South Florida's annual "king tides" were especially brutal this year. Residents of one Florida Keys community have experienced what it's like to live on the front lines of sea level rise.
"For nearly three months," Patricia Mazzei wrote in a piece published on November 24, "the residents of Stillwright Point's 215 homes have been forced to carefully plan their outings and find temporary workarounds to deal with the smelly, stagnant water — a result not of rain, but a rising sea." Stillwright Point is located on South Florida's Key Largo, where high "king tides" occur every fall, but never for this long.
Flooding continues as of December 11, the Miami Herald reports, although water levels have fallen this month. According to scientists, a combination of factors including hurricanes and sea level rise driven by climate change contributed to this year's extreme high tides.
Life at the front lines of sea level rise deeply disrupted life in Stillwright Point. Residents avoided driving for fear of the stagnant salt water damaging their vehicles. Health concerns have arisen. Restaurant deliveries and even garbage and recycling services were affected.
To combat the phenomenon, "residents want Monroe County to elevate their roads and install pumps, similar to what Miami Beach did to mitigate its sunny-day flooding," Mazzei writes. But the cost of such a project would be vast. Estimates for elevating only a third of the county's roads top $1 billion.
FULL STORY: 82 Days Underwater: The Tide Is High, but They’re Holding On
Tampa Bay Isn't Prepared for the Hurricanes of the Future
The area is especially vulnerable to storm surge, and increased development means more people are at risk when major hurricanes push through.
Moody’s: Climate Change Will Affect Your Credit Rating
The agency has created an economic incentive for cities, states and counties to deal with environmental threats.
Homeland Security Advisor Recognizes Effects of Climate Change, Ignores Causes
In response to a question linking Hurricanes Irma and Harvey to climate change, White House Homeland Security Advisor Tom Bossert appeared to recognize the need to adapt. He qualified his statement regarding the "cause" of said climate change.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service