This webinar, co-hosted with Geosyntec Consultants, summarized new research and technological advancements in evaporation measurements, vegetation mapping, suspended sediment models, algal blooms, and hurricane-induced storm surge that provide insight into Lake Okeechobee science and management. Over 100 participants joined the webinar from private industry, water management districts, academic institutions, local, state, federal, and international government agencies, utilities, tribal nations, and non-government organizations.

The Florida Water& Climate Alliance welcomes Dr. Mark Rains as a new member of its Steering Committee. Dr. Rains serves as a professor at the University of South Florida and as the Chief Science Office of the State of Florida for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The Steering Committee is excited to work with Dr. Rains at fulfilling the FloridaWCA’s mission.

Tirusew Asefa, FloridaWCA Chair and Decision Support Manager for Tampa Bay Water, was featured in the July 2024 issue of Water Utility Executive by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. In the article titled “Building a Resilient Future: Tampa Bay’s Innovative Approach to Climate Adaptation,” Tirusew emphasized the important role collaboration has in achieving sustainability and adaptability to climate variability and discussed the benefits of sharing resources and data through state-wide initiatives such as FloridaWCA.

This webinar will summarize statewide drought concepts and coordinated response strategies, forecasting groundwater highs and lows under future climate scenarios, and discuss approaches to assessing water supply vulnerability and saltwater intrusion.

Members of the Florida Water and Climate Alliance Steering Committee attended and participated at the 2024 UF Water Institute Symposium on Feb 20 and 21. The Symposium provided an invaluable opportunity for the FloridaWCA to exchange insights and expertise on pressing climate and water-related challenges facing our state. Our Steering Committee members engaged enthusiastically through various avenues including presentations, session moderation, outreach table display, and networking events.

Darlene Velez has been appointed as the Florida Water & Climate Alliance (FloridaWCA) Coordinator. The FloridaWCA is excited to welcome Darlene, who will leverage her diverse background to advance the organization’s mission.

The Florida Water & Climate Alliance (FloridaWCA) welcomes Dr. Jasmeet Judge as a new member of its Steering Committee. Dr. Judge is Professor of Microwave Remote Sensing at the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department of the University of Florida and Director of the Center for Remote Sensing. The Steering Committee is excited to have Dr. Judge as they work towards fostering partnerships in the water sector.

Since 2019, Karen Schlatter has coordinated the FloridaWCA, working to expand membership and apply climate related data and tools to water resource decision-making in Florida.