Conference Agenda Overview: 

The conference will feature a dynamic program, including: 

• Wednesday, September 17: Registration, Opening Session, Concurrent Sessions, and Exhibits (1:00 PM – 5:30 PM), followed by a Welcome Reception at 6:00 PM.  
• Thursday, September 18: Concurrent Sessions, Lunch, and Exhibits (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM), Cocktail Reception from 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM, and the Traditional FSBPA Awards Banquet at 6:30 PM.  
• Friday, September 19: Concurrent Sessions, Closing Session, and Exhibits (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

📢 Call for Abstracts – Deadline Approaching

You are invited to submit abstracts to be considered by the Planning Committee for inclusion in the program. The submission deadline is June 2, 2025. Accepted abstracts will be notified by July 11, 2025. Presentations should focus on one of the following tracks:  

• Beach Management 
• Energy 
• Gray and Green Infrastructure 
• Smart Planning 

Sessions will feature both presentations and panel discussions. Please note that panel submissions require a separate process. Suggested topics and submission guidelines are on the Call for Abstracts page.

FSBPA Annual Awards – Nominate a Beach Preservation Champion

The FSBPA Annual Awards Banquet, held on Thursday, September 18, honors outstanding contributions to the preservation of Florida’s beach and coastal systems. Nominations are now open for individuals demonstrating excellence in beach management, innovation, and community engagement. To submit a nomination, visit the FSBPA Annual Conference page.

Hotel Reservations

• Group Rate $229 single/double and a reduced resort fee of $15 per day, plus tax 
• Self-parking is complimentary for overnight guests. Day self-parking is $17 per day. 
• The hotel will honor the group rate as long as rooms remain in FSBPA's block or by August 20, 2025, whichever occurs first. 

Click here to make your reservation online & for reservations by phone, call: 1.941.787.5700 

When making your reservation by phone, please mention Florida Resilience Conference to receive the group rate. 

To ensure that a room is available, make your reservations early!

Article Spotlight - Rip Current Dynamics and Beach Profile Evolution in Panama City Beach, FL

By Thomas P. Pierro, P.E., BC.CE, Principal Engineer, Coastal Protection Engineering (CPE) 

Introduction:

Rip currents are a worldwide phenomenon and a significant coastal hazard for beachgoers. In order to evaluate concerns about rip current formation along the nourished beaches of Panama City Beach, Florida, the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) commissioned Coastal Protection Engineering LLC (CPE) for a technical study to assess the potential link between beach nourishment activities and the occurrence of rip currents.  

The scope of analysis was focused on providing an objective assessment of the coastal processes contributing to rip currents based on published literature, beach profile data, post-project evolution, an assessment of beach type classification, and comparisons with nearby beaches. The findings are summarized here as presented to the Tourist Development Council (TDC) on August 13, 2024, and at the FSBPA’s 38th Annual National Conference on Beach Preservation Technology in Panama City Beach in February 2025. 

Study Objectives:

The primary purpose of the study was to provide an objective evaluation of the processes contributing to rip currents along Panama City Beach's nourished beaches and assess whether nourishment efforts contribute to rip current formation or frequency. The study encompasses a review of the physical factors influencing rip current formation with a data-driven analysis, including wave characteristics, sandbar formations, and tidal influences. The analysis included a review of relevant literature, an examination of rip current formation factors, and an evaluation of beach profile evolution over time. Specific elements of the study included: 

• Review of published literature and related research on the topic of rip currents 
• Identification of contributing factors for the formation of rip currents  
• Evaluation of the evolution of the beach profile and nearshore morphology over time  
• Assessment of the contributing coastal processes related to beach nourishment 
• Comparison of rip current occurrence and beach morphology to similar nearby locations 

Due to the nature of the study being specifically designed to focus on key morphological factors influencing rip currents in Panama City Beach, the effort was not intended to be an exhaustive review. The results are presented with a deliberate focus on physical processes rather than on general safety issues and related hazards. 

FDEP Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection Updates

Dr. Kristen Becker Promoted to Environmental Manager

Dr. Becker was recently promoted to Environmental Manager in the Coastal Engineering and Geology Group within the Division of Resilience and Coastal Protection. Kristen grew up exploring the environments of Wilmington, North Carolina, with her scientist father, often going on field trips with his classes. She has a bachelor’s degree in Geology from North Carolina State, a master’s degree in Geology and Coastal Processes from University of North Carolina Wilmington, and recently received her Ph. D. from Florida Institute of Technology in Oceanography. She has studied geomorphic changes on Florida’s central Atlantic coast specifically. 

Kristen will directly supervise the coastal surveyors and help manage all aspects of the engineering and geology program, including hurricane response. She hopes to increase training and outreach activities. She also plans to pursue her Florida Professional Geologist license. 

Monitoring: Hardbottom, Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV), Turtles and Birds!

Benthic monitoring needs to be conducted during the summer growing months (May 1—September 30 for hardbottom; June 1—September 30 for SAV). Diligent efforts should be made to complete permit-required activities and surveys for anticipated permit applications and modifications within the specified time frame. Additional information, including FTP sites, commonly used forms, tutorials, and guidance can be found at https://floridadep.gov/rcp/beaches-inlets-ports/content/tools-applicants. 

Turtles and shorebirds are now nesting on our beaches. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) monitors will be present on all restored beaches and can respond to any issues or questions regarding potential impacts to these species. FFWCC’s Imperiled Beach-Nesting Bird (IBNB) Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines are now in effect. See https://myfwc.com/license/wildlife/ibnb/

Updates from the Beach Management Funding Assistance Program 

The annual Local Government Funding Request (LGFR) Call for Applications will be open from June 1, 2025, to July 31, 2025. Specific Call for Applications communications will be distributed before the application window opens. Additional information and instructions on how to apply will be available on the BMFA website: (https://floridadep.gov/rcp/beaches-funding-program/content/beaches-funding-assistance-information).  

BMFA has hired two new grant managers for the North and Southwest Regions. Katrina Dutton is the new grant manager for the North Region covering Escambia through Wakulla County in the Panhandle, and Nassau through Brevard County on the northeast Atlantic Coast. Caleb Hill is the new grant manager for the Southwest Region covering Manatee through Collier County on the Gulf Coast. All BMFA contact information can be found at: https://floridadep.gov/rcp/beaches-funding-program/content/beach-funding-contacts. 

In Memory of a Coastal Champion: Honoring Mr. Allen G. Ten Broek

PO Box 13146, Tallahassee FL 32317

Phone: (850) 906-9227 • mail@fsbpa.com