As we near the end of the most active hurricane season on record, we are reminded of the importance of coastal resiliency for both our environment and our economy. Southwest Florida has been lucky this year – though Tropical Storm Eta brought heavy rain and wind - but the Panhandle and Gulf states have been battered by the season's storms.

Initiatives like the Southwest Florida Regional Resiliency Compact are increasingly important as researchers predict that storms will become both more frequent and more intense. The Compact has gained steam this month as two more municipalities joined the team: Naples and Estero. We thank these leaders for taking an important step in amplifying Southwest Florida’s ability to protect its natural resources and bolster its resilience in our changing climate.

As we move into the end of 2020 and into 2021, there remain five municipalities and counties that have not yet voted on whether to join the Compact. Audubon Florida will continue working with advocates and stakeholders to bring all five into the compact.