Building a Resilient Florida Summit by News Service of Florida

Florida is strengthening emergency preparedness, disaster response, data security, and infrastructure protection. The Building a Resilient Florida Summit addresses how the state is improving early warnings, evacuation planning, and public awareness for natural disasters, while securing critical systems like power, water, transportation, and communications. Working with federal, local, and private partners, these efforts aim to build a more resilient and secure state.

8:30 AM Doors Open + Check-in + Networking

9:30 AM Emcee Welcome

9:35 AM Keynote Remarks Eddy Bouza, Chief Resilience Officer, State of Florida

10:00 AM Resilient Infrastructure & Environmental Protection

Florida’s priorities include coastal resilience, disaster preparedness, water management, and environmental conservation. Discussions focus on how Florida is strengthening infrastructure against extreme weather, drawing lessons from Hurricane Ian. Speakers will explore flood control systems, storm-resistant construction, and the role of natural barriers such as the Everglades. The conversation also touches on protecting ecosystems while adapting to climate pressures.

• Jessica Beach, Chief Resilience Officer, City of St. Augustine
• Carley Fitzgerald, GIS Manager, Highlands County Board of County Commissioners
• Cara Woods Serra, Planning Director/Deputy Executive Director, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

11:00 AM Policy Priorities for Smart Growth, Transportation & Infrastructure Investment

Panelists will explore strategies to align land use with transportation, reduce congestion, and invest in resilient infrastructure that can withstand environmental challenges. The conversation will highlight policy priorities, funding approaches, and collaborative efforts shaping Florida’s development, with an emphasis on transportation systems, smart city technology, and building modernization. The session also addresses funding strategies, policy decisions, and public-private partnerships that enable large-scale projects.

• Corey F. Knight, Director of Public Works, City of Orlando
• Bach McClure, Stormwater Program Administrator, Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department

12:00PM Sessions Concludes

Refund Policy

All cancellation requests must be made in writing and sent via email to [email protected] before the event date.

Cancellations received in writing more than 14 days before the event date are entitled to a full refund, minus a $20 processing fee per canceled ticket. All refunds will be issued to the original method of payment.

Cancellations (early bird, standard, special group registrations) received in writing 13 days or less before the event date will not be eligible for a refund.

Substitutions (i.e. ticket transfers) are allowed by individuals within the same organization, before the event or onsite. Badge swapping/sharing is strictly prohibited.

Refunds are not eligible for registrants who do not attend the event (“no show”) and do not provide a written cancellation in advance of the event date.

If an event is canceled or postponed, refunds will offered for the entire purchase

Eventbrite fees or any fees associated with a third party registration system, may not be available for a refund.