By Emma Wennick and Dana L. Santos, MPH/MA
As hurricanes grow stronger and more frequent in Florida, understanding how communities recover and adapt is critical for long-term planning in Pinellas County. In our latest Knowledge Exchange Series on Hurricane Recovery and Disaster Response, Forward Pinellas examined nearly two decades of recovery efforts to see what works, what challenges remain, and how local governments can strengthen resilience planning.
Toolkit for Disaster Recovery and Response
Forward Pinellas leads countywide efforts to plan for a more resilient and disaster ready future. Through our Knowledge Exchange Series, we provide research and technical assistance on topics that shape the way Pinellas County redevelops. The newest entry on Hurricane Recovery and Disaster Response includes a toolkit of resources for our local governments to use and to distribute throughout the community, including a video, white paper, and presentation of findings and recommendations.
The white paper provides a detailed review of recovery and rebuilding efforts following major hurricanes from 2005 to 2024, including Hurricanes Katrina, Irma, Michael, Ian, and others that impacted Florida and the Gulf Coast. Included are three case studies including Fort Myers (Hurricane Ian), Panama City (Hurricane Michael), and Harrison County, Mississippi (Hurricane Katrina), as well as a review of local emergency management frameworks, state and federal funding programs, and lessons learned from other regions. The result is a comprehensive look at how planning, coordination, and code improvements can support faster, safer recovery after disaster events.
Recovery and Resiliency
Our research showed successful recovery depends on proactive planning and cross sector collaboration. Communities that had previously incorporated resilience into land use, infrastructure, and environmental restoration prior to a hurricane’s landfall recovered more efficiently and built back stronger.
Key recovery practices across Florida include:
- Adopting resilient building codes that exceed minimum standards
- Incorporating green infrastructure such as living shorelines and permeable surfaces to reduce flood risk
- Developing comprehensive recovery plans before a disaster occurs
- Leveraging state and federal funding, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Elevate Florida, and Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG DR) programs
Lessons for Pinellas County
Pinellas County’s coastal setting, population density, and aging infrastructure make it especially vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding. Lessons from across Florida demonstrate that recovery success depends on planning ahead and investing in resilience before disaster strikes. Building codes, land use policies, and infrastructure decisions made today directly influence how quickly and safely communities can recover.
Strengthening stormwater and drainage systems, elevating critical facilities, and investing in resilient public infrastructure can significantly reduce recovery costs and downtime. Environmental restoration is also equally important. Wetlands, dunes, and mangroves act as natural defenses that absorb storm surge and flooding. Preserving and restoring these natural features helps protect both people and property.
Finally, regional coordination and equitable recovery planning are essential. Clearly defined roles, communication channels, and access to state and federal funding programs, such as Elevate Florida and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), assist communities to respond and rebuild efficiently.
Local Example: St. Pete Beach, FL
In St. Pete Beach, much of the stormwater and sewer infrastructure is decades old, with some pipes over 100 years. Saltwater intrusion and deferred maintenance have led to recurring flooding and system strain even during heavy rain events. As storms grow stronger, these challenges highlight the urgent need for infrastructure reinvestment and resilience upgrades in coastal communities throughout Pinellas County.
Moving Forward
The Knowledge Exchange Series concludes with actionable recommendations for local governments to integrate resilience into comprehensive plans, zoning codes, and infrastructure investments. These include expanding green infrastructure, elevating critical facilities, and identifying potential funding sources before disasters occur.
Forward Pinellas will continue supporting local governments through technical assistance, data collection, and coordination to ensure that Pinellas County remains prepared, adaptable, and resilient in the face of future storms.
Want to learn more? Dive deeper with our Knowledge Exchange Series on Hurricane Recovery and Disaster Response.
For questions, please contact Emma Wennick at ewennick@forwardpinellas.org or 727-464-5679.
