SFRPC e-Highlights & News You Can Use...

Isabel Cosio Carballo, MPA

Executive Director

APRIL 2023

Senator Steve Geller

SFRPC Chair

SARGASSUM SEAWEED UPDATE

Since 2011, a giant bloom of seaweed has developed in the central Atlantic Ocean nearly every spring and summer. The floating brown seaweed forms the “Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt” and stretches from the west coast of Africa to the Gulf of Mexico. In March 2023, University of South Florida researchers found that the estimated 13 million tons of Sargassum floating in the belt was the largest of any March on record.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are currently monitoring the Sargassum bloom. They have regular coordination calls to share the current status, forecasts, and new reports of Sargassum.

The FWC takes the lead in monitoring efforts of Florida’s coastal waters, while DEP coordinates with municipalities throughout Florida to identify the best way to manage Sargassum that may come inshore or on beaches, whether that be to integrate it into the beach, haul it for disposal, or compost it.

The Florida DEP’s Coastal Construction Control Line Program (CCCL) regulates beach cleaning and other activities on beaches seaward of an established CCCL. To evaluate a seaweed removal effort, information is needed on the amount and location of debris, beach conditions, locations and conditions of construction access, type of equipment, times and dates of cleanup activities, and sea turtle nesting activities. DEP Program staff can assist with the development of Best Management Practices to expedite authorization and ensure projects avoid potential harm to the beach and dune system and sea turtles.

Consultation with FWC staff is required for specific recommendations on all cleanups within the sea turtle nesting season of March 1st through Oct. 31st for Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach and Broward counties, and May 1st through Oct. 31st for all others.
Clean-up activities performed with hand tools, and with no mechanical equipment, sand removal, excavation or impacts to dune vegetation, is an exempt activity that does not require a CCCL permit.
Landfilling (De-watered Sargassum can be accepted at permitted Class I landfills, in accordance with Chapter 62-701, F.A.C and Chapter 403, F.S.).
Composting (Facilities composting Sargassum seaweed must obtain a Source-Separated Organics Processing Facility (SOPF) Registration in accordance with Rule 62-709.320(3), F.A.C.).

Department Contact:

DEP CCCL Program \ [email protected] \ www.FloridaDEP.gov/CCCL \ 850-245-8570

SOUTH FLORIDA CLEAN CITIES COALITION

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SOUTHEAST FLORIDA CLEAN CITIES COALITION ON REDESIGNATION

The South Florida Regional Planning Council’s Southeast Florida Clean Cities Coalition (SEFLCCC) was recently approved for redesignation by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Through technical assistance, networking, and sharing transportation and fuel options, SEFLCCC's mission is to reduce petroleum use in transportation in a four-county region. The SEFLCCC was commended for its technical expertise, responsiveness and communication, and educational outreach. The SEFLCCC continues to meet with stakeholders and stress the importance of alternative fuels, fuel-saving technologies and practices, and new mobility choices.

The redesignation from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office means that the South Florida region will continue to have access to Clean Cities tools, resources, and support networks to help convert fleets to non-petroleum fuels that can help decrease harmful vehicle emissions, achieve sustainability goals, and reduce long-term transportation costs. The redesignation signals national recognition of the continued efforts by local fleets and government entities to build a more sustainable transportation system in South Florida that supports the local economy and quality of life.

GET INVOLVED

SFRPC HOSTS SOUTHEAST U.S. CLEAN CITIES ANNUAL MEETING

The Southeast Florida Clean Cities Coalition hosted the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Clean Cities Coalition Directors from the Southeast United States for a two-day information sharing and planning meeting on February 27th and 28th in Hollywood, FL. At this meeting, the U.S. DOE announced the recertification of the Southeast Florida Clean Cities Coalition and applauded our Coalition as one of the best in the United States. The U.S. DOE has asked the Council and Coalition if we would be willing to host a National Conference later this year or early next year.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVES

SFRPC COMMITS $1,000,000 TO REMEDIATE FORMER CONTAMINATED SITE INTO AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR MIAMI HEALTH DISTRICT

“Our residents deserve clean and vibrant areas to work and thrive. The Brownfields Program has been instrumental in promoting voluntary cleanups and reducing public cost for installing infrastructure. Once complete, this project will encourage community revitalization and workforce development. The program focuses on the need for new economic investments that will lead to jobs for area residents and provide easier access to public transportation, as well as the implementation of green initiatives that will beautify the area.”

~ Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava;

SFRPC Councilmember 2015-2020; Chair 2020

The South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC) has committed $1,000,000 from its EPA Brownfields Clean-Up Revolving Loan Fund to help remediate and redevelop a 2.08-acre property located at 1960 and 1970 NW 27th Avenue in Miami, Florida. This regional project is a collaborative effort between the SFRPC, Goldstein Kite Environmental (GKE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

“We are incredibly excited to roll our sleeves up and take on the challenge of this important and timely project, which would not have been possible without US EPA brownfields funding and close collaboration with the South Florida Regional Planning Council. Our expectation, and our commitment, is to carefully and methodically make this property safe for reuse and, with the proper oversight and guidance from our agency partners, spark redevelopment, broaden economic revitalization, abate a public health risk, and increase local tax revenue for better services throughout this segment of the Miami River corridor. We are deeply grateful for the Regional Planning Council’s confidence and for the investment that they and US EPA are making in the project.”

~ Michael R. Goldstein, Esq., The Goldstein Environmental Law Firm, P.A.

SFRPC EXPANDS AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVE WITH $1,000,000 COMMITMENT TO CONSTRUCT SINGLE FAMILY HOMES IN HOMESTEAD, MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA

The South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC) continues to expand its affordable housing initiative with a $1,000,000 commitment from its Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), to help construct four (4) new single-family homes for first time homebuyers in the City of Homestead, FL. The project is a collaborative effort between the SFRPC, Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), and the Minority Builders Coalition. The homes will be located at 705 SW 6^th Street, 813 SW 6^th Street, 829 SW 6^th Street, and 704 SW 7^th Street and reside in the Homestead CRA.

“The CRA’s proposal gives priority to first-time homeowners living in Homestead. The goal is to preserve the integrity of the neighborhood and encourage homeownership for southwest residents. Miami-Dade County has a housing affordability crisis that has reached the point of catastrophe. It is refreshing to know that we have a partner who genuinely cares about the progress and prosperity of our community, and we look forward to expanding our partnership with the South Florida Regional Planning Council’s affordable housing initiative to address this critical need in our community.”

~ Kionne McGhee, Miami-Dade County Commissioner, District 9;

SFRPC Board Member

“The Homestead CRA is committed to implementing revitalization and redevelopment efforts to improve the area and encourage economic growth thereby, increasing property values. A driving force behind revitalizing a community is homeownership. Homeownership generates wealth building opportunities by providing a pathway out of poverty, increasing educational attainment, providing job security, and improvement of overall personal health and well-being.”

~ Kametra Driver, Executive Director, Homestead CRA

SOUTH FLORIDA & TREASURE COAST JOINT COUNCIL MEETING

On Friday, February 17, 2023, the South Florida and Treasure Coast Regional Planning Councils held its Annual Joint Meeting at the Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center in Davie, Florida. The meeting was co-chaired by The Honorable Steve Geller, Broward County Commissioner and Chair of the South Florida Regional Planning Council (SFRPC), and The Honorable Doug Bournique, Gubernatorial Appointee and Chair of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (TCRPC). The SFRPC and TCRPC have a long history of collaborative planning efforts dating back several decades.

FIRST & LAST MILE INNOVATION IN THE REGION

On March 17, 2023, the SFRPC hosted the “Striding Forward: First & Last Mile Innovation in the Region” event where more than 100 participants registered to learn about the economic and community benefits of improved first and last mile connectivity.

Topics of discussion included what types of densities and land use policies support first and last mile connectivity, the interrelationship of affordable housing and mobility, and an overview of South Florida’s regional vision for mobility. With transportation being the second highest expense in the region’s high cost of living environment, the consensus among speakers was that transit is key to a thriving economy with opportunity for all, and Transit-Oriented Development and Transit-Oriented Communities create “Live – Work – Play” communities that increase access to affordable housing, education, employment, and recreational opportunities.

Jonathan Hopkins, Principal & Founder of Smart Mobility Associates, LLC stated “[a] thriving city needs continuous progress towards integrated, highly utilized world-class mobility options. When traffic grinds to a halt, so does economic opportunity. The bottom line depends on getting people to their destinations — whether it’s to live, to work, or to spend.” Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III stated there should be a concerted effort and collaboration between the public sector and the business community to achieve the desired public transit results. Elected officials are calling for strong partnerships toward creating an accessible regional mobility network with safe and easy first/last mile connections.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

OPERATION HEATSHIELD IV

On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, the Southeast Regional Domestic Security Task Force (SERDSTF) and Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) hosted Operation Heat Shield IV [get a glimpse], which focused on advancing the community as a whole, and regional partnerships. The SERDSTF is one of seven such task forces around the state, all dedicated to keeping Florida prepared for an attack.

With unrest across the globe, terrorist attacks can occur anywhere including, South Florida. Coordination among first responders to prepare for worse case scenarios is critically important to public safety. Planning exercises like Heat Shield IV provide an opportunity to conduct interagency risk assessments. The exercise is designed and conducted to test and demonstrate critical skills in multidisciplinary areas of expertise and to advance lessons learned during previous exercises. Training to test new capabilities in a controlled environment helps to plan, prepare, prevent, respond, mitigate, and recover from potential terrorist incidents. In addition, the Heat Shield series provides the region’s partners with the opportunity to identify gaps for inclusion in future training exercises.

LEPC CHAIR, HOLLYWOOD FIRE RESCUE CHIEF JAMES RUSSO, AWARDED 2022 THOMAS YATABE AWARD BY SERC

The South Florida Regional Planning Council and South Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) congratulates City of Hollywood Fire Rescue Division Chief of Training & Special Operations James Russo for his receipt of the 2022 Thomas Yatabe Award. Each year, Florida’s ten Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) nominate one deserving individual, agency, or organization within each respective district for the Thomas Yatabe Award, for consideration by the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). This Award recognizes outstanding contributions made in the implementation and support of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act through achievements, accomplishments, and superior participation in hazardous materials planning or response.

CYBER FLORIDA'S "CYBER SECURE FLORIDA" INTIATIVE SEEKS CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SURVEY INPUT

The Florida Center for Cybersecurity, also known as Cyber Florida, was established in 2014 by the Florida Legislature to position Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity through education, research, and outreach. Hosted by the University of South Florida (USF), Cyber Florida undertakes initiatives to advance research, educate and train future professionals, and help people and organizations stay safer in cyberspace.

Cyber Florida has been directed by the Florida Legislature to undertake a statewide assessment of the cybersecurity strengths and weaknesses of the state’s critical infrastructure. The SFRPC and State Emergency Response Commission request that partner and stakeholder IT/OT cybersecurity professionals participate in a confidential online survey assessing 16 critical infrastructure sectors.

Developed in partnership with the Idaho National Lab’s Cybersecurity Evaluation Tools (CSET), researchers seek information about Chemical, Commercial Facilities, Communications, Critical Manufacturing, Dams, Defense Industrial Base, Emergency Services, Energy, Finance, Food and Agriculture, Government, Healthcare and Public Health, Information Technology, Nuclear, Transportation, and Water/Wastewater infrastructure. The CSET tool resides at USF where researchers will aggregate survey data and develop an “actionable solutions report” for the Florida Legislature. Cyber Florida will not ask for identifying information except for the zip code of HQ, employee size, and customer size. Data collected via the survey is NOT subject to disclosure under Section 286.011, F.S. (Open Meetings) or Chapter 119 F.S. (Public Records). It is exempt under Section 282.318(6). F.S.

Early trends reported to the State include:

45% of respondents do not use multi-factor authentication.
49% of respondents do not have a formal cybersecurity training program.
49% of respondents do not exercise response and recovery plans with third party vendors, contractors, and suppliers.

Learn more about Cyber Florida at https://cyberflorida.org/ and the risk assessment campaign at https://cyberflorida.org/cybersecureflorida/.

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