan Leavins (Capifapa@floridaplanning.org. meeting the task force proposed a tal Area Chair) and Marissa Barmby (Heart of donation to be made to the Community Florida Chair) also volunteered to be on the Foundation of Northwest Florida toward task force at this time. As part of the task Hurricane Michael recovery efforts. The Community Foundation force initiation the Executive Committee approved its functions: had offered to match the chapters contribution via an anonymous • Explore monetary donations, including those to the affected donor, so the task force felt this was the most effective way to Sections directly and to outside organizations that are providapply the chapter’s funds if utilized in this manner. The task force ing vital services to the region; recommended that the “match” donation be derived partially • Explore affected Section support efforts such as assistance from the section’s competitive grant fund and partially from the with basic Section functions, grant writing and assistance chapter budget. The task force recommended for 20 percent of the with the upcoming APA FL conference in SanDestin; remaining grant funds be utilized towards the donation ($860). The • Explore peer programs and outreach opportunities for local governments and agencies within the affected region.

16 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

continued on page 20

Building Resilient Communities IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA

By Sean Lahav, MPA

Community discussions about sea-level rise and its potential

impacts are coming to the forefront in Florida as residents, business owners and governmental actors begin to reflect on the powerful impacts left behind by Hurricanes Matthew, Irma and Michael. In Northeast Florida – a region home to the St. Johns River, Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean – these discussions have led to new developments in resiliency planning across all sectors.

The Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC), a government organization serving 7 counties and 27 municipalities, began efforts to engage the issue of sea-level rise in 2014 with recommendations brought forward by its Public Private Regional Resiliency (P2R2) Committee. These efforts were informed by the 2013 Northeast Florida Regional Action Plan on Sea Level Rise. Two items recommended by P2R2 included (1) the facilitation of community conversations across the region to discuss potential risks and the benefits of resilience planning and (2) creation of an exposure analysis to inform those conversations.

In June of 2019, these items were brought to fruition when the council partnered with several organizations to expand community outreach initiatives and build new technology tools. The first step in the process was to release the Regional Resilience Exposure Tool (R2ET) – an innovative map tool that allows users to determine if specific resources in Northeast Florida are at risk to storm surge, flooding and sea level rise.

R2ET also allows users from across the Region to analyze where specific vulnerabilities occur by overlaying differing flood layers with other data layers representing criteria such as critical facilities, population densities and environmental habitats. The wildlife index layer, for instance, leverages data resources from the National Fish

and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and NatureServe who recently partnered to conduct a Coastal Resilience Assessment of the Jacksonville and Lower St. Johns River Watersheds.

To further the objectives of the tool, the council is currently focused on conducting a regional resilience survey to assess community perspectives on priorities for resiliency planning. By utilizing the tool and the results from the survey, the strategic focus moving forward will be to facilitate community conversations about sea level rise across the region.

In reflecting on what has already been accomplished, the council collaborated with WJCT, the local PBS affiliate in Jacksonville, to host a “Sinking Cities” community forum that had more than 200 community members in the audience. Shortly after, the mayors of Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach came together with statewide resiliency experts for the “Beaches Sea Level Rise Forum,” giving the public an opportunity to learn about what is being examined locally to make their communities more resilient.

When planning for a more resilient future, what becomes clear is that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Hurricane Irma, for instance, brought varying degrees of impact to communities across the state. In building a more resilient region, the Northeast Florida Regional Council aims to facilitate conversations within local communities to find solutions that are most appropriate for local needs. Through this community dialogue and an increased understanding of the issue of sea level rise, the Northeast Florida region will steadily become more prepared to bounce back from the unpredictable whims of mother nature.

For more information, please visit buildcommunityresilience.com/northeastflorida Sean Lahav, MPA is the Resiliency Coordinator for the Northeast Florida Regional Council. He can be reached at slahav@nefrc.org.

Summer 2019 / Florida Planning 17

AARP Florida Working to

Prepare for the Next Storm By: David Bruns As hard-hit North Florida continues to fight its way back from October 2018’s Hurricane Michael, AARP Florida is working with planners for cities, counties, state agencies and business organizations to make Florida better able to withstand future disasters.

“There is a silver lining in some natural disasters, when it comes for planning for the future,” said Jeff Johnson, AARP’s Florida state director. “While the cost of such devastation is huge, these disasters often make clear what steps we need to take to better prepare for the next storm.”

AARP’s work on disaster resilience is one aspect of the association’s work with the AARP-World Health Organization Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. In April 2019, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a declaration formally designating Florida as only the fourth state nationwide to join the network.

Network members – which include 30 Florida cities and counties as of the publication of this article – work within a framework of eight domains of livability, including issues such as mobility, workplace issues, health care and housing. Each network member agrees to review its long-term plans to consider how locally set policies can make communities work effectively for people of every age. Network members ask for input from local residents and other stakeholders and systematically review their strategic plans in each domain.

Now some communities have added a ninth domain to their Age-Friendly efforts – disaster resilience: • In Pinellas County, local planners and community residents have added public safety and security as well as disaster resilience to the standard eight domains of livability. County officials and local residents will review how zoning requirements, building codes, community design and other factors could help people of every age successfully weather the next natural disaster and stay safe and secure.

18 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

• On a state level, AARP Florida is working in the Legislature and with state agencies to review policies and legislation to help older Floridians be safer and recover more quickly from natural disasters. Among many examples, AARP Florida advocated strongly for legislation requiring backup electrical generators for Florida nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the wake of 14 deaths in a Broward County nursing home after Hurricane Irma in 2017.

• AARP Foundation and AARP Florida teamed up after Hurricane Michael to raise more than $900,000 in private donations – matched dollar for dollar by AARP Foundation – to pay for mini-grants to 11 local organizations providing assistance to older North Floridians recovering from the storm.

• AARP Florida also has worked with local government and local nonprofits to share comprehensive information with older Floridians on how to apply for government benefits, avoid frauds and stay safe in the aftermath of disasters. For more information, go to aarp.org/FLdisasterhelp.

•AARP Florida also has assembled a downloadable checklist specifically tailored for older Floridians.

•The organization has also been working with state agencies, including the Office of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s Division of Emergency Management and county emergency management staff, to help Floridians prepare and develop resiliency not only for hurricanes but all types of disasters. AARP Florida has stepped up to connect local continued on page 20

FLORIDA MUST

By: Gladys Cook

HAVE AN IMPROVED DISASTER RECOVERY SYSTEM

Since the 2017 and 2018 hurricanes the Florida Housing Coalition’s Disaster Recovery Team has provided technical assistance to Florida’s housing providers as they grapple with piecing together state and federal funds to repair or replace damaged housing, while thousands of survivors remain displaced from their own homes or homes they rented. The team has observed that once the initial emergency response and sheltering period ends, long-term recovery can begin in as little as 60 days.

Unfortunately, communities can reasonably expect to wait well over 18 months for federal hurricane recovery funding to reach homes and neighborhoods. To better respond to natural disasters and build new homes or repair damaged ones, and provide immediate rental assistance for sufficient duration, there must be systemic changes at the federal and state level.

Understanding funding from Congress is and will continue to be crucial to meeting the needs of disaster-impacted Florida communities, changes to the federal system would greatly benefit our state.

These are the actions, in priority order, that are most critical: • Permanent statutory authority for CDBG-DR. This would give HUD the authority to allocate funds to states impacted by natural disasters without first waiting for Congressional appropriation. The permanent authorization of CDBG-DR could save as much as four to five months in the overall approval process from disaster relief act to allocation.

• Agreement with the State of Florida, pursuant to the 2018 Amendments to the Stafford Act, permitting Florida to be reimbursed from HUD CDBG-DR monies for any state funds that are expended on eligible activities after the President has declared an emergency and before the state has received its CDBG DR funds for that emergency. The impact continued on page 20

Summer 2019 / Florida Planning 19

[HURRICANE MICHAEL] TASK FORCE

[AARP] PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STORM

continued from page 16

continued from page 18

Executive Committee approved the donation from the competitive grant fund and also approved a $1,140 donation to be made from the 2018 conference proceeds, for a total $2,000 donation to the Community Foundation.

In addition to the donation work, the task force continues to work with other organizations and agencies to coordinate peer and expert programs as well as other planning support services (i.e. grant writing, planning official training) for the inland counties of the affected areas. Calls have been ongoing with FEMA, the Nature Conservancy, AARP Florida and the Regional Planning Councils. The Community Foundation has also discussed being part of these efforts. Additionally, the task force and APA Florida members from across the state have stepped up and provided invaluable support services to the Emerald Coast Section in their 2019 conference planning efforts.

organizations with expertise in legal matters, applying for grants and handling finances in addition to raising donations, to help residents and communities recover.

“Natural disasters hurt Floridians of every age. But older Floridians are especially at risk, both because of the potential health implications of disasters and because older people often find it harder to recover what they’ve lost,” Johnson said. “That’s why, after a natural disaster strikes, AARP Florida will work with first responders, local governments and a broad range of organizations to help.”

Dave Bruns is the Communications Manager for AARP Florida. He can be reached at dbruns@aarp.org.

[IMPROVED DISASTER] RECOVERY PLAN

continued from page 19

of this one change would be enormous, as Florida could use funds from its coffers to immediately respond to its resident’s needs knowing those funds would be reimbursed by the federal government.

• Florida should create a permanent, statewide housing disaster authority (Housing Disaster Authority) positioned in the Department of Emergency Management (DEM). This Housing Disaster Authority could provide the focus and the pipeline for connecting state and federal agencies with the housing providers on the ground to jump start long term recovery. Housing recovery is a long-term endeavor requiring high levels of coordination, major public and private financial resources and human capital including volunteers, contractors, and grant managers. Long term recovery should start within 30 to 60 days after a disaster.

• Continue to use the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to administer the disaster recovery funding for the development or preservation of multifamily housing.

Again, the source of the funding provided to the FHFC should be a source that will be reimbursed by federal funds, such as Florida’s Budget Stabilization Fund. Using Sadowski Local and State Housing Trust funds places too great a burden on state housing programs when funds are diverted to disaster recovery.

The Florida Housing Coalition is committed to guiding and advocating for systemic changes in how we rebuild housing after a disaster and how we prepare by strengthening our existing housing stock to be more disaster resilient.

20 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

For more information contact Gladys Cook at cook@flhousing.org or visit our disaster recovery page on our website at https://www.flhousing.org/disaster-recovery/. Registration for the Coalition’s weekly hurricane member updates is available at that link.

Gladys Cook is the Disaster Housing Recovery Director for the Florida Housing Coalition. She can be reached at cook@flhousing.org.

JOIN FHC’S WEEKLY DISASTER RECOVERY WEBINARS Each Friday at 1:30 pm the Coalition hosts a one-hour webinar on hurricane recovery. We provide updates on resources that are under development to assist SHIP administrators and housing providers such as disaster assistance toolkits and resource guides. Each webinar features a panel discussion on a variety of topics concerning recovery, preparation, and mitigation. Each webinar is recorded and posted to the FHC website along with the presentation and handouts.

Sign up for upcoming webinars HERE. View past webinars HERE.

RATION REGIST ON S CLOSE 3.

G U A .2

2019 APA FLORIDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE UPDATES SEPT. 10-13 | FLORIDAPLANNINGCONFERENCE.ORG

BYOB! This year’s conference is going to be green aside from being held on the Emerald Coast! Attendees, you will need to Bring Your Own Bag as this year we have ditched the complimentary bag. Instead, water bottles will be given out during registration that can be refilled throughout the event.

Reducing our footprint is a key goal for the conference committee.

ABOUT OUR CONFERENCE LOCATION Walton County, located in Northwest Florida, is continually recognized as a premier destination that boasts 26 miles of sugar-white sand, turquoise water and 16 acclaimed beachside neighborhoods, each with its own personality and style. Miramar Beach, which includes the Sandestin Resport, is one of the many spectacular shores located here.

In South Walton, luxury accommodations, challenging golf, eclectic shops, unique art galleries and award-winning dining are part of the area’s distinctive character and relaxing atmosphere.

Both on the beach and off, outdoor activities are naturally abundant in South Walton. Beyond traditional sunning and swimming, adventurous travelers will enjoy stand-up paddleboarding or fishing on the Gulf of Mexico or one of the area’s 15 rare coastal dune lakes.

Over 40-percent of the land area of South Walton is in preservation, with 200+ miles of trails inviting nature lovers to

observe rare birds while hiking through state parks and forests. The 19-mile paved walking and biking trail known as the Timpoochee Trail beckons runners and bicyclists to enjoy a scenic tour past the area’s famed New Urbanist neighborhoods and coastal dune lakes.

Or, you might choose to challenge yourself to a game of tennis or golf on one of several acclaimed courts and courses.

Is shopping your passion? Indulge in some retail therapy at one of the nation’s largest designer outlets, and then browse an eclectic mix of chic and sophisticated boutiques and galleries. Foodies will relish the fusion of flavors created by award-winning chefs using fresh-from-the-Gulf and locally sourced ingredients. As the sun makes its spectacular evening splash into the sea, enjoy live music and dancing at one of the local hot spots.

An upscale, yet casual place to unwind, South Walton is the place to rejuvenate, build lasting memories and find your perfect beach.

Summer 2019 / Florida Planning 21

ANNOUNCING PROPOSED APA FLORIDA BYLAW CHANGES Every two years, the Chapter President appoints a Bylaws Committee, chaired by the Chapter Secretary, to review the Bylaws and identify any changes needed for consistency with national APA bylaws or Chapter practices and policies. The current Bylaws Committee members are: Rochelle Lawandales, FAICP; Lorraine Duffy-Suarez, AICP; Brad Cornelius, AICP, LEED Green Associate; Alissa Barber Torres, Ph.D, AICP; Katie Shannon, AICP, CNU-A; and Lara Bouck, PE, AICP (Chair and APA Florida Secretary).

Based on the work of the Bylaws Committee, the APA Florida Executive Committee proposes the changes listed on the

chapter website to the APA Florida Bylaws. In addition to the proposed changes listed below, other minor wording and formatting revisions are proposed throughout to improve grammar and clarity. Read overview of the proposed changes and actual proposal language, click here.

Voting on these proposed Bylaws revisions will be done electronically and ballots will be sent out in early September.

The proposed Bylaws amendments require approval by a majority of those Chapter members voting. Please contact Lara Bouck at secretary@floridaplanning.org or 813-494-8101 if you have any comments or questions about the proposed changes.

MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING IN SEPTEMBER! The 2019 Annual Member Meeting will be held at the Baytowne Conference Center in Sandestin on September 10 from 5 – 6:00 pm CT. At this meeting, members will be asked to VOTE on the 2020 Budget, the 2020 Strategic Operational Plan, and the 2020 Legislative Program and Position Statements.

The agenda and the materials to be voted on are posted on the Chapter website at florida.planning.org. Please take the time to review them before September.

For those members who are unable to attend the annual meeting but who wish to vote on these items, a proxy system has been created. This proxy system form allows you to decide whether you want to REGISTER YOUR VOTE IN ADVANCE and submit it to the Chapter Office for use at the

22 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

annual meeting OR DELEGATE YOUR VOTE to another member who will be attending the annual meeting if you are unable to participate. A proxy voting form, which may be reproduced, can be downloaded from APA Florida’s website at florida.planning.org.

There are two important requirements when using the proxy voting form: 1) Mailed proxies must be received at the Chapter Office by 5:00 pm, August 30 to ensure timely receipt and transfer to the meeting; 2) all proxies, whether mailed or hand-carried, must be verified by the APA Florida Secretary or Executive Director so please completely and legibly fill out all required fields on the proxy.

If you have any questions, please contact the Chapter Office at 850-201-3272 or fapa@floridaplanning.org.

2019

GREAT PLACES IN FLORIDA

By Brandon Henry, Young Planners Group Chair

It’s that time of year again! As summer kicks into high gear, APA Florida is preparing to host our 6th Annual Great Places in Florida Award Program.

We are looking forward to crowning this year’s Great Place in Florida - alongside 2018’s winner Downtown Winter Garden, and other outstanding past winners such as Downtown Pensacola and Cascades Park in Tallahassee.

As always, Great Places in Florida seeks to highlight those unique, memorable places that work for the good of their community and attract people to visit them. Finalists represent the gold standard of places in our community.

Great Places submissions should be a focal point in their respective communities – whether that place is big or small, well-known or off the beaten path. Any park, public space, street, neighborhood or district is eligible for submission.

Finalists are chosen by a panel of multidisciplinary experts, with top ranked entries moving forward to a public vote.

Important dates are as follows:

Cascades Park, Tallahassee

Summertime in Florida can only mean one thing: Time to celebrate the Great Places in Florida!

Downtown Fernandina Beach

Downtown Mount Dora

Downtown Pensacola

Downtown Winter Garden

• Nomination period opens on Monday, Aug. 12.

• Nominations due by 5 pm ET on Friday, Sept. 20.

• People’s Choice voting runs from Monday, Oct. 7 through Friday, Oct. 18.

Note the deadlines above and stay tuned with florida.planning.org/greatplaces for the official kickoff of the 2019 Great Places in Florida program. Help us get the word out!

If you would like to get involved with the 2019 Great Places in Florida program and the Young Planners Group, contact YPG Chair Brandon Henry at floridaypg@floridaplanning.org.

YOU COULD BE NEXT!

at The 2019 Gre da ri lo Places in F be winner will on Friday, announced e capstone Oct. 25 as th Planning to National ities month activ

Summer 2019 / Florida Planning 23

Executive Committee Spotlight Q&A: What is your current position on the State’s Executive Committee?

I am currently the Young Planner’s Group Chair.

How do you help our members in this position?

As YPG Chair, I act as the liaison between the Executive Committee and young and/or emerging planners throughout the state.

Have you held any other positions on the State’s Executive Committee?

I have not, this is my first position at a statewide level. However, I also serve as the Communications Officer for the Sun Coast Section – putting together newsletters and managing the section’s social media. Before this, I served as Sun Coast’s YPG Ambassador.

I hope to one day serve on the Executive Committee again after I complete my term as YPG Chair.

What’s your favorite part of being on the Executive Committee?

My favorite part about being on the Executive Committee are the lifelong friends I’ve made along the way! It sounds dorky and cliché, but I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the wonderful mentors I’ve met serving on the Executive Committee.

What is the YPG? Who can benefit from participating in YPG? The Young Planner’s Group is a subcommittee of APA Florida which aims to add value to APA membership for young planners and tap into the energy, enthusiasm, and fresh ideas of young planners and emerging professionals to further the goals of APA Florida. While YPG is tailored to students and new planners, anyone can benefit from participating in YPG, especially those emerging in their careers.

YPG offers a way to connect with other members who are likewise emerging in their careers (or young at heart!)

Who is your current employer and what is your position/duties? Has membership in APA Florida helped you in your career?

I am the Community Planner and GIS Analyst for the City of Safety Harbor, a city of 17,000+ residents on the northern coast of Tampa Bay. I support the vision of our residents through the administration and implementation of planning policy and geographic information systems. Being a part of APA Florida 24 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

Brandon Henry

has helped me tremendously in my career. The professional development opportunities through programs such as the Florida Planning Conference and the Public Policy Workshop offers on-theground learning not found in the classroom. Being involved with APA Florida opened leadership opportunities that allowed me to grow in my people skills within a planning context. And perhaps most importantly, the networking afforded by being involved with the chapter has helped me connect with new mentors and opportunities throughout the state and beyond.

What might members not know about your work with YPG and as an officer on the State’s Executive Committee?

Most members don’t know that the YPG manages APA Florida’s Great Places in Florida award program! Every fall, we solicit nominations from the public of their favorite places throughout our wonderful state, whether they be parks, neighborhoods, streets, or even entire downtowns. Every nomination is then judged by a panel of multidisciplinary experts from allied organizations - with the top-ranking nominations moving forward into an online public vote. The entry with the most votes is crowned the Greatest Place in Florida at a recognition ceremony of their choosing. It really is an awesome way to showcase to the public the wonderful (Excuse me, great!) places – and what makes them great - that we as planners help implement.

This year, the nomination period opens on Monday, Aug. 12 and runs through Friday, Sept. 20th – so stay tuned and remember to nominate your favorite place when the time comes! You can learn about Great Places in Florida and past winners here.

How can members become part of YPG and/or know about current events?

Like our Facebook page, but more importantly, stay involved with your local section! Most YPG events are hosted by each section’s local YPG ambassador and advertised locally! If your section doesn’t have a YPG ambassador, reach out to your local section’s chair here! We are always looking for new volunteers for ambassadors - and being involved with YPG is a great segue into further involvement with APA and all the wonderful professional development opportunities it comes with.

APA Florida

PLANNERS ON THE MOVE Stephen Benson, AICP, CNU-A is the new Transportation Coordinator for the City of Tampa.

Stephen previously serviced as the Metropolitan Planning Administrator for FDOT District Seven.

Stan Boling has retired after 35 years of service to the Indian River County’s Department of Community Development.

Alana Brasier, AICP has joined Kittleson & Associates as a Senior Planner in their Tampa office.

Alana previously worked with the Tampa Downtown Partnership and was awarded the Sun Coast Section’s 2019 Planner of the Year.

Joseph M. Corradino, AICP was recently appointed to the South Florida Regional Planning Council board, the Miami-Dade League of Cities board, and the MiamiDade County Board of Rules and Appeals.

Stephen Benson, AICP, CNU-A

Kathryn Lyons, AICP has joined the Corradino Group as a Senior Planner.

Christina Mendoza, AICP formerly with Gannett Fleming, has accepted a position with Forward Pinellas in Clearwater.

Stan Boling

Amber Dickerson, AICP has been promoted to General Manager of Growth Management with Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Kathie Ebaugh, AICP, MPA has been selected as the Executive Director of Facility Planning and Development, Lee County School District. This position provides for the current and future educational needs of Lee County students and citizens by leading the team responsible for planning, constructing, and maintaining the traditional public school facilities in Lee County.

Stephen Griffin has retired from Planning Commission/ Plan Hillsborough after 29 years of service. Much of his work was devoted to land use planning within both the unincorporated areas of Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa.

Alana Brasier, AICP

Joseph M. Corradino, AICP

Amber Dickerson, AICP

Brenda Ryan, AICP joined the City of Kissimmee as its new Planning Manager in April. Brenda was previously the Interim Community Development Director for the City of Groveland. Brenda has 19 years of public sector experience and was previously with Osceola and Orange Counties. She is currently the Osceola County Director for the Orlando Metro Section and has previously served as the Lake County Director for the section.

Kendall Story, CNU-A has been promoted to Urban Planner within the City of Lake Mary’s Community Development Department. Additionally, Kendall has recently passed the CNU-A accreditation exam.

Susan Swift has joined Maser Consulting P.A. as Geographic Discipline Leader of Planning Services.

Susan’s primary focus will be to manage these services throughout the southeastern region.

Justin Willits, AICP formerly with Tindale-Oliver, has recently accepted the position of Senior Planner with the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART).

The Pinellas County Planning Department has hired Evan Johnson, AICP, as their Business Development Manager. Evan previously worked for Tindale-Oliver.

Dr. Evangeline (Van) Linkous, AICP has been promoted to Associate Professor at the University of South Florida (Urban and Regional Planning Program).

Alicia Parinello, AICP previously with Forward Pinellas, has accepted a position with the City of Largo as a Principal Planner. Alicia currently also serves as Secretary on the Sun Coast Section Executive Committee.

Justin Proffitt, AICP was recently been promoted to Community Development Director for the City of North Miami Beach.

Congratulations to David Henderson of the MiamiDade TPO on his retirement!

The City of Casselberry’s Community Development Department has promoted Christina Hyson to Planner II. Christina is a 2017 graduate from with the University of Central Florida with a Master in Urban and Regional Planning.

Van earned her Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012 and has been on the faculty at USF since 2013. Her research interests include Land Use Policy and Law, Growth Management, Property and Development Rights, Land and Ecosystem Services Markets, Fiscal Instruments in Land Policy, Rural and Exurban Planning, Agriculture and Food Systems Planning, and Land Conservation.

continued on page 26

Kathie Ebaugh, AICP, MPA

Summer 2019 / Florida Planning 25

[PLANNERS] ON THE MOVE

The Planning Commission/Plan Hillsborough welcomes Jerid McAdoo, Danny Collins, Katrina Corcoran and Jiwuan Haley, AICP. Danny has been hired as a Planner II within the organization’s Comprehensive Plan, Policy & Review Division.

continued from page 25

Jerid will be working as a Planning & Mapping Technician on the Comprehensive Plan, Policy & Review Division.

Stephen Griffin

Jerid McAdoo

Katrina, who serves as the Professional Development Officer for the Sun Coast Section, will be working within the Strategic Planning, Environmental & Research Division as a Community Planner II.

Alicia Parinello, AICP

Justin Willits, AICP

Christina Hyson

Justin Proffitt, AICP

Katrina Corcoran

Jason Burton, AICP, CNU-A, LEED-AP

Jiwuan Haley, AICP

Dr. Evangeline (Van) Linkous, AICP

Elisabeth Dang, AICP

White & Smith, LLC Planning and Law Group

Jiwuan joins the Comprehensive Plan, Policy & Review Division as a Senior Planner.

Following the retirement of Planning Director Dean Grandin, Jr. AICP, the City of Orlando has promoted two planners to take his place. Elisabeth Dang, AICP, has been appointed City Planning Division Manager, and Jason Burton, AICP, CNU-A, LEEDAP has been promoted to Assistant City Planning Division Manager. Both Elisabeth and Jason have been with the City of Orlando for more than 15 years serving as Chief Planners over the Growth Management and Community Planning studios respectively, and have prior planning experiences with other jurisdictions.

E. Tyson Smith, Esq., AICP

Admitted in Florida and South Carolina

www.PlanningAndLaw.com

Development Codes Development Agreements Impact Fees Military Lands Planning & Zoning Transferable Development Rights 26 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

APA FLORIDA WORKING FOR YOU ARE YOU READY FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING MONTH? APA FLORIDA IS HERE TO HELP! Before we know it, summer will turn to fall and during the month of October we celebrate the achievements of planning during APA’s Community Planning Month. As part of this month-long effort, we advocate and educate good planning with our elected officials, citizens and communities. Get ready by utilizing materials provided by APA and your Florida Chapter. Visit planning.org/ncpm for various resources available to members.

The chapter would also like to remind you that K-12 Teaching Guides are available for any visits you may have planned in the classroom. New videos created for APA Florida are also available for your use at events with community members and elected officials. These videos speak to what professional planners do and how their efforts impact and shape our communities. Videos and teaching guides can be found here.

ADDITIONAL CM CREDITS AVAILABLE APA Florida has partnered with the Florida Housing Coalition to bring you more CM opportunities while you learn about housing issues affecting millions of Floridians. The Affordable Housing Conference (Aug. 26-29 in Orlando) provides members with an opportunity to attend conference sessions and earn AICP CM credit.

Attendees should be sure to attend the APA Florida sponsored sessions at the conference that will specifically focus on land use planning in relation to affordable housing.

CHAPTER BRINGS LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS TO MEMBERS Are you a new professional or student within the Atlantic Coast, Emerald Coast, First Coast, Gold Coast, Orlando Metro, Promised Lands or San Felasco sections and want to get more involved? The Young Planners Group (YPG) is a great opportunity to get involved continued on page 28

PLANNING AND SO MUCH MORE Planners · Urban Designers · Landscape Architects · Traffic Engineers · Surveyors Project Administrators · Engineers · Code Specialists · Plan Reviewers · Inspectors

Planning for Exceptional Communities Calvin, Giordano & Associates delivers optimal results for communities like yours; offering a comprehensive approach to municipal government services, including Planning, Zoning, Urban Design, and Redevelopment. Our interdisciplinary approach allows us to understand how and where all these services interconnect so you achieve a fully comprehensive solution.

888.274.0081 · cgasolutions.com Fort Lauderdale · Miami-Dade · West Palm Beach Clearwater/Tampa · Estero · Port St. Lucie

Summer 2019 / Florida Planning 27

[CONSULTANTS] DIRECTORY Advertise in the Consultants Directory The Consultant Directory is a fitting place to showcase your firm. $250 buys space for a year in the newsletter (five issues) plus inclusion in our webbased consultant directory. Display ads to promote your business, conference, projects and more are available. Contact the Chapter office at 850-2013272 for rates and details.

Statewide and State Wise

Joshua I. Long, AICP Certified Planner | jlong@gunster.com | (800) 749-1980

www.vhb.com Engineers | Scientists | Planners | Designers

Planning for healthy & sustainable communities Orlando | Tampa | Sarasota

[APA FLORIDA] WORKING FOR YOU

continued from page 27

with APA Florida and gain professional development and contacts at both the state and local levels. The group is looking for volunteer ambassadors to serve these sections.

YPG is a subcommittee of the APA Florida Executive Committee that is tailored to the state’s emerging professionals and students with representatives from each of our individual Sections. In addition to educational and fun activities, YPG also manages APA Florida’s annual Great Places in Florida program. Check them out on Facebook. If interested in serving as a YPG Ambassador, please contact Brandon Henry at bhenry@cityofsafetyharbor.com.

YOUNG PLANNERS GROUP AMBASSADOR PROGRAM OPENS UP The monitoring and reporting of our state’s legislative activities is a significant function of our chapter staff and an important benefit to members. Recently, APA Florida reached out to our members to bring awareness to HB 7103 (Comprehensive Plan Enforcement) and provided members with a bill impact statement, as well as 28 Summer 2019 / Florida Planning

methods for contacting Gov. DeSantis to express opposition.

Additionally, APA Florida urged the governor to not sweep housing trust funds. APA Florida will continue to provide members with important legislative information. Want to receive these updates via social media? Be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin pages.

FLORIDA AICP EXAM APPLICANTS OFFERED FREE STUDY RESOURCES Did you know that as a chapter member you are provided with free study resources to assist you on your AICP certification? The Treasure Coast Section offers an extensive study group that members outside of the Treasure Coast Section can participate in. The Section offers access to their recorded webcasts, study materials and study links. For more information, visit the chapter website or contact the chapter’s Professional Development Officer, Allison Megrath, at profdevelopment@floridaplanning.org.

[FLORIDA] PLANNING

[THANK YOU] TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS

Published by the Florida Chapter, American Planning Association, the Florida Planning newsletter has a current circulation of 3,200 members, subscribers and other readers. Four issues are published a year.

CHANGES OF ADDRESS For APA members, Send to: Member Records Department American Planning Association 205 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1200 Chicago, IL 60601 Fax: 312-786-6700 or log onto www.planning.org/myapa

ARTICLES

[UPCOMING] EVENTS AUG. 22: LAND USE LAW 22ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE Tampa. By popular demand, this year’s course of study will address “how-to” in regard to land use.

From framework to enforcement, and everything in between. Whether you are a novice or expert, this conference has something for everyone! Plus, you will have plenty of time to network with the most skilled professionals involved in land use law in Florida. Information here. 12 CM.

Florida Planning welcomes articles, announcements, letters, pictures and advertising. Call 850-201-3272 regarding articles.

The next issue will be published October 2019.

AUG. 26-28: FLORIDA HOUSING COALITION AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONFERENCE

DEADLINES

urban planners, including affirmatively further fair housing plans, planning for missing middle hous-

Article deadlines are generally four weeks prior to publication.

Ad deadlines are generally two weeks prior to publication. Consult the editor for any exception to this schedule.

Orlando. Florida’s premier statewide affordable housing training and technical assistance event brings together more than 800 housing professionals from every part of Florida, including housing developers, service providers, planners, public and private sector funders, and advocates. The conference provides workshops and training on a variety of affordable housing topics relevant to ing, Innovations in affordable housing design, regulatory reform for affordable housing, and many others. Information here. Multiple CM credits available.

SEPT. 10-13: FLORIDA PLANNING CONFERENCE Miramar Beach. The Emerald Coast is home to a wide array of unique environmental features

ABOUT THE CHAPTER

including world renowned beaches, 15 rare coastal dune lakes, and over a dozen state parks. Our

APA Florida is a non-profit organization funded through membership dues and fees.

Contributions are also welcomed for general purposes and earmarked programs. Please note that contributions are not tax deductible.

municipalities range from rural communities to urban cities including a multitude of acclaimed new

For news and information on Chapter concerns, visit the APA Florida website at florida planning.org.

Miami & Streamed Live. Issues related to the use of and access to property are becoming

APA Florida 2017 Delta Boulevard, Suite 201 Tallahassee, FL 32303

and opportunities facing Florida property owners in making use of their property against the ever-

Phone: 850-201-3272 Fax: 850-807-2576

For more information on these and other APA Florida events, please visit florida.planning.org/calendar/

urbanist communities. The region is a strong economic engine focused on aerospace, technology, manufacturing, distribution / logistics, retail, and tourism development. And, we are incredibly proud of the six military installations located throughout the section. Information here. CM available.

OCT. 23: EASEMENTS IN FLORIDA SEMINAR increasingly complex as they mirror the legal, technical and societal changes related to our use of property. This program is designed to help new and seasoned practitioners understand the issues evolving landscape of property laws. Information here. 6.5 CM.