In an effort to better serve the local communities in Pinellas County, Forward Pinellas is pleased to provide the Knowledge Exchange Series. We are conducting research and providing technical assistance on topics that shape the way Pinellas County redevelops.
Have you ever thought about what happens to a community after a hurricane makes landfall?
The immediate response often makes headlines, first responders rescuing residents, shelters opening, and power restoration efforts. But long after the storm passes, communities face the much longer process of recovery: rebuilding homes and infrastructure, restoring the environment, and helping residents return to a sense of normalcy. That’s where careful planning and disaster response strategies become essential.
Pinellas County is one of the most hurricane-vulnerable regions in Florida, with its dense population, aging infrastructure, and extensive coastline. At the same time, the county has unique opportunities to lead the way in resilience. By strengthening building codes, investing in infrastructure upgrades, restoring natural protections, and leveraging funding resources, Pinellas can emerge stronger from future storms.
Pinellas County's Path Forward
The Knowledge Exchange Series on Hurricane Recovery and Disaster Response in Florida explores how communities across Florida and the Gulf Coast have recovered from major hurricanes over the past two decades. Through research, interviews, and case studies of Fort Myers, Panama City, and Harrison County, Mississippi, the series identifies key recovery strategies, funding sources, and planning approaches that strengthen local resilience.Â
Our findings highlight how proactive planning, updated building codes, and the integration of environmental restoration into recovery efforts can reduce long term damage and support faster rebuilding. The series also connects these lessons to Pinellas County’s unique challenges of dense coastal development, aging infrastructure, and high exposure to storm surge and flooding.
Resources for Local Governments
To support disaster recovery and resilience planning in Pinellas County, we have developed the following resources:
- A white paper that outlines hurricane impacts in Florida, highlights case studies from across the state and beyond, and provides practical recommendations for Pinellas County.
- A video that provides a quick, accessible overview of the white paper’s findings and key takeaways.
- A presentation summarizing findings, recommendations, and next steps for local governments in Pinellas County.
We encourage local governments to utilize these resources in their planning efforts, and to share them with residents, partners, and community groups so that everyone is better prepared for recovery and resilience.
Next Steps
Forward Pinellas encourages local governments to use the recommendations identified in the white paper to guide resilience efforts at the local level. This includes updating codes, integrating vulnerability assessments into planning, and proactively identifying funding opportunities for recovery projects.
Together, we can ensure Pinellas County is prepared not just to recover from hurricanes but to thrive in the face of them.
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