We asked officials in several large cities along Florida's East Coast what plans, if any, are they putting into place to mitigate the effects of climate change. Here are some of the responses.

Cape Canaveral

"We are developing our 'Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan' and hope to have it submitted to our City Council by the end of the year," City Manager Todd Morley tells us. "The City of Cape Canaveral has absolutely embraced Sustainability and Resiliency."

Additionally, the city's sustainability program manager and resilience planner, Zachary Eichholz, says "The City of Cape Canaveral is currently moving forward with numerous sustainability and resilience-based initiatives in order to prepare for growing climate risks such a sea level rise and increased tropical cyclone activity, while also striving to lower its own environmental footprint, lower utility costs, and foster awareness. Through these forward thinking initiatives, Cape Canaveral intends to become a smart, interconnected city that utilizes 21st century infrastructure to help mitigate hazards and boost the health and wellbeing of residents..." 

Rockledge

"The City of Rockledge is dedicated to ensuring that environmental growth and responsibility remain an integral part of City Planning," City Manager Brenda Fettrow says. "Through our planning and development process, there is a continual evaluation of related city ordinances, regulations and community outreach programs to ensure updated information is used. From tree preservation to setbacks, buffers, and water and soil conservation, each item is evaluated for environmental and climate preservation.

"The various departments utilize the City’s Land Development Regulations, Part IV-'Environmental Protection and Conservation,' which outlines land development processes to regulate open space and tree preservation, along with continued evaluation of stormwater management and conservation efforts. Through our Community Redevelopment Agency, we evaluate and regulate setbacks in the designated areas to ensure conservation and re-development run concurrent with city growth. Our goal is to ensure that our Planning and Public Works Departments will continue to utilize best practices for environmental and climate changes while coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions to ensure compatible growth related to climate issues and regulations."

St. Augustine

A spokesperson for the city directed us to several city resources on resiliency, including: