Northeast Florida
The Coastal Storms Program was initiated in fiscal year 2002 with the establishment of the Northeast Florida regional pilot area. The pilot was completed in fiscal year 2004, and more than $6.79 million was invested in product development, and operations and maintenance costs.
GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
The first project effort was conducted in the St. Johns watershed, Florida, and ranged from the border of Georgia (Nassau County) to Indian River County.
PROJECT GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
The Florida project area was initiated to promote navigational safety, improve weather observations and predictions, and help the community prepare for the seen and unseen hazards associated with hurricanes and other tropical storms. The specific products ultimately selected for Florida were chosen according to the needs of the community and the corresponding capabilities of NOAA to meet those needs.
KEY PARTNERS
St. Johns River Water Management District, Florida Sea Grant, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Brevard and Volusia County emergency managers.
PRODUCTS
The Florida effort brought together 14 projects that address specific hazards-related issues. As a whole, these projects have resulted in a large suite of new and improved tools, data, information, forecast models, and training for the coastal communities in the project study area. The program also supported the acquisition and deployment of the St. Augustine Buoy (41012) and continues to maintain it today.