Built Environment Risk Reduction Division

FEBRUARY 2026 HIGHLIGHTS

COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS

Palm Beach County Hosts the 17th Annual Southeast Florida Climate Leadership Summit

In December, Palm Beach County proudly hosted the Southeast Florida Climate Leadership Summit, on behalf of the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact. The Summit convened local and tribal governments, climate experts, businesses, and community partners from across the region and fostered meaningful dialogue on resilience, climate adaptation, and collaborative solutions that support sustainable growth and community well-being throughout Southeast Florida. Participants left with strengthened partnerships, shared insights, and renewed momentum to advance climate action across jurisdictions. We thank everyone who contributed to making this event a success.

Save the Date! Broward County to Host the 18th Annual Southeast Florida Climate Leadership Summit

It’s not too early to save the date for the next Climate Leadership Summit, hosted by Broward County! This regional event brings together local governments, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders to advance climate resilience and sustainability across Southeast Florida. Broward County invites organizations to participate as a valued sponsor and take advantage of exclusive opportunities to showcase your organization, connect with key decision-makers, and demonstrate your commitment to our region’s future. More sponsorship information can be found here: 2026 Compact Summit Sponsorship Package

Applications Being Accepted for OCR’s

FY-2027 Neighborhood Engagement and Transformation (NEAT) Grants Program

Palm Beach County’s Office of Community Revitalization (OCR) is accepting applications for its Neighborhood Engagement and Transformation (NEAT) grants program. NEAT provides grants of up to $10,000 to neighborhood-based groups and/or organizations for resident-driven neighborhood improvement projects proposed within designated Countywide Community Revitalization Team (CCRT) areas and the Glades region, including the municipalities of Belle Glade, South Bay and Pahokee. Applicants must attend a mandatory pre-application conference at 2300 N Jog Rd., West Palm Beach, FL on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Fill out this form to register: Sign Up Form

Palm Beach County Hosts Community Workshops for Risk Reduction Action Plan Input

Palm Beach County (PBC) has been working on a Risk Reduction Action Plan to help the community prepare for more frequent flooding and extreme heat. In January, PBC's Division of Built Environment Risk Reduction held the final round of community workshops to share key strategies from the plan and discuss implementation priorities and next steps. The plan translates climate risk findings into targeted adaptation projects focused on natural systems (shorelines, mangroves, dunes, and tree canopy), community facilities (emergency shelters, resilience hubs, and shaded public spaces), and infrastructure and utilities (stormwater improvements, septic-to-sewer conversions, and floodproofing water and wastewater facilities). It identifies 30 priority projects aimed at protecting people, neighborhoods, and critical infrastructure. Projects are organized into three categories: projects already underway, prioritized projects ready for implementation as funding becomes available, and recommended adaptation measures that help guide future planning and policy updates. This approach allows the County to advance near-term projects while building a strong pipeline for future investment. Next steps include securing funding and moving projects into construction, with progress tracked through a GIS-based public dashboard to support transparency and accountability. Together, these strategies help the County plan ahead, reduce future risks, and keep communities safe.

Palm Beach County Approves 2026 Legislative Agenda

Palm Beach County recently adopted its State Legislative Agenda, establishing the County’s official positions on legislative issues anticipated during the Florida Legislative Session, which runs through March. The agenda guides the County’s engagement with state legislators on matters that may affect County authority, operations, and services.

Link to the Palm Beach County Legislative Agenda: PBC Legislative Agenda

Tips for contacting your legislators here

Track the status of bills of interest here and here

RESILIENCE RESOURCES

Cold Weather Resources

Cold weather tips: Dress in layers and limit prolonged outdoor exposure during cold mornings and evenings. Pets should not be left outside for long periods during cold temperatures. If they are outside, provide a dry, draft-free, elevated shelter with thick straw or blankets.

Check on elderly neighbors and others who may be more vulnerable to cold temperatures.

Use space heaters safely: keep them at least 3 feet from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.

Cold weather shelters in the county open when the nighttime temperature is forecasted to fall below a certain threshold. Check the PBC Emergency Management site for shelters in your area. Be sure to relay this information to anyone you know who may not have access to news reports: Cold Weather Shelters.

NEWS

Florida needs small modular nuclear reactors. Here's a blueprint.

Solar power generation drives electricity generation growth over the next two years

Energy affordability takes center stage at Florida GOP annual meeting

EVENTS

Community Greening Tree Nursery Volunteer Days

February 5 & February 13, 2026, 9–11 am

CG Tree Nursery 22313 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton, FL 33433

Help CG out in the tree nursery!

 

Community Greening Dyer Park Tree Planting

February 7, 2026, 10am–12pm

Dyer Park 7301 N North Haverhill Rd., West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Help CG continue their Dyer Park tree planting campaign!

 

Free entry to Florida State Parks

February 13–16, 2026

In honor of George Washington’s birthday, the FL Department of Environmental Protection will offer free admission to all State Parks in Florida

Find a park near you: State Parks

 

Town Hall for Project Tango

Wednesday February 25, 2026, 6–8 PM

Mayor Baxter is hosting a town hall to gather residents’ opinions regarding the construction of the Project Tango data center

Register here: Project Tango Town Hall

 

Sierra Club Loxahatchee Group Monthly Meeting

Thursday, February 26, 2026, 7:00–8:15 pm

Everglades Restoration at 25 Years: What still needs to be done and why? Join Dr. Christopher McVoy, an Everglades Biologist, as he shares photos, maps, and models to show the progress in Everglades restoration and why the Everglades still needs continued advocacy.

Registration link here: Sierra Club Meeting

LOOK, LEARN, AND LISTEN

PODCASTS

House on Fire Podcast by the CLEO Institute


Climate Correction Podcast by the VoLo Foundation

REPORTS





Resilience Reimagined

Florida Council of 100 releases a resilience report for Florida

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