AUGUST 2025 HIGHLIGHTS

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently announced the recipients of the FY 25/26 Resilience Grant Awards administered by the Resilient Florida Program. These grants help strengthen the State’s coastlines and communities from extreme weather events such as flooding. Palm Beach County had the most awarded grants of any jurisdiction, totaling $35,900,000. This critical funding will support resiliency and adaptation efforts at Ocean Inlet Park in Boynton Beach, wastewater management facilities, and roads that include County Club Acres. Click HERE to see what grants were awarded.

The County recently launched PBCMoves.com, a platform that provides information on the movement of people and goods within the region in accordance with the Countywide Transportation Master Plan (CTMP). The County is working with WSP to seek community input through public meetings and online surveys. Please click HERE to learn more.

On Tuesday, August 19, the PBC Office of Resilience (OOR) had a public hearing on ordinance revisions and updates of the County’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program. OOR and PACE industry stakeholders discussed the program and why ordinance updates were necessary to align with the State statute. The Board approved the ordinance recommendations 6 to 1. To learn more about the PACE program, click HERE. To view the recording, click HERE.

Appointment of Eddy Bouza as Chief Resilience Officer of Florida

Edward “Eddy” Bouza II has been recently appointed as the next Chief Resilience Officer for the State of Florida. In this role, he will continue to lead the coordination of mitigation strategies and investments for the state under the Department of Environmental Protection. To learn more about Florida’s resiliency initiatives, click HERE.

King Tides Season is right around the corner, and it is important to take the necessary steps to prepare for them!

What are king tides?

A "king tide" is a non-scientific term used to explain exceptionally high spring tides. In Florida, king tides are generally experienced in the fall, when seasonal factors like currents and temperature bring sea levels to their highest for the year. The exact timing of the highest tide is influenced by local factors such as water temperatures, rainfall, storms, and variations in ocean currents.

What are the effects of king tides?

King tides produce local "sunny day" flooding, or flooding that occurs even without rainfall. In low-lying areas, they can result in minor flooding. This flooding, which can lead to road closures, overwhelmed storm drains, and compromised infrastructure, is commonly called "nuisance flooding." Major coastal flooding can occur when king tides occur simultaneously with strong onshore winds and barometric pressure changes from coastal storms or with perigean spring tides. Sea level rise is expected to increase both minor and major coastal flood risks.

How can we prepare for king tides?

• Have a plan in place to move your vehicles to higher ground BEFORE a king tide event
• Keep sandbags on hand
• Consider obtaining an elevation certificate from a licensed surveyor
• Review your flood insurance policy or consider acquiring flood insurance
• Make a flood safety plan and review it with your family/friends/co-workers
• Study the elevation of the areas around your property and identify alternative routes to avoid driving through floods
• Remove waste carts and recycling bins from the curb as soon as possible when you are expecting a king tide event
• See Palm Beach County's Department of Emergency Management's Flood Tips website for more information on flood risk and your options for reducing the risk of flood damage

Visit the PBC OOR website to learn more!

Assessing the U.S. Temperature and Precipitation Analysis in July 2025

Can Verizon’s Flood Tech Protect Against Extreme Weather?

Plastics Started as a Sustainability Solution. What Went Wrong?

Dramatic Slowdown in Melting Arctic Sea Ice Surprises Scientists

How is Chevron Swapping Oil and Gas for Sustainable Energy?

Everglades Wildfire in Broward Fully Contained After Burning Nearly 50,000 Acres

Florida Coral Nursery Spawns for the First Time since 2023, Contributing to Reef Resilience

10^th Annual Night for the Natural Areas

Location: Tequesta Brewing Company, 287 US Highway 1, Tequesta, FL 33469

Date: September 6, 2025

Time: 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Details: This event aims to raise funds to support education, adventure, exploration, and conservation programs in Palm Beach County’s natural areas.

Upcycle Day 2025

Location: Resource Depot, 2508 Florida Ave, West Palm Beach, FL

Date: September 13, 2025

Details: Upcycle Day will feature four 90-minute workshops led by artists showcasing upcycled art and design. You will work in a small group during each workshop and work alongside the artist hosting the session! For more information, click HERE.

International Coastal Cleanup

Location: John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach, FL 33408

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Time: 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Details: Join MacArthur Beach as they host the International Coastal Cleanup with Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful! Participants will assist in removing litter from the beach and surrounding public areas. No pre-registration is required, and early participants will receive free event t-shirts!

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