Historic mistakes were made in developing Manatee and Sarasota counties. These mistakes cannot be easily corrected, and there is no reason to believe we will change our lifestyle or land use patterns because of the increase in flooding due to climate change.

We have already seen flooding occur in places where flooding has never occurred before. The increase in population and continued development leave residents extremely vulnerable to the devastating effects of flooding. 

Both Manatee and Sarasota have allowed development in low and coastal areas which will result in catastrophic losses when a major storm occurs. In short, state and local governments have taken far too little interest in preparing for and safeguarding against the next major storm event. 

There appears to be no consideration given to this problem when approving new development.

Ignoring the probability of property damage, human injury, and death, the costs to taxpayers of subsidizing development in flood-prone areas are enormous. One thing for certain is it will be more expensive to live in Florida, we have already seen a dramatic increase in property insurance rates and insurance companies canceling policies by the thousands. 

As additional people move into our area, there will be an increased threat of extensive loss of life and property damage. 

An example of a problem arising from poor planning and land use decisions is the serious beach erosion problems in Sarasota and Manatee counties. 

A popular, yet controversial, method of restoring beaches is beach renourishment. Unfortunately, this is not a permanent solution, and the beaches eventually erode. 

Other solutions suggested are less likely to work over the long term. It is certainly debatable whether the legislature will provide the means necessary to produce the hundreds of millions of dollars required for a program of continued beach renourishment, particularly when its members consider that hurricanes can wipe out repairs costing millions of dollars before they could even be completed. 

The federal government is also tightening up on its aid and is pushing for an increase in insurance premiums adequate to cover the total cost of flood insurance – the government wants to get out of the business of subsidizing the costs of development in high-risk areas. The day of readily available federal and state dollars to subsidize living in our coastal areas appears to be coming to a halt.

Weather patterns have become more difficult to predict with significate consequences for our environment. The flooding of marshes and mangroves could result in a loss of nursery grounds for wetland-dependent plants and animals. 

We may lose important habitats that we are trying to protect, and there may be changes in biodiversity that favor some species and not favor others. 

There are no easy answers to the problems of overdevelopment of the flood-prone areas in our region.  Comprehensive plans should prohibit the construction of new development in low-lying areas and designate these areas for conservation, recreation, and open space. We need to reduce pollution, increase energy efficiency, and plant more native vegetation on lands that have been degraded.