Florida Coastal Management Program Hosts Second Annual Meeting

The Florida Coastal Office’s Florida Coastal Management Program (FCMP) recently welcomed more than 100 attendees at its second annual meeting to expand partnerships and discuss local coastal management issues in Northeast Florida.

The theme of this year’s meeting was Strong Local Communities, with an emphasis on risk reduction and preparedness.

The agenda featured guest speakers from state and federal agencies, local government officials and various other partner organizations.

“We are honored to collaborate with our partner agencies and organizations in finding solutions for Florida’s coasts,” said Drew Bartlett, DEP deputy secretary for ecosystems restoration.

“Florida’s coastal resources are vital for the health of our state, communities and economy, and I am excited about the work being done to continue preserving those resources.”

The meeting included remarks from St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Shaver and DEP Deputy Secretary Drew Bartlett, as well as presentations by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Sea Grant, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the city of St. Augustine.

An additional session was held regarding Hurricane Matthew and St. Augustine’s preparation and emergency response efforts.