Author: Jennifer Hecker

City of Punta Gorda Climate Change Adaption Plan Update

Public
Engagement

Summary
The City of Punta Gorda’s low elevations and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico put it at high risk of flooding during extreme storms. This, along with rising water levels due to climate change, made it clear that the city needed to create an Adaptation Plan to make it more resilient to future impacts.
In 2009, the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council (SWFRPC) and the Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP) worked with the City of Punta Gorda to produce the city’s first climate adaptation plan. Since then, multiple actions have been taken to increase resilience and adapt infrastructure of the area. These include oyster reef installations, upgrades to storm water infrastructure, changes in building codes, and stricter fertilizer ordinances.
The City and CHNEP received additional Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) funds for the 2019 update to the original plan. This update includes a vulnerability assessment of critical infrastructure, modeling for flood analysis and sea level rise, and the addition of a living shoreline guidance document. CHNEP assisted this project by convening outreach workshops with technical experts, local scientists, and members of the public to gather feedback for the update. CHNEP and SWFRPC also provided technical review of the draft City of Punta Gorda Climate Change Adaptation Plan update and living shoreline addendum.

Location: Charlotte County, FL
Partners: City of Punta Gorda and the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
Implemented: 2019
Status: Completed
CHNEP Cost: $2,000
Funding Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
2019 CHNEP CCMP Activity:
Public Engagement 2.1: Engage businesses and other priority stakeholders in estuary and watershed protection activities and educational programs.

COASTAL & HEARTLAND NATIONAL ESTUARY PARTNERSHIP

COASTAL & HEARTLAND NATIONAL ESTUARY PARTNERSHIP

Anticipated Results and Benefits
Flood Protection:
Modifications to building codes will protect vulnerable critical public infrastructure from flooding during storm events.
Improved Water Quality:
Vegetation on living shorelines will prevent banks from eroding, reduce sediment pollution in the water, and filter run-off from shore. Installing oyster reefs and protecting seagrass beds will utilize natural systems to filter nutrients and trap sediment, this will clean and improve water quality in the nearby Peace River.
Informed Decision Making:
Since the initial adoption of the climate adaptation plan in 2009, the City has undertaken actions outlined in the report to increase resilience for the City and its infrastructure. These actions include participating in collaborative public private partnerships, policy changes, and maintenance and acquisition of greenspace. Several of the adaptations recommended in he 2009 plan have been achieved or shown significant progress. This update will enable the City to continue to plan for the future and implement updated adaptation strategies.

CONTACT INFORMATION

326 W. Marion Ave.
Punta Gorda, FL 33950-4417
(941) 575-5090
CHNEP.org

Uniting Central and Southwest Florida to protect water and wildlife

Theodore Thelin

Uniting Central and Southwest Florida to protect water and wildlif