Floridaโs coastal communities are experiencing an ecological water crisis. Locals who live along the coastlines know paradise is in trouble. Among the threats: toxic blue algae and red tide, aging septic systems threaten vulnerable inland waterways; polluted discharges from Lake OKeechobee; offshore drilling and unchecked development and repeated lack of government funding. Florida stands at a historic environmental crossroads.
Recent red tide impacts are ongoing throughout Floridaโs marine waters. Health effects for people have been reported as eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory distress, skin irritation and in some cases neurological disorders. Blue green algae, species of toxic cyanobacteria have been detected in Floridaโs waters. Health effects for people are similar to red tide and includes emerging evidence of exposure leading to neurodegenerative diseases.ย
The 103rd annual Florida Realtorsยฎ Convention & Trade Expo held Aug. 21-22, 2019 at Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando, Fla offered attendees, REALTORยฎ members from all over the state, an education session on Floridaโs water crisis presented by Stephen โPepperโ Uchin, a policy expert for Florida legislature with Anfield Consulting. The session discussed the impact of Floridaโs water crisis happening now and what locals, officials and policy makers can do moving forward.ย
Water usage and storage in regards to public supply has increased tremendously. Itโs important for the real estate industry to consider the impact in terms of a 30-year mortgage. The population of Fla in 1970 was 6.79 million people. Current population for 2019 has risen to approximately 21.5 million. Statistical reports predict by 2050 32 million people will choose to make the state their homestead.ย
Historical lack of funding and record keeping has contributed to the water crisis. In 2016 an important piece of legislation was adopted, SB552 403.928 – Assessment of water resources and conservation lands. The Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) shall conduct an annual assessment of Floridaโs water resources and conservation lands.ย
Florida faces resiliency challenges including sea level rise and extreme weather. Failure to withstand, recover or adjust to these changes can result in loss of property and life, and in the case of an organization or industry sector, extinction. A resilient community has the ability to anticipate, prepare for and withstand, recover or adjust to short and long term changes in environmental, social or economic conditions.
Recovery of the panhandle from Hurricane Michael was used as an example in the presentation of how resiliency will be key to Floridaโs survival. The storm was the first category five hurricane to hit the mainland US since Hurricane Andrew. In 1992, state building codes were strengthened after Hurricane Andrew. As Hurricane Michael proved in 2018, building code isnโt strong enough to protect Floridaโs vulnerable communities.ย
According to Uchin, during the 2019 legislative session, legislation was introduced that would have directed EDR to prepare an annual report to the legislature that provides rough fiscal estimate of Stateโs Water Infrastructure needs and identifies potential sources of revenue that could be used to satisfy the documented need. SB 628 by Sen. Albritton and HB 1199 by Rep. Jacobs. In May 2019, the bills were โindefinitely postponed and withdrawn from considerationโ and โdied in Infrastructure and Securityโ.ย
What can residents do? Evaluate state laws and policies, call, write and connect with your local and state representatives to address any shortcomings and support legislation that directs statewide policies.