With funding through the Resilient Florida Grant Program, Manatee County was able to conduct a community-wide flood analysis that led to development of this Vulnerably Assessment.

In total the state awarded over $1.7 Million in funding to Manatee County to support our community’s flood resilience efforts.

The VA focused on public infrastructure. The county looked at transportation and evacuation routes, critical infrastructure like wastewater treatment plants, drinking water systems, and electrical facilities; natural and cultural resources including parks and preserves, and community and emergency facilities, such as hospitals, fire stations, and law enforcement buildings.

Flood scenarios evaluated included sea level rise, sunny day flooding, extreme rainfall, storm surge, and compound flooding.

For sea level rise, the team followed state recommendations and used NOAA’s intermediate low and intermediate projections looking out to years 2050 and 2080. They also assessed 100- and 500-year rainfall events, along with current and future storm surge risks. Compound flooding combined the effects of sea level rise, sunny day flooding, storm surge, and heavy rainfall to help us understand where multiple risks might overlap and compound the overall flooding risk.

This vulnerably assessment helps us identify and focus on flood-prone infrastructure, guiding future adaptation protects and opening the door to future grant funding opportunities.