Highlights from the event include: 



• Four Program Tracks: Beach Management, Energy Management, Infrastructure, and Smart Planning—offering timely discussions on the state’s most pressing resilience challenges.
• 100+ Speakers and Moderators: Sharing their insights, strategies, and innovations to help Florida adapt to a changing climate and growing coastal management needs.
• 13.5+ Professional Development Hours: Enabling attendees to expand their knowledge and professional connections while earning credit hours.
• 40+ Exhibitors: Showcasing technologies, services, and nature-based solutions to strengthen Florida’s coastal and community resilience.
• Outstanding, Dedicated Sponsors: Providing generous support to make this event possible.
• A Record-Breaking Attendance of 600+ Participants: From elected officials and engineers to community advocates, students, and academic leaders. 
• An Unforgettable Awards Banquet: Celebrating four remarkable individuals for their contributions to Florida’s beaches and coastal systems. 
• Stunning Evening Sunsets: Offering a perfect backdrop for additional networking. 

Special thanks go to Colonel Brandon Bowman, Commander of the USACE Jacksonville District, for emphasizing the strength of the federal–state–local partnership that has shaped Florida’s coastal success for decades and will be essential for the future. We also thank Senator Ana Maria Rodríguez, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, for delivering the Legislative Keynote Address, spotlighting historic investments including $400 million for the Resilient Florida program and $52 million for the statewide beach management program.

Thank you to all who joined us in Charlotte Harbor to make the 2025 Florida Resilience Conference our best yet. Planning is already underway for 2026, and we look forward to another year of learning, collaboration, and progress.

2025 FSBPA Awards Banquet:

Celebrating Florida’s Coastal Champions

FSBPA was once again thrilled to honor a dynamic group of beach champions for their outstanding contributions to the preservation of Florida’s beaches and coastal systems during the 2025 Awards Banquet at the Florida Resilience Conference. The evening was marked by heartfelt stories, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the individuals whose work has strengthened Florida’s shoreline for decades. 

This year’s honorees— William “Guy” Weeks, Niki Desjardin, Michael Dombrowski, and Dr. Ping Wang—each took the stage with humility and gratitude, sharing personal reflections that underscored their lifelong dedication to Florida’s coastal communities. Guests were treated to colorful anecdotes that highlighted the character and commitment behind their achievements. 

In a lighthearted and unforgettable first for FSBPA, William “Guy” Weeks was ceremoniously “knighted” as Sir William—a moment that sparked cheers and laughter throughout the ballroom and set the tone for an evening of admiration.  

Before sharing her own journey to receiving the Suzi Fox Environmental Award, Niki Desjardin’s nominators described her as fearless, passionate, and the “Yoda of all things turtles and birds”—a fitting tribute to her decades of advocacy and expertise in wildlife and habitat protection. 

Michael Dombrowski, reflecting on a 35-year career devoted to beach preservation, called his award “the icing on the cake.” His remarks included a humorous nod to former mentor Cliff Truitt’s famous red pen, a reminder of the high standards that shaped his work. 

Dr. Ping Wang took the audience on a nostalgic trip through his career, recalling his early years studying under coastal leaders Dr. Dean and Dr. Davis. He entertained the audience with memories of his very first professional conference—an FSBPA event—where he volunteered behind the scenes sorting and advancing slides. 

The banquet truly was unforgettable, made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. Brett Moore and Humiston & Moore Engineering sponsored the awards, Freese & Nichols served as the evening’s Premiere Banquet Sponsor, and Ecological Associates, Kimley-Horn, and Lewis Longman & Walker supported the celebration as Awards Table Sponsors. 

FSBPA extends its sincere thanks to these dedicated professionals and supporters for helping us recognize the individuals who have advanced our mission to preserve and protect Florida’s beaches. 

To view all the pictures from the awards banquet, click here. 

Bob Dean Coastal Research Award

Dr. Ping Wang

Nominated by Elizabeth Royer, Zachary Westfall, and Drs. Tiffany Roberts Briggs, James Houston, and William Dally

Suzi Fox Environmental Award

Niki Desjardin

Nominated by Jessica Garland and Jimmy Sellers

Jim Purpura/T.Y. Chiu Engineering Award

Michael Dombrowski

Nominated by Lisa Armbruster and Kimberly Shoaf

Public Service Award

William “Guy” Weeks

Nominated by Greg Garis, James Gray, and Tom Pierro

2025 FRC Student Travel Scholarship Award Recipients

Through the generous support of the Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, FSBPA awarded scholarships to four students from Florida universities to travel and attend the Resilience Conference. The scholarships are an important and necessary opportunity for the professional growth of Florida’s future coastal scientists, engineers and policy makers.

Special thanks to the committee of judges, Lainie Edwards, Lauren Floyd, James Gray, and Jimmy Sellers, for mentoring and inspiring the students at the event. 

Judges and students shown in the photo from left to right: J. Sellers, L. Floyd, N. Hewitt, S. Garber, L. Novalvos Hernandez, S. Scott, and J. Gray.

Nathan Hewitt is a second-year master’s student in Environmental Science at Florida Gulf Coast University. Nathan’s advisor is Dr. Jeannine Richards, and his research focuses on dune vegetation monitoring using remote sensing technologies.

Sydney Garber is a second-year master’s student in Environmental Science at Florida Atlantic University. Sydney’s advisor is Dr. Tiffany Roberts Briggs, and her research focuses on the impact of living shorelines on coastal morphology and sedimentology.

Lara Novalvos Hernandez is a first-year Ph.D. student in Coastal Geology at the University of South Florida’s School of Geosciences. Lara’s advisor is Dr. Ping Wang, and her research examines how different beach nourishment designs and post-nourishment profile adjustments influence loggerhead and green sea turtle nest survival and reproductive success.

Sydney Scott is a second-year master’s student at the University of South Florida studying Geology. Sydney’s advisor is Dr. Ping Wang, and her research focuses on the morphodynamic changes of the reopened Midnight Pass in Sarasota caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, as well as the historical evolution of the inlet in the 1900s.

Thank you to our 2025 Florida Resilience Conference Sponsors!

Rule Changes Proposed for Coastal Construction Control Line Permitting 

As reported in last month’s newsletter, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has begun the process of amending its Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) rule, Chapter 62B-33, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). This chapter outlines procedures for permits related to coastal construction and excavation seaward of the CCCL. 

A public workshop was held on September 11, 2025, and the department is accepting public comments through October 10, 2025. 



The proposed amendments to Chapter 62B-33, F.A.C., aim to provide important updates to several forms and clarify language to better align with current statutes. Key proposed changes include: 

• Updated armoring provisions, with new definitions for "replacements" and "upgrades," which are common after storm events. 
• New language to incorporate sea level changes into the design and permitting process. 
• Addition of minimum design standards for coastal construction. 
• Adjusted thresholds for determining vulnerability of public infrastructure. 

The draft rule and information on how to submit comments are available on the department’s website.

Florida Ocean Alliance Leadership Meeting & Luncheon 

November 5 | Coral Ridge Yacht Club, Fort Lauderdale 

Mark your calendars! The annual Florida Ocean Alliance Leadership Meeting & Luncheon will take place on November 5 at the beautiful Coral Ridge Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale. 

This year’s agenda features a dynamic lineup of speakers, including two FSBPA members: Becky Prado of Moffatt & Nichol and Dannielle Irwin of Cummins Cederberg. Additional speakers are listed below. 

This annual gathering is a fantastic opportunity to connect with leaders and experts across a broad range of coastal and ocean-focused industries—including beaches! 

Individual tickets are $75, or sponsorships are also available. For more details and registration information, visit the Florida Ocean Alliance website. 

Reminder: Submit your abstract for the 2026 Tech Conference Call for Abstracts by October 13th

The Call for Presentations is now open for the 2026 National Conference on Beach Preservation Technology!

We invite professionals in coastal engineering, environmental science, coastal management, and related fields to submit abstracts. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your research, innovations, and insights with peers from across the country.

Primary Topics:  

• Shore Protection Projects and Coastal Management  
• Coastal Research and Environmental Science  

Additional Topics:  

• Sea Level Rise and Coastal Resilience 
• Beach and Nearshore Hydrographic Surveying Technology 
• Dredging Technology 
• Living Shorelines 
• Environmental Resource Protection and Mitigation Projects 
• Construction of Coastal Piers and Other Structures 
• Beach Operations and Maintenance 
• Red Tide and Other Harmful Algal Blooms 
• Storm Surge Modeling 

Who Should Submit?  

• Public and Private Sector Engineers 
• Environmental Scientists 
• Coastal Geologists 
• Marine Scientists and Biologists 
• Academic Researchers 
• Coastal Surveyors 
• Dredging Industry Professionals 
• Coastal Managers and Local Government Representatives 

🔹 Submission Deadline: October 13, 2025 

🔹 Location: Embassy Suites, St. Augustine, FL 

🔹 Conference Dates: February 4–6, 2026 

For full details on abstract topics and submission guidelines, please visit here or contact us at mail@fsbpa.com. 

We look forward to your participation! 

PO Box 13146, Tallahassee FL 32317

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