Goal 7: Coastal Hazards: Respond to Shoreline Change and Coastal Hazards

7.1 Hurricane damage from waves and storm surge can be more disastrous than wind damage. However, the quantity of wave data near the coast is not adequate to improve predictions and thus planning and construction. Also lacking are collocated wind and wave measurements which could help to improve turbulence predictions and thus gust loading on houses. The goal is to quantify and improve descriptions of hurricane wave transformation near the coast and its effects, and to evaluate the accuracy and suitability of common existing wave transformation models during hurricane conditions. (2008) (Kennedy /Gurley /Sheremet : R/C-S-46)

7.2 The majority of hurricane damage is associated with storm surges and coastal flooding. This study will validate the new storm surge and coastal flooding modeling system CH3D-SSMS, which will be coupled with the SBEACH model for shoreline erosion, with extensive data obtained in 2004. This research will significantly advance our predictive ability of coastal hazards (flooding, erosion, and rip current) to mitigate damages to coastal communities. Outcome of the research will directly benefit NOAA’s effort to improve its storm surge models. (2008) (Sheng : R/C-S-47)

7.3 Continue to provide educational programs/displays for beach safety and hurricane preparedness focusing on rip currents, shark awareness, sun safety, and boat preparation for hurricanes. (Cameron )

7.4 Conduct educational programs on sea grass beds and salt marshes in St. Andrew Bay and how they are an important part of the ecosystem for various fish species and water quality. (Cameron )

7.5 Continue assisting Escambia County Marine Resource Division and other groups respond to tropical storms, develop Specialized Marine Action Response Teams (SMART), and produce and distribute educational information. (Diller)

7.6 Work with county extension staff to plan the 2nd annual Collier County Extension Hurricane Expo; Deliver presentations on hurricane preparedness for boat owners and coordinate with CG Auxiliary to deliver demonstrations on properly securing a boat for hurricanes. (Fluech )

7.7 Continue project to produce a comprehensive digital video guide on hurricane preparedness for marinas and boat owners that was initially developed by Miami-Dade Sea Grant Agent who resigned in 2006. A new FSG Extension Team will work with producer and Progress Energy to finish the project. (Fluech, Fletcher, Simoniello, Verlinde, Diller).

7.8 Provide one-on-one consultations to individuals on red tide and other coastal hazards. (Mahan )

7.9 Work with the Franklin County Parks & Recreation and Road Departments to post “Rip Current” education signs up at county beach access points and facilities. (Mahan )

7.10 Research and write at least one newspaper column for the Apalachicola & Carrabelle Times newspapers to educate Franklin County residents and visitors about coastal hazards. (Mahan )

7.11 Expand the Carolina’s Coast project-a partnership between ocean observing system programs in the southeast and the Wilmington, NC Weather Forecast Office- into Florida. Extension efforts include facilitating meetings between the National Weather Service, SEACOOS data management folks and private stakeholder groups; forming a marine advisory group to provide feedback/test products developed through the Tampa WFO/SEACOOS project. Regional extension efforts to promote the Carolina’s Coast project will commence when the NWS officially launches the website in the Fall, 2007). (Simoniello )

7.12 Present professional paper on education and outreach activities associated with hurricane response and recovery efforts at the American Fisheries Society annual meeting in Fall 2007. (Spranger)

7.13 Explore opportunities to work with the Gulf of Mexico Alliance to develop and deliver regional programs on “community resiliency. (Spranger)

7.14 Provide hurricane preparedness and water safety information at various events and programs. (Verlinde )