HomeMy WebLinkAboutcocc_council_mtg_packet_20210202_workshopCAPE CANAVERAL CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
City Hall Council Chambers
100 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920
For viewing/participating in the workshop remotely via GoToWebinar:
Register at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2947151170759397392
Listen at: +1 213-929-4212; Attendee Access Code: 965-656-760
AGENDA
February 2, 2021
6:00 P.M.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC ADVISORY: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency, this workshop
will be held both in -person and virtually by communications media technology (CMT).
Instructions for the public to attend and provide public comments during this workshop are
accessible at www.cityofcapecanaveral.org/instructions as well as attached to this agenda.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Any member of the public may address any items that do not appear
on the agenda and any agenda item that is listed on the agenda for final official action by the City
Council excluding public hearing items which are heard at the public hearing portion of the
meeting, ministerial items (e.g. approval of agenda, minutes, informational items), and quasi-
judicial or emergency items. Citizens will limit their comments to three (3) minutes. The City
Council will not take any action under the "Public Participation" section of the agenda. The Council
may schedule items not on the agenda as regular items and act upon them in the future.
DISCUSSION 16:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
1. Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
ADJOURNMENT: Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, the City hereby advises the
public that: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to
any matter considered at this workshop, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and
for such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is
made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
This notice does not constitute consent by the City for the introduction or admission into evidence
of otherwise inadmissible or irrelevant evidence, nor does it authorize challenges or appeals not
otherwise allowed by law. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act: all interested
parties may attend this Public Workshop. The facility is accessible to the physically handicapped.
Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate in the proceedings should contact the
City Clerk's office [(321) 868-1220 x207 or x206] 48 hours in advance of the workshop.
CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL
ATTENTION: TEMPORARY VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING AND COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
IN LIGHT OF COVID-19 EMERGENCY
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency, attendance at City Hall public meetings is limited in an
effort to comply with Federal and State public health and safety directives to keep our citizens, City
officials and employees safe. Under these conditions, the City of Cape Canaveral is committed to
providing alternative platforms for citizens to virtually attend scheduled public meetings and have an
opportunity to submit public comments in an efficient, orderly and safe manner. As a result, the City of
Cape Canaveral is temporarily utilizing virtual Communications Media Technology (CMT) for City Council
and other board meetings.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR VIRTUAL MEETING ATTENDANCE AND AGENDA ACCESS
The City of Cape Canaveral's temporary CMT meeting platform is GoToWebinar. Videoconferencing and
teleconferencing will be used to virtually connect the following meeting participants: City Staff, City
Attorney, City Consultants and Applicant(s), if any, for purposes of conducting public meetings. With
the expiration of the Governor's Executive Order No. 20-69, a physical quorum is again required as of
November 1, 2020. Provided a physical quorum is present, some City Council Members and/or Board
Members may participate virtually, in accordance with §120.54(5)(b)(2), F.S.
The public may virtually attend the meeting live by viewing and listening to the meeting by accessing
the meeting at an Internet address and/or phone number/access code listed at the top of each
respective meeting agenda and on the City website's Community Events Calendar available at:
cityofcapecanaveral.org/calendar.php.
To obtain a copy of the Council or board meeting agenda, interested persons should go to the City's
online Public Records/Laserfiche WebLink and search for the specific board and agenda package at:
cityofcapecanaveral.org/publicrecords
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES DURING MEETINGS VIA GOTOWEBINAR (GTW) PLATFORM
There will be appropriate times during GoToWebinar hosted meetings when the chairperson or
designee of the meeting will invite live public comment during the
public participation portion of the meeting and for specific agenda
items. You must be properly logged into the live GoToWebinar
meeting on your computer or electronic device and have a
functioning microphone to participate live. When these invitations
are announced by the chairperson or designee at the meeting,
citizens may virtually raise their hand (see the green arrow) to speak
by pressing the hand feature on the GoToWebinar screen in timely
manner so as to be recognized by the GTW Meeting Organizer.
File View
Audio
Sound Check _uI
C) Computer audio
0 Phone call
y MUTED
Microphone (HD Webcam C510)
Speakers (High Definition Aud..
When the speaker is recognized by the GTW Meeting Organizer, their audio microphone will be
unmuted to address the Council or Board Members. Speakers must clearly state their names and
residence for the record and then provide comments within three (3) minutes. Public comments must
be relevant to the agenda item being considered at that time. Irrelevant and repetitive comments will
be deemed out -of -order and will not be heard. At the conclusion of a citizen's public comment
opportunity, the audio will be muted so the Council or Board may continue conducting the meeting.
City of Cape Canaveral - Virtual Meeting Instructions — Revised December 7, 2020
Page 1 of 2
Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes. The comments will be heard at the meeting and
summarized into the record. Public comments are subject to City meeting rules of decorum. The
speaker's activated audio may be muted by the City for violating the time limit or rules of decorum.
Please also note that the time allocated to each person for public comment is subject to the discretion
of the Council or Board and may be reduced from three (3) minutes based on the number of speakers
or comments received or previous comments made by the speaker.
PUBLIC COMMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION INSTRUCTIONS
Public comments in the form of email or written correspondence (either mailed or hand -delivered) will
be accepted no later than 24 hours ahead of a scheduled Workshop or Regular Meeting. Public
comments in the form of email or written correspondence will be accepted within a reasonable amount
of time prior to Special City Council Meetings. Emails and correspondence will not be read into the
record at the public meetings. However, emails and correspondence will be forwarded to the City
Council and/or Advisory Board Members prior to 12 Noon the day of the scheduled meeting for their
review.
§286.0114, F.S. affords the public a reasonable opportunity to be heard during public City Council and
Advisory Board Meetings. In light of challenges posed to hosting traditional public gatherings due to
the COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency, Staff is continually working to develop efficient methods to ensure
an accessible range of opportunities for public participation. We appreciate your patience as we work
to implement these improvements, and ask that any questions or concerns regarding Public
Participation and Public Comments be directed to the City Clerk's Office at
cityclerk@cityofcapecanaveral.org or by phone at (321) 868-1220.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
The City broadcasts all City Meetings via it's website through a third -party provider that enables live
captioning. However, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons needing
additional special accommodation to participate in this meeting may contact the City Clerk's Office at
(321) 868-1220 no later than one (1) business day prior to the meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS
The rules established herein are intended to provide a general framework for the conduct of public CMT
meetings as authorized pursuant to the Governor's Executive Order No. 20-52. The City of Cape
Canaveral reserves the right to modify, amend, or discontinue these temporary procedures for public
comments, with or without notice, in order to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules and
regulations; to overcome technical or logistical difficulties or practical challenges in implementing public
meetings via CMT; or to ensure the public health, safety and welfare of the public.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this very challenging time. For more information
about these temporary procedures or public meetings, please contact the City Clerk.
Rev. 12/07/2020
City of Cape Canaveral - Virtual Meeting Instructions — Revised December 7, 2020
Page 2 of 2
CITY OF
CAPE CANAVERAL
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP • FEBRUARY 2, 2021
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Subject: Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
Department: Community and Economic Development
Summary: At its August 20, 2019 Regular Meeting, Council unanimously approved the Resilient
Cape Canaveral Study, a.k.a. the City's Vulnerability Assessment. The Study, which assessed the
City's current and future vulnerabilities associated with sea level rise, was the first step in creating
a more economic, environmental and socially resilient City.
The Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (Attached) represents the next step towards achieving a
more resilient community, which includes specific goals/targets to guide future City funding and
forward -thinking policy development. Four implementation timeframes are included extending out
over the next thirty (30) years to 2050.
Background: The City continuously strives to ensure the safety, security and well-being of its
residents. As the Space Coast grows into an economic engine for the State and the Nation, the City
has become a socio-economic hub for tourism and the aerospace industry. While these changes
represent economic growth, it also offers an opportunity to better prepare for future challenges to
infrastructure and sensitive local environments like the Banana and Indian River Lagoon systems.
As a barrier island municipality that already experiences annual threats from tropical cyclones and
flooding, the City will be on the frontline of extreme weather challenges and should act accordingly
in order to prepare its operations and infrastructure. For example, federal agencies in 2020 recorded
22 individual billion -dollar weather and climate -related disaster events that impacted the United
States, costing over $95 billion in damages. This is the highest number of billion -dollar weather and
climate -related disasters ever recorded in the U.S. since record keeping began. Furthermore, the
2020 Atlantic hurricane season saw 30 tropical cyclones, the highest recorded number named
storms since record keeping began, with 12 storms making landfall in the U.S.
On the weekend of September 18, 2020, Brevard County and the City experienced a prolonged
coastal flooding and beach erosion event all without the presence of a hurricane, resulting in the
largest non -hurricane related water rise ever recorded. This resulted in prolonged beach inundation.
As the Nation grapples with the COVID-19 Pandemic (and associated financial implications), multi-
billion -dollar weather disasters in the form of wildfires, floods and hurricanes will require local
governments to proactively maintain continuity of governance, while also preserving quality of life
for residents.
In order to become a "Future -Ready" coastal municipality, the City must utilize sustainable concepts
to mitigate and adaptively manage these challenges. With this in mind, the Resilient Cape Canaveral
Action Plan (Plan) has been prepared. The Plan's content is an outgrowth of the 2019 Vulnerability
Assessment (Assessment) produced by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (ECFRPC).
The Plan utilizes the findings and community input from the Assessment (which was presented to
the Planning and Zoning Board in July 2019 and City Council in August 2019), as well as numerous
other accredited government, academic and private agency recommendations, to propose forward -
thinking, real -world, science -based solutions to combat future environmental conditions.
According to the Assessment, the City can expect significant impacts to the natural and built
environment from the effects of coastal flooding, enhanced storm surge and sea level rise as it
City of Cape Canaveral
City Council Workshop • February 2, 2021
Agenda Item
Page 2 of 3
moves into the 21 st Century. Consistent and long-lasting impacts could be felt as early as 2030 with
projections of 1 foot of sea level rise. By 2100 it is estimated that the City could see between 5.15
(US Army Corps of Engineers) and 8.48 (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration)
feet of sea level rise.
With this in mind, the Plan has 56 actionable items (Preparedness Targets) planned across a 30-year
timeframe that are broken into implementation periods of: current or ongoing; 5 years (2025); 15
years (2035); and 30 years (2050). A 30-year timeframe was chosen as a safety buffer because issues
such as flooding from sea level rise, as outlined in the Assessment, are predicted to significantly
and regularly affect City activities by the year 2050 and beyond. It also gives the City adequate time
to prioritize and implement capital projects with appropriate budget allocations over the Plan's
timeframe.
The Preparedness Targets are organized within eight (8) overall Action Categories, including:
(1) Green/Resilient Economy: creating a local resilient economy to anticipate risks and evaluate
how these might impact key economic assets and to build a responsive capacity in order
to respond.
(2) Natural Systems: land and water ecosystems that play a sustaining role in the health and
well-being of the local environment and economy.
(3) Transportation: accessible, clean and safe modes of transportation are key factors in
designing a bikeable and walkable community.
(4) Energy: energy production and distribution are critical pieces of the City's infrastructure.
Without them, stable City functions would not be possible.
(5) Built Environment: this is considered anything that provides people with living, working and
recreational spaces and can be influenced through innovative and sustainable land use
policies.
(6) Equity and Quality of Life: the need to create an environment that is responsive, socially
connected and reduces environmental impacts for all age and economic groups.
(7) Waste and Consumption: the amount of waste generated globally continues to escalate
while at the same time, the national recycling rate stands at 35 percent. The need to reduce
waste pollution and increase recycling rates is critical.
(8) Storm Readiness and Sea Level Rise: over the next 20 years, the City could see up to 1.85
feet of sea level rise. It is imperative that the City appropriately prepare for increased risk
and prolonged periods of inundation due to this looming scenario.
The Preparedness Targets should be considered living targets that can be changed and updated
based on revised impact projections, funding availability, changing priorities and resident feedback.
Many are already under implementation, development or actively being researched. The goal is to
use the targets, and the Plan as a whole, as a roadmap, with each target creating building blocks
for a sustainable and resilient Cape Canaveral. A large number of targets also aim to inspire change
in the Community by giving residents and business owners resources and educational information
to help them reduce their own environmental footprint while increasing their preparedness. All
Preparedness Targets and their implementation timeframes are to be reviewed by Staff every 5
years to determine success of ongoing initiatives and update targets as necessary.
Like its targets, the Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan is a living document. Additional supporting
documents and initiatives will likely develop in order to deal with more specific issues. Examples of
City of Cape Canaveral
City Council Workshop • February 2, 2021
Agenda Item
Page 3 of 3
potential supporting documents include an alternative fuel conversion plan for the City's fleet,
renewable energy transition recommendations and a waste audit of City functions.
Hundreds of cities, of all sizes, have written and adopted such plans. Even though the City will be
faced with increasing challenges as it moves further into the 21 st century, these challenges should
be viewed as opportunities to build a smart, all -encompassing municipality that encourages local
investment in its residents and businesses, drives economic diversification and seeks the protection
of its people. Cities that develop alongside the concepts of sustainability and resiliency are seen as
generally being more livable, inviting and willing to invest in their resident's long term well-being.
This Workshop is intended to showcase the Plan to the City Council and to clarify to Council
Members how the Plan was developed, targets were derived and to hear feedback for further
document improvement. It is intended that this document be formally accepted and adopted by
the City Council within 2021 to begin implementation after all necessary Council and public
feedback is heard and accounted for.
Submitting Department Director: David Dickey Date: 01/26/2021
Attachment:
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan
Financial Impact: Staff time and effort to prepare this agenda item.
Reviewed by Administrative/Financial
Services Director: John DeLeo Date: 01/26/2021
The City Manager recommends the City Council take the following actions:
Review and discuss the Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan.
Approved by City Manager: Todd Morley Date: 01/26/2021
[City Seal]
[Image of sunrise over ocean waves]
DRAFT Resilient Cape Canaveral
Action Plan (2021)
City of Cape Canaveral
Community and Economic Development Department
100 Polk Avenue (321)868-1220
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 cityofcapecanaveral.org
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
Table of Contents
A) City of Cape Canaveral Vision Statement 3
B) Message to the Community: Leading by Example 4
C) Executive Summary 5
D) Demographics 7
E) Why Resiliency? 9
F) Why Sustainability? 10
G) From State to Local: Policies Already Driving Change 12
H) City of Cape Canaveral Vulnerability Assessment 14
I) A City of Stewardship: The Past and Present 23
J) Moving Forward: A Sustainable and Resilient Future 35
K) Action Category 1: Green Economy 40
L) Action Category 2: Natural Systems 43
M) Action Category 3: Transportation 51
N) Action Category 4: Energy 59
0) Action Category 5: Built Environment 65
P) Action Category 6: Equity and Quality of Life 70
Q) Action Category 7: Waste and Consumption 74
R) Action Category 8: Storm Readiness and Sea Level Rise 80
S) Preparedness Targets Summary 86
T) Appendices 92
• Critical Facilities 94
• References 95
• Glossary of Frequently Used Terms 100
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
A) City of Cape Canaveral Vision Statement
In 2009 the residents of Cape Canaveral engaged in a community -based, citizen -driven process to create
a vision for the City's future. Over 200 citizens participated in six public workshops that resulted in a
Vision Statement and a Visioning Report for Cape Canaveral. The Cape Canaveral Vision Statement
envisions a vibrant community that meets the environmental, economic, recreational, social and retail
needs of its citizens. The Vision is as follows:
We envision: A bikeable and walkable Cape Canaveral that retains and enhances its welcoming
residential feel and celebrates its unique sense of place. A residential and business -friendly atmosphere
that is livable, attractive, safe and inclusive. A sustainable coastal community that embraces the
oceanside and riverside as key amenities, and supports and promotes local tourism, culture, recreation,
resiliency, commerce, municipal civic interests and education.
We envision: Streetscapes with amenities such as low -impact development, bicycle facilities, covered
transit stops and safe pedestrian crossings that encourage access to the beach, river, local
neighborhoods and adjacent communities. Improved "complete streets" will allow pedestrians to travel
to intimate waterfront destinations and a walkable uptown core with ease and safety. Generous tree
lined and well -lighted multi -use paths for bikes and pedestrians so anyone can walk or bicycle safely
anywhere in town, day or night.
We envision: A welcoming community entrance that creates a sense of arrival and unique community
identity as The Space Between ®. The "uptown core" and other areas will contain an architecturally rich
and unique mix of uses, with wide tree -shaded sidewalks and umbrella -covered cafe tables at
restaurants and bistros where family and friends gather, interact and enjoy refreshments and meals.
We envision: An engaged and compassionate Community that: transforms blighted and unfinished
buildings into attractive structures, offers City-wide green spaces, provides exceptional parks with ample
shade and supports businesses that enhance economic viability while serving our residents and visitors
with goodwill.
We envision: Open shorelines and rivers accessible to the public, including amenities that showcase
the coastline while providing art and entertainment venues, which support our historical and cultural
identity.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
B) Message to the Community
Leading by Example
The City of Cape Canaveral is synonymous with the United States' space program. Our City and its
residents have had the privilege of witnessing humanity's greatest achievements in technology and
space exploration, with each launch reminding us of what we can truly accomplish when we work
together.
As we look to the stars, we must remember where we come from. Many astronauts have noted that
when they view earth from space they often gain a new perspective of our planet's fragility as they gaze
upon its white clouds, land formations and vast oceans. Set amongst the blackness and emptiness of
space, one quickly realizes this is our only home and we must protect it for both the present and the
future.
The City of Cape Canaveral is fortunate to be surrounded by natural beauty. To our west we have the
Banana River and Indian River Lagoons, a vital economic and natural resource to the entirety of Brevard
County. To our east we have the beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. And, in The Space Between ®, we have
the Community.
Just as NASA and US industries led the world in the advancement of space technologies, many cities are
leading in fields of sustainability and resiliency. As the threats of increased flooding, drought and
hurricanes arise, the City wants to ensure its residents, businesses, visitors and infrastructure remain
safe, prosperous and prepared for many generations to come.
Sustainable development has the ability to support resiliency, and is rooted in innovation and improved
quality of life for all ages. It is our hope that we as a City, with this document, will lead by example as
we look to the future. With this Action Plan, the City of Cape Canaveral further embraces its Vision and
Mission statements while continuing its long tradition of embracing scientific advancement,
environmental stewardship and cultural heritage.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
C) Executive Summary
In 2019 the City of Cape Canaveral, in conjunction with the East Central Florida Regional Planning
Council (ECFRPC), published a Vulnerability Assessment (Assessment) highlighting risks posed to the
City by the impacts of sea level rise, storm surge, shallow coastal flooding areas and FEMA 100 -year and
500-year flood zones. The Assessment indicates that the City of Cape Canaveral can expect significant
impacts to its natural and built environment as it moves into the 21 st century, from the effects of
enhanced storm surge and sea level rise. Consistent and long lasting impacts could be felt as early as
2030 with projections of a foot of sea level rise, resulting in a flooding of City infrastructure and property.
By 2100 it is estimated that the City could see between 5.15 and 8.48 feet of sea level rise, resulting in
billions of dollars in economic losses if appropriate mitigation steps are not put into place.
As a barrier island municipality that already experiences threats from tropical cyclones and flooding, the
City of Cape Canaveral will be on the frontlines of these adverse changes and should act accordingly in
order to prepare its operations and infrastructure through resilience and sustainability. Proactive
measures should include investments in coastal protection strategies, upgraded water and waste -
management systems, hardened infrastructure, upgraded and alternative transportation systems,
climate -resistant construction methods, and the protection of natural areas. Such measures will allow
the City to become safer while reducing risks and financial burdens associated with recovery costs
through efficient and less environmentally intensive operations.
In order to ensure and adaptively manage the protection of the City, this Action Plan has been
developed using findings and recommendations produced by the Assessment and other reliable
resources. This plan gives City leadership vision, direction and actionable items to work towards so as
to improve resilience while also leading by example. Actionable items are broken down into eight Action
Categories that cover a wide range of municipal operations and functions. They include:
1. Green and Resilient Economy
2. Natural Systems
3. Transportation
4. Energy
5. Built Environment
6. Quality of Life and Social Outreach
7. Waste and Consumption
8. Storm Readiness and Sea Level Rise
Within each Action Category are a series of 56 Preparedness Targets, or targets that showcase initiatives
the City intends to undertake in order to become better prepared for future challenges. Targets are
chronologically listed based on implementation periods of ongoing or current (c), 5 years, 15 years or
5
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
30 years. These implementation periods were chosen because this places mitigation efforts ahead of
expected worst impacts after the year 2050 based on findings of the Assessment.
This Resiliency Action Plan should be seen as a living document that evolves over time to best meet the
needs and wishes of the Community. City Staff will conduct a review every five years after adoption, and
amend as necessary. Community engagement should also be involved in this review process.
With this in mind, it is important to note that these efforts fall in line with numerous other Florida coastal
municipalities and the governor's office —which recently created the Office of Resilience and Coastal
Protection "to help prepare Florida's coastal communities and habitats for impacts from sea level rise
by providing funding, technical assistance and coordination among state, regional and local entities"
under Executive Order 19-12:Achieving More Now For Florida's Environment. The governor's office is
also making preparations to increase preparedness and awareness of other environmental issues facing
the state; including water quality and air pollution. Moving ahead, the City should cross collaborate,
seek assistance and engage with other agencies such as non -governmental organizations (NGOs), local
organizations, businesses and residents in its efforts to become a more resilient and sustainable
Community.
1P1sl WINK.
Figure 1. Manatee Sanctuary Park, Cape Canaveral (2019).
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
D) Demographics
Social Vulnerabilities and Resilience
Social vulnerability is "how resilient a community is when confronted by external stresses on human
health".1 Stresses can include natural disasters, disease outbreak and human disturbance; all of which
can cause economic loss and human health impacts. Nearly 36% of the population is over the age of
65,while 32%are between the ages of 44 and 64.The overall median age is 57.2 years (54.5 years for
males, and 59.1 years for females)2 and 28%of the population can be classified as very low-income.The
population pyramid below compares the older adult population by gender which indicates current
trends and those expected in the next decade. As a whole,the state of Florida is experiencing an increase
in population, but the most notable increase includes those age 65 and older.
Cape Canaveral Fl Population Pyramid 2019 Cape Canaveral Fl Median Age
80 57.2 54.5 59.1
75
• •
70
55 Total Male Female
50
Cape Canaveral Fl Adults
55
There are 9,133 adults,(3,652 of whom
50
are seniors)in Cape Canaveral Fl.
45
40 Cape Canaveral Fl Age
35- Dependency
30 85.5 Age Dependency Ratio
25 66.6 old Age Dependency Ratio 0
20 1 8.9 Child Dependency Ratio 0
15■
10 I Cape Canaveral Fl Sex Ratio
5 . Female 5,004 49.21%
_ a Male 5,165 50.79%
695 400 200 0 2C0 400 695
•Male •Female
Figure 2. Cape Canaveral, FL Population Pyramid 2019 via the US Census 2017 ACS 5-Year Survey.
Approximately 17%of residents in the City are living with a disability, thus increasing the likelihood that
these individuals will need assistance in evacuation, special needs shelters, storm preparedness and
1 Source: U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit; https://toolkit.climate.gov/tool/social-vulnerability-index
2 Source: US Census 2017 ACS 5-Year Survey(Table S0101)
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
potential improvements to their property to improve resilience. These demographic changes will have
a significant impact on the City and how it prepares its infrastructure.
Florida is no stranger to natural disasters. Hurricanes, tornados, fires, floods and other disasters could
happen at any time. And given the increasing frequency and severity of intense weather -related events
and other so-called natural disasters, it may not be a case of if, but when. Because the population is
older, this will have an impact on taxes, wages and healthcare systems, since aging poses budgetary
challenges to entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare, especially when coupled with
natural disasters. In order to create a more sustainable community, long-term planning that includes
anticipating these changes and being able to adapt to these changes by managing current needs while
ensuring adequate resources is important.
While no one wants to contemplate the possibility of a natural disaster striking the City of Cape
Canaveral —where a number of elderly individuals live —the City must consider its vulnerabilities and the
impact they may have on the growing proportions of older adults in Cape Canaveral. As the City's older
adult population grows, awareness of the issues the City faces is needed to ensure that older residents
feel safe and continue to participate in the Community. According to the American Psychological
Association, "older adults are not only the least prepared for disasters...are more at risk during all phases
of a disaster, from life -threatening challenges during evacuation to negative psychological
consequences during the recovery period."'
With advanced age, some older adults are at greater risk and may not be aware of disaster warnings or
may be unable to comprehend evacuation instructions or escape disaster situations. Additionally, AARP
notes that in a 2015 study, "researchers from the University of Iowa found that only 34% reported
participating in an educational program or reading information about disaster preparedness. More
recently, a 2018 study by Rand Health found that most age -friendly communities and senior villages in
the U.S. do not place a high priority on promoting disaster preparedness."4
In recent years, the City has taken steps to become more prepared. This includes streamlined and more
efficient emergency management operations, upgrades to critical infrastructure and greater community
engagement. Because the City wishes to be resilient, it will continue to take steps that make Cape
Canaveral safer while reducing risks and financial burdens associated with potential recovery costs.
3 Sou rce: https://www.apa.org/pi/aging/resources/caregivers-disasters.pdf
4 Sou rce: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/info-2019/preparing-for-emergency.htmI
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
E) Why Resiliency?
Within the last few years, the United States (US) has witnessed increasing damage and cost from natural
disasters. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)—the Nation's
historical scorekeeper for severe weather and climate events —in 2018, the US experienced 14 separate
billion -dollar disasters totaling $91 billion. The US saw two significant cyclones make landfall in 2018:
Hurricane Florence, which made landfall in North Carolina as a category 1,and Hurricane Michael, which
made landfall in the Florida Panhandle as a category 5, together causing nearly $50 billion in damage.
The previous year (2017), the US experienced 16 weather and climate disasters for a cumulative cost of
$312.7 billions. More recently, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed enormous failures in
numerous socio-economic systems across the country, with resulting damage and recovery costs
estimated to be $7.9 trillion or 3% of the US's real GDP'.
As a barrier island, the City of Cape Canaveral faces numerous weather derived challenges. Flooding,
thunderstorms, heat and tropical activity (such as hurricanes) all exert annual stress on the City's
operations and risk damage to life and property. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that
governmental costs for hurricane damage alone is $28 billion a year, with 55% of this cost contributed
to Florida. This is expected to rise to $39 billion annually by 2075'. Preparing for these natural risks —
and additional socio-economic risks now associated with COVID-19 pandemic —is vital to maintaining
this vibrant Community, and this is where the concept of resilience becomes key.
Resilience is "the ability of people and their communities to anticipate, accommodate and positively
adapt to or thrive amidst changing climate conditions and hazard events8." Guided by this concept, the
City of Cape Canaveral intends to strengthen and secure its infrastructure systems, protocols and
procedures, where feasible, to efficiently handle current and future challenges while continuing forward
with its goals of providing a Community that is livable, attractive, safe and inclusive.
Figure 3. Flooding at the City's Water Reclamation Facility after Hurricane Irma in 2017.
5 Source: https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/beyond-data/2018s-billion-dollar-disasters-context
6 Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shaharziv/2020/06/02/coronavirus-pandem is-wi II-cost-us-economy-8-tri II ion/#36b71 ef71 5e4
' Source: https://www.cbo.gov/publication/51518
e Source: Guide to Developing Resilience Hubs. http://resilience-hub.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/USDN ResilienceHubsGuidance-1.pdf
9
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
F) Why Sustainability?
Sustainability is a complex concept that includes best management practices which have expanded
throughout a number of public and private agencies. This is in response to numerous ecological and
anthropogenic challenges that many communities face. A definition often used to describe the term
comes from the World Commission on Environment and Development's (WCED) 1987 Brundtland
Report, which states sustainability is "development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the needs of future generations to meet their own needs."'
environment
sustainability
Figure 4. Sustainability Spheres
Interdisciplinary, sustainability-based practices are
often categorized within three broad societal
principals: environmental, economic and social
capitals. These principles can be graphically
represented as three overlapping circles (Figure 4),
with each one heavily influencing the resources,
needs and stressors of the other as they pertain to
sustainability. Finding an appropriate balance
among all three is key to achieving a stable,
efficient and resilient future that can flourish
without compromising the stability of any one
particular principle.
Sustainable practices can help cities plan for resilience and mitigate multiple present day challenges
while also easing risks and financial losses in the future with long term planning. Practices in
preparedness and awareness can yield benefits to communities and their residents —and often reduce
operating costs, increase efficiency and strengthen infrastructure.
Around the world, sustainability-based programs, projects and initiatives are rapidly being implemented
in order to meet the demands of a changing climate, natural disasters, aging infrastructure and
environmental stewardship. Due to the complexity of these issues —many of which stem from the
expansion and impacts of cities themselves —our natural environment is losing its ability to sustain
traditional energy production, agriculture, waste disposal, shipping and transportation methods and
consumption habits. Without a healthy environment, viable economic and social assets cannot be
maintained.
Today, 55% of the world's population (3.5 billion people) lives in cities1°. By 2050, this number is
estimated increase to 68% (5 billion people). This huge population change translates to cities producing
9 Source: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/5987our-common-future.pdf
10 Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/17/two-thirds-of-global-population-will-live-in-cities-by-2050-un-says.html
10
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
more greenhouse gas emissions (50 to 60%) and consuming about 75% of all the global energy
produced". By 2050 it is also estimated that urban areas will yield 3.75 billion tons of waste annually12.
However, these massive impacts can be lessened. With proper policies and procedures cities can
become centers of economic vitality, environmental rehabilitation and socio-cultural hubs that act to
achieve sustainable development.
Hundreds of US cities —both large and small —are pursuing sweeping initiatives and strategies such as:
renewable or alternative energy; green stormwater design for improved water quality; Complete Streets
for pedestrian and bicycle safety; alternative fuel vehicles for reduced fuel costs; equita ble and people -
centered design for all ages and the discontinuation of single -use plastic to decrease litter and landfill
overcrowding in favor of greener substitutes.
These aspects of sustainable development coincide with the City of Cape Canaveral Mission and Vision
statements, and are grounded in safety, resiliency, stewardship and smart planning. The success of cities
today is increasingly being defined by their environmental policies and ability to adaptively manage
critical assets since these represent a proactive approach for managing resources.
Sustainability provides a framework for adaptation strategies that allow the City to respond to
vulnerabilities. The ultimate goal is a Community that is organized to take action, has the tools to take
action, and can adapt to impacts. For this reason, the City of Cape Canaveral will develop strategies that
increase resilience, inspire action, and create awareness for environmental stewardship.
Figure 5. City Hall Building (built to LEED Silver equivalent specifications).
11 Source: https://unhabitat.org/urban-themes/energy/
12 Source: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/brief/solid-waste-management
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
G) From State to Local
Policies Already Driving Change
The state of Florida has developed an integrated comprehensive planning framework that is intended
to ensure the coordinated administration of policies that address a multitude of issues posed by the
state's continued growth and development. This framework calls for planning at all levels of government
and includes statutory guidance for planning activities such as the Environmental Land and Water
Management Act (Chapter 380), State and Regional Planning (Chapter 186), which provides direction
for the integration of state, regional and local planning efforts; and the Local Government Planning and
Land Development Regulation Act (Chapter 163), which directs local government planning and includes
requirements for Evaluation and Appraisal Reports (EAR) that allow local governments to make
amendments to their comprehensive plans.
Figure 6. Wave action off the lagoon at Banana
River Park's coquina seawall during 2019's
Hurricane Dorian.
The importance of comprehensive planning cannot be
overstated, because it results in decisions regarding long-
term issues such as environmental protection and economic
development. Section 163.3177, F.S., requires that local
government comprehensive plans provide the policy
foundation for local planning and land use decisions on
capital improvements, conservation, intergovernmental
coordination, recreation, open space, future land use,
housing, transportation, coastal management (where
applicable) and public facilities.
More recently, State legislation including SB 1094 (Peril of
Flood) and F.S. 163.3178 (Coastal Management) was passed
in recognition of the importance of resources in coastal areas
of the State. As a coastal municipality, the City of Cape
Canaveral must consider policies that indicate the City's
willingness to pursue adaptation planning strategies and
reduce the risk of flooding. With the passing of Ordinance
No. 10-2017, the City's Comprehensive Plan Coastal
Management Element sought to use studies, surveys and
data to create redevelopment components that outline principles used to eliminate inappropriate and
unsafe development in the City. Moreover, the State has recently encouraged communities to take
additional steps to develop strategies to become more resilient.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
Generally, resiliency planning uses data generated by analyzing a city's key assets (economic,
infrastructure, natural and social) and examining how they may be impacted by natural hazards or
various sea level rise scenarios. Models used in these analyses are designed by organizations such as
the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), University of Florida (UF) and the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Because of Cape Canaveral's size and challenges, the City applied for and was awarded a grant from the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) through their Florida Resilient Coastlines
Program (FRCP) —a NOAA approved program —to work with the ECFRPC to examine the impacts of sea
level rise and flooding in Cape Canaveral. After months of analysis and outreach by City Staff and the
ECFRPC, the City's Assessment titled Resilient Cape Canaveral, which employs models from the same
agencies mentioned above was completed in May 2019. The report also examines key timeframes (2040,
2070, and 2100) to aid in future development planning and explores recommendations based on the
analysis. Using these recommendations as a basis, the City will create resiliency goals and strategic policy
changes (also known as an Action Plan) and ask stakeholders to consider these recommendations in
order to better position the City for economic, environmental and social resiliency. These may include
initiatives such as requiring more green infrastructure via low impact development (LID) regulations,
increased flood -resistant construction requirements and the funding of shore hardening efforts while
also setting target dates and timeframes that anticipate, to the best of our ability, the potential
challenges brought on by climate change and sea level rise. Initiatives and targets are included in this
document, the Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan.
FL IS DEVELOPING STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE.
"Florida is ground zero for sea level rise."
Alex Reed, Director of Water Resource Management at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
wjct
First Coast Connect With Melissa Ross
• Y
DEP Says FL Is Developing Strategies To
Address Impacts Of Climate Change
By BRENDAN RIVERS. OCT 23, 2019
Florida National Guard soldiers going door to door in the Jacksonville area around Ortego Island following
Hurricane Irma, Sept 11, 2017.
Figure 7. Image depicting online article with headline "DEP Says FL is Developing Strategies to Address Impacts Of Climate
Change".
13
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
H) City of Cape Canaveral Vulnerability
Assessment (Resilient Cape Canaveral)
In 2018, the FDEP's Florida Coastal Management Program (FCMP) and NOAA awarded the City of Cape
Canaveral with a grant to assess current and future vulnerabilities in the City. The ECFRPC, in
collaboration with City Staff, was then contracted to begin researching and drafting a vulnerability
assessment. The over -arching goal of this report, which was presented to the Community in July 2019,
was to identify coastal vulnerabilities that are specific to the City and provide recommendations to
mitigate the effects of flooding, sea level rise and storm surge while also engaging with Community
members to better understand their needs and desires, developing new strategies and providing an
economic impact analysis of a "do-nothing" scenario. The Assessment's findings will be used as a
framework to outline (both short- and long-term) targets and initiatives. Our goal is to help residents,
business owners and future policymakers understand their vulnerabilities by developing efficient and
robust strategies for the future. What follows is a summary of the Assessment's findings.
Vulnerabilities
SEA LEVEL RISE
In the US almost 40% of the population lives in coastal areas13. As atmospheric temperatures continue
to rise, terrestrial glaciers and ice sheets melt and raise global sea levels and seawater temperature1''
Sea level rise, derived from anthropogenic climate change15, is one of the greatest threats to coastal
communities since sea level rise plays a role in flooding, shoreline erosion, and hazardous storms. Many
US cities have already been impacted, with some prominent examples being Galveston (TX), New
Orleans (LA), New York (NY), Fort Lauderdale and Miami (FL).
The Resilient Cape Canaveral report includes three planning periods; 2040, 2070 and 2100. Two
projection scenarios were used to model sea level rise in the City (Figures 8) using data from NOAA's
Digital Coast Sea Level Rise Viewer and the UF's GeoPlan Center. Each projection is mapped above the
Mean Higher High Water (MHHW), which is the average height of the highest tide recorded at a tide
station each day during a recording period. It is important to note that adverse effects from sea level
rise can occur before mean levels reach the MHHW mark in the form of coastal erosion, stormwater
outfall backflow and increased groundwater table height.
According to each of the two projections, the ECFRPC recommends that, "no one projection rate curve
should be used for planning purposes across all projects and programs. Instead, a range of rise should
13 Source: https://coast.noaa.gov/states/fast-facts/economics-and-demographics.html
14 Source: https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/
15 Source: https://climate.nasa.gov/causes/
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
be considered based upon the vulnerability, allowable risk, project service life and the forecast project
"in-service" date of a facility or development. The range should include a minimum rise of 5.15 feet by
2100 (2013 USACE High) with an upper range of 8.48 feet by 2100 (2017 NOAA High). Short-term
planning should consider impacts out to 2040 (20-year planning horizon), medium-term planning
should consider impacts out to 2070 (50-year planning horizon), and long-term planning should extend
out to 2100 (80-year planning horizon)."
Sea Level Rise Projections Through 2100
REGIONAL
RESILIENCY
9
8 8.48
7
6
5 5.15
4.47
4
3
2 2.85
1 1.85
0 1.22
0
FEET OF SEA LEVEL RISE
1992 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080 2090 2100
-NOAA 2017 High 0 0.08 0.44 0.8 1.29 1.85 2.57 3.46 4.47 5.69 6.97 8.48
USACE 2013 High 0 0.09 0.26 0.5 0.83 1.22 1.69 2.23 2.85 3.54 4.31 5.15
Figure 8. ECF Regional Resilience Action Plan Regional Approach to Sea Level Rise Planning.
However, portions of the City are expected to experience the effects of sea level rise as early as 2040.
These areas include the Banana River Lagoon coastline, the Central/Canaveral Ditch, and the Atlantic
Ocean coastline. These impacts could include stormwater infrastructure blockages as outfalls become
overwhelmed by water, high tide coastal flooding, higher storm surge and an increased height in the
water table.
The 2040 projections show that sea level rise will impact between 150-309 acres of land and 17-77
buildings (2,319 dwelling units). Upwards of 71% of these impacted areas are residential properties
currently valued between $204—$327 million. Additionally, according to both USACE and NOAA
projections, 6-31 miles of roadways within the City will be flooded.
15 15
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
STORM SURGE
According to NOAA, storm surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm16. It is caused by
water being pushed toward the shore by wind during a storm. Under current sea level conditions, the
City of Cape Canaveral can expect storm surge related impacts from every category of hurricane. The
tipping point in severity and significance occurs during a category 3 hurricane (111-129 mph winds),
with an estimated 97% of the City being vulnerable to storm surge.
Figure 9. Hurricane Irma geocolor image taken from the NOAA's GOES — 16 satellite on September 8th, 2017. Image Credit:
NOAA/CIRA.
City roadways are at risk during a category 2 hurricane (96-110 mph winds), with an estimated 0.16
miles of roadway vulnerable to flooding from a category 2 hurricane storm surge. Three miles of
roadway could be flooded from a category 3 hurricane, 5 miles from a category 4 hurricane (130-156
mph) and 6 miles from a category 5 hurricane (156 mph+).
FUTURE STORM SURGE AND SEA LEVEL RISE
As sea level rise increases, storm surge impacts from coastal storm systems is expected to intensify17.
The Assessment makes clear that with the addition of sea level rise, category 1 storm surges of today
could become equivalent to a category 2 or even category 3. As a result, a category 3 storm surge was
used as a baseline to analyze USACE and NOAA sea level rise projections for the years 2040, 2050, 2070
and 2100. Today, a category 3 hurricane has a storm surge potential of 16 feet. Under the two 2040 sea
16 Source: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/stormsurge-stormtide.htmI
17 Source: https://www.govtech.com/em/disaster/Rise-in-Sea-Level-Makes-Hurricanes-Worse.htmI
16
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
level rise projections (1.22-1.85 feet), areas impacted by a category 3 hurricane could increase 38-42%.
By 2070, a category 3 storm surge could increase to between 17.5 and 18.7 feet and by 2100 a category
3 storm surge could cover nearly the entire City if high end projections are realized. Today, only a
category 5 storm surge is capable of this.
Figure 10 shows current category 3 storm surge levels
(denoted in yellow) with 1.70 feet (USACE) and 2.5 feet
(NOAA) of sea level rise in the year 2050. Even at current
levels, multiple critical City facilities would see meaningful
impacts. This is illustrated in Table 16 in Appendix T, which
shows the projected depth of inundation of critical facilities
based on each of the two projections.
SHALLOW COASTAL FLOODING
Shallow coastal flooding, also known as high tide flooding
or nuisance flooding, is defined by NOAA as recurrent
flooding that takes place at high tide and is not necessarily
associated with a storm surge or heavy rain event; hence
the name sometimes given to this phenomenon, "sunny
day" flooding18. This particular type of flooding can cause
community inconveniences such as road closures,
compromised infrastructure and overwhelmed storm
drains. Shallow coastal flooding has increased on average
in the US by about 50% in the last 20 years and 100% in the
last 30 years in relation to overall rising sea levels.
Maximum daily water levels during the highest tide of the year
50 -
45 -
40-
35 -
30
25
29
water levels
1995 2000
2005 2010 2015
Year
Figure 11. Trident Pier (Port Canaveral Tide Gauge).
18 Source: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/nuisance-flooding.html
Figure 10. Storm Surge Areas in Cape Canaveral.
Shallow coastal flood data employed
within the Assessment was obtained
from NOAA's Coastal Flood Exposure
Mapper, via the national flood
thresholds from the NOAA Technical
Report NOS CO—OPS 086: Patterns and
Projections of High Tide Flooding along
the US Coastline Using a Common
Impact Threshold. The City's vulnerability
to shallow coastal flooding were
assessed from tide gauge data taken
from Trident Pier (Port Canaveral). The
NOAA NOS CO—OPS086 report indicates
17
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
that the derived threshold in this area for minor flooding is 1.8 feet above MHHW. As seen in Figure 11,
NOAA data also shows the historical yearly flood events at Trident Pier and the trend of rising water
levels during the highest tide of the year since 1995.
Flooding is expected to impact at least 63 parcels with 38 structures with a current taxable value of
nearly $155 million. Impacts due to coastal flooding include: increased beach erosion on the City's
shoreline; along the Central/Canaveral Ditch; at Long Point Road; Banana River and Manatee Sanctuary
Park; and the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). Residential properties comprise 55% of the affected
properties.
100 AND 500-YEAR FLOOD
A 100-year flood (a flood that has a 1 % chance of occurring in any given year) and a 500 -year flood (a
flood that has a 0.2%chance of occurring in any given year) were also considered in the Assessment.
Infrastructure and assets located within these respective zones were mapped using the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFRIM) from 2014. This
data was derived from Flood Insurance Studies (FISs), previously published Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRMs), flood hazard analyses performed in support of the FISs and FIRMS and new mapping data,
where available.
Findings reveal the City's 100-year flood zones are generally located along its eastern and western
shorelines, with some areas further inland. Four miles of local roadways —predominantly along the
beach —could be affected by a 100-year flood. A total of 284 buildings, currently representing
approximately $560 million worth of property, are located within the 100-year flood zone, with 71 % of
vulnerable parcels being residential. The City's 500-year flood zones encompass a larger area of the City
along its eastern and northeastern sections and has a similar scope to a category 3 hurricane storm
surge.
Community Engagement
Community engagement and citizen input is extremely important when it comes to outlining and
progressing sustainability and resiliency -based programs. Community input can help to not only identify
issues but also guide future policy and appropriate development. During the research and drafting
process of the City's Assessment, numerous community engagement sessions were held in various
forms, including: outreach sessions; online information disseminated through the City's website; the
Weekly Update; the City's social media platforms; messaging on water bills; and a public survey. This
was done to better understand the Community's views in regards to resiliency and to determine what
initiatives and issues residents thought should be prioritized.
Two community engagement workshops were conducted through the course of the Assessment's
drafting. One workshop asked attendees what they thought the word resilience meant in their own
words, as well as what vulnerabilities they believed were most pressing. Recover, survival, safety and
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
mitigation were the most common words discussed. In no particular order flooding, hurricanes, politics,
climate change, sea level rise and the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) were also all identified by attendees as
some of the top vulnerabilities for the City.
These resident interactions were then complied into a city-wide survey to allow for further engagement
across a broader constituency, determine more specific actions, policy changes or other sustainability
and resiliency -based strategies. The survey was made available between January 14, 2019 and
March 5, 2019. Atotal of 239 people participated in the survey, most of who were full-time City residents.
Participants were asked to rank their top 3 vulnerabilities in order of importance or priority. Options
were directly based off of prior engagement sessions input, which included hurricanes and storm surge,
the IRL, government and funding, climate change, sea level rise and flooding. Survey results show that
the top three priorities, in order, were:
• The I RL
• Hurricanes and storm surge
• Climate change
The bottom 3 priorities were:
• Flooding
• Government and funding
• Sea level rise
Participants were then directed to choose from a list of mitigation and adaptation strategies relating to
each respective vulnerability. These strategies were based off previous engagement sessions. The
strategies participants chose from are as follows and are presented in the order of ranked importance:
INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
• Low Impact Development: encourage stronger low impact development guidelines for all
development.
• Causeways: support the complete spanning of the lagoon with bridges.
• Vegetative Buffer: encourage a natural vegetative buffer between the lagoon and turf.
• Fertilizer Ordinance: develop a stronger fertilizer ordinance.
• Funding: create special assessment for City projects/programs to improve IRL health.
HURRICANES AND STORM SURGE
• Raise Elevations: higher minimum elevations for buildings and infrastructure, where feasible.
• Redirect Development (Surge): implement policies and code changes to direct development
away from high risk areas.
• Infrastructure Resilience: identify gaps in critical infrastructure needs for storm
preparedness/recovery.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
• Green Infrastructure: encourage use of vegetative solutions along lagoon/beachside to reduce
surge.
• Building Codes: accept building and land development codes for greater resilience standards.
CLIMATE CHANGE
• Sustainable Policies: assess City policies to address climate change and sustainability.
• Alternative Power: promote use of solar on private and public buildings as well as micro grids.
• Electric Vehicles: transfer City fleet to electric vehicles and provide incentives for private EV s.
• Education and Awareness: enhance educational programs for climate change to increase citizen
ownership.
• Pedestrian Mobility: develop a bike/pedestrian plan and re -assess vehicle traffic patterns to
improve pedestrian mobility.
FLOODING
• Code and Policy Changes: allow for innovative approaches for flood resilient structures and
smart growth ordinances.
• Infrastructure Plan: develop infrastructure plan that incorporates gray and green best practices.
• Green Infrastructure: increase green spaces in areas where they can be used for stormwater
detention.
• Parking Standards: reassess parking standards and require green infrastructure in parking
design.
• Down Zone: down zone in vulnerable flood areas.
GOVERNMENT AND FUNDING
• Voting Practices: create avenue to make public aware of local candidate voting practices.
• Funding: develop special assessments or tax increases for specific resilience projects.
• Code Enforcement: increase code and penalty enforcement within the City.
• Increase Awareness: develop education program for public and elected officials concerning
resilience.
• Public Engagement: enhance outreach to community to encourage greater participation in
government.
SEA LEVEL RISE
• Adaptation Action Areas: special areas to consider sea level rise regarding infrastructure, zoning
and building standards.
• Stormwater Management: creative, hybrid stormwater solutions including swales, permeable
surfaces and green infrastructure.
• Redirect Development: update codes and policies to redirect development away from hazard
areas.
• Land Development Codes: update codes to allow for elevation increases on buildings.
• Economic Opportunities: investigate economic opportunities and economic vulnerabilities as
related to sea level rise.
20
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
According to survey results, the top 10 rated strategies were a stronger fertilizer ordinance, alternative
power, creating sustainable policies in regards to climate change, requiring a vegetative buffer between
the lagoon and turf, create a hybrid stormwater management plan, increasing pedestrian mobility,
utilizing green infrastructure for flooding, improving resilience in infrastructure, requiring low impact
development and education to citizens in regards to climate change. The complete results of this
ranking can be found below in Figure 12.
Figure 12. Resilient Cape Canaveral survey results with rankings.
21
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
Assessment Recommendations
A variety of recommendations were presented by the ECFRPC in light of community engagement
sessions and the Assessment's findings. These recommendations —which include green infrastructure,
lagoon protection, low impact development, business and home protection, community engagement
and education and updates to the City's Comprehensive Plan —are summarized in the Resilient Cape
Canaveral report. Many of these recommendations have either already been implemented by the City,
are currently undergoing implementation or plan to be implemented in the near future. A
summarization of the City's past and present sustainability and resiliency -based initiatives can be found
on the City's sustainability section of its website and in the next section of this Plan.
Figure 13. RamboII Group, Tanner Springs Park blue/green infrastructure concept.
Figure 14. Flood -Resilient Home Designs Seen at NYIT's 3C Comprehensive Coastal Communities Exhibit via ingabitat.com
"Cities will be on the frontlines of climate
adaptation."
Taking the Heat: Making cities resilient to climate change, Goldman Sachs, September 2019.
22
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
I) A City of Stewardship
Past and Present
The City of Cape Canaveral has an expansive history of environmental stewardship, demonstrated
through multiple past and ongoing sustainability and resiliency -based projects. The City is committed
to delivering policies that are effective, efficient and forward thinking.
What follows is a list of initiatives the City has already undertaken. This is by no means comprehensive,
as we are constantly building on our efforts to be more environmentally responsible and better stewards
of our natural resources as made evident by this action plan. This list will be updated as new projects
and initiatives are completed. For updates please visit the City's sustainability webpage.
AMERICAN FLOOD COALITION MEMBER
The American Flood Coalition (Coalition) is a nonpartisan group of political, military, business and local
leaders that have come together to drive adaptation to the reality of higher seas, stronger storms, and
more frequent flooding. The Coalition seeks to advance national solutions that support flood -affected
communities and protect our nation's residents, economy and military installations — while advocating
for proactive planning and smarter policies. Like the Coalition, the City believes that impacts from sea
level rise and flooding are an important issue, one that requires regional and national coordination.
Investing in adaptation planning and projects that reduce risk and protect home values, highways, ports
and other essential infrastructure is vital to our Community. For more information on the American
Flood Coalition, visit https://floodcoalition.org/.
ARBOR DAY AND TREE PLANTINGS
Figure 15. Tree Planting at Manatee Sanctuary Park.
For 30 years, the City of Cape Canaveral
has been a designated "Tree City". This
nationwide program provides a
framework for guiding communities on
how to manage and increase trees in
public spaces. To qualify for the Tree City
USA program, communities must meet
four core standards. First, someone must
be responsible for the care of all trees,
this usually includes a professional
forester or arborist (the City currently has
an arborist); second, a Tree City must be
guided by a tree care ordinance (Article II. - Tree Protection); next, a community must designate a
portion of its budget toward planting, care and removal of City trees (Sec. 102-54. - Tree replacement
standards); and last, a community must recite an official Arbor Day proclamation and demonstrate
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
support for Arbor Day. Every year, students from Cape View Elementary, City Staff and Council Members
participate in the Arbor Day celebration. Students plant trees, learn about plant propagation and play
games in honor of Arbor Day. Past plantings included a Rainbow Eucalyptus, Cedar tree, Jacaranda, and
hundreds of trees and shrubs throughout the years. By participating in the Tree City USA program, the
City continues to meet its goal of protecting and maintaining trees for environmental and aesthetic
benefits, while also allowing opportunities for education. To learn more about the City's tree protection
program, visit the City of Cape Canaveral Code of Ordinances via the links above. To learn more about
the Arbor Day Foundation and the benefits of trees, visit: Arbor Day Foundation Benefits of Trees.
BAFFLE BOXES (SECOND -GENERATION)
As a traditional stormwater best management
practice (BMP), baffle boxes use high-tech
partitioned chambers that connect to
stormwater drains in order to prevent trash or
debris from moving into waterways. As water
flows into the device, pollutants are filtered or
settled out. These devices prevent sediments
from exiting stormwater drains through an
innovative nitrogen -removing bioreactor
before flowing into the I RL system. The City's
largest baffle box is located on West Central
Blvd and was recently upgraded to a state-of-
the-art second -generation box with funds
from the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project.
Baffle boxes are also present on all major outfalls throughout the City. For more information on the
Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project Plan, visit Brevard County Save Our Lagoon.
Figure 16. An example of a second -generation
Johns River Water Management District.
baffle
box. Credit: St.
THE BANANA AND INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
As part of a greater effort to better manage the City of Cape Canaveral's unique challenges with being
a barrier island and the effect this has on the Banana River Lagoon (and the Indian River Lagoon system
overall), the City is committed to developing plans aimed at reducing stormwater impacts while
improving overall water quality. Currently, the City uses stormwater Best Management Practices (BM Ps)
to meet this goal. In addition, the City seeks to integrate creative low impact development (LID) practices
that retain rainwater on -site and encourage it to soak into the ground rather than allowing it to run off
into ditches, stormwater drains, or water bodies such as the Banana River Lagoon where it would
otherwise contribute to flooding and pollution problems. The goal is to develop practices that do a
better job of mimicking natural processes in order to lessen the impact of storm events. Lastly, it is
important to note that while BMP and LID practices are environmentally beneficial, they can also
enhance neighborhood beauty through landscaping that doubles as natural stormwater infrastructure.
The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and Keep Brevard
Beautiful (KBB) both offer guidelines on how to promote Florida -friendly landscaping.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
More information can be found at:
Figure 17. Crosswalk at N. Atlantic Ave.
• U F/I FAS Low Impact Development
• U F/I FAS Lawn and Garden
• Keep Brevard Beautiful Lagoon Friendly Lawns program
BIKEABILITY AND WALKABILITY THROUGHOUT THE CITY
In keeping with the City's Vision Statement, creating a "bikeable and walkable Cape Canaveral that
retains and enhances its welcoming residential feel" is important. Over the years, the City has worked to
identify projects that develop "complete streets". Examples of this include the Ridgewood Avenue
Streetscape Project and more recently, the North Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project. The City continues
to examine complete street guidelines as defined by Smart Growth America and works with the Space
Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) to integrate and advocate for projects that
positively impact the City. Furthermore, the A1A Economic Opportunity Overlay District (EOOD) provides
guidelines and standards encouraging
development that focuses on
pedestrian -friendly activity along State
Road (SR) A1A. The goal is to create
attractive outdoor spaces that allow
residents and visitors of all abilities to
move around the City of Cape Canaveral
without relying on automobiles. Future
endeavors include bicycle/pedestria n
education, additional streetscaping and
smaller measures such as using less
toxic, soy -based traffic paint made from
renewable and environmentally friendly
sources for City roads and parking lots.
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CANAVERAL CITY PARK AND CITY HALL WATER EXFILTRATION SYSTEM
As part of the revised stormwater master plan (2014), the City completed a stormwater improvement
project that included exfiltration tanks placed under the Canaveral City Pa rk baseball fields. The project
Figure 18. Exfiltration projects, Canaveral City Park (left) and City Hall (right).
included the installation of stormwater chambers beneath two outfield areas and one infield area of
Canaveral City Park that capture approximately 931,000 gallons of water. The contributing area of
treatment is equivalent to 30.3 acres. Upon completion of the stormwater chamber installation activities,
the Park was returned to its original land use while capturing runoff and preventing it from entering the
BRL. Similar tanks were installed underneath the Cape Canaveral Volunteer Fire Station and the City's
new City Hall to capture and detain site runoff. Additionally, the City has numerous proposed
stormwater improvement projects listed in the revised stormwater master plan (City of Cape Canaveral
Basin Management Action Plan Compliance Strategy), that when completed will allow the City to meet
its target goal for further reducing nitrogen and phosphorus from stormwater runoff. See also,
Stormwater and Wastewater Management Projects below.
CLIMATE MAYORS COALITION MEMBER
The City of Cape Canaveral is proud of its membership with Climate Mayors, a coalition of more than
400 mayors nationwide leading the way on climate change initiatives through meaningful actions in
their communities. This coalition also includes an electric vehicle purchasing collaborative, which seeks
to leverage collective buying power and accelerate the conversion of municipal fleets to electrics. The
City looks forward to working with other Mayors nationwide to demonstrate leadership on climate
change in our Community through sustainable policies and actions. Visit http://climatemayors.org/ to
learn more.
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COMMUNITY GARDEN
The Cape Canaveral Community Garden is an organic greenspace that contains 12 garden plots meant
for residential and educational use. The goal of the garden is to serve the Community by providing an
opportunity for gardeners of all experience levels to work, volunteer and learn from one another while
growing food. Most of all, the Community -led garden is a partnership between the City of Cape
Canaveral and area residents to help foster a sense of community while encouraging neighbors, friends
and families to collaborate on fun activities and workshops aimed at making the garden a success. In
March 2018, the garden became a member of the informal Community Garden Network of Brevard
(CGNB). The CGNB serves to inspire, connect, and support local efforts in sharing knowledge and
resources for the creation and maintenance of sustainable urban and suburban gardens. This unique
network promotes volunteerism,
awareness, inclusion and education to
empower both citizens and
municipalities to undertake their own
environmental and agricultural
projects. Its mission is to enhance and
maintain the natural beauty of our
County's ecosystems while helping
others achieve best practices in
meeting their economic,
environmental and social needs. For
those interested, please feel free to
use the latest garden bed designs the
City used at its own community
garden, which can be seen in Figure 19.
Figure 19. Cape Canaveral Kairos Community Garden beds.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Development in Florida is guided by growth management legislation that was passed in 1985. Section
163.3177, F.S., requires that local governments' comprehensive plans provide policy for local planning
and land use decisions on several issues such as capital improvements, conservation, intergovernmental
coordination, recreation, open space, future land use, housing, transportation, public facilities, and
coastal management (where applicable). Comprehensive planning is important because it results in
decisions regarding long-term issues such as environmental protection and economic development,
and ensures that cities work with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to comply and
coordinate with other state agencies for local development.
As a coastal municipality, the City of Cape Canaveral is required by Florida law, to include a coastal
management element in the City's comprehensive plan. In 2017, the City passed Ordinance No. 10 -2017
to update its Comprehensive Plan to include a coastal management element. The update includes
policies that indicate the City's willingness to pursue adaptation planning strategies over the next few
years. The element must set forth principles, guidelines, standards and strategies to reduce the risk of
flooding. Notably, F.S.§1 63.31 77 and 163.3178, require that coastal management activities use studies,
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
surveys and data to create redevelopment components that outline principles used to eliminate
inappropriate and unsafe development in coastal areas. Moreover, the State encourages communities
to take additional steps to develop strategies to become more resilient. Generally, resiliency planning
uses data generated by analyzing a city's key assets (economic, infrastructure, natural, and social) and
examining how they may be impacted by various sea level rise scenarios. Models used in these analyses
are designed by organizations such as the USACE, OF and NOAA. With this in mind, the City has worked
with the ECFRPC to develop a vulnerability assessment specific to the City of Cape Canaveral. These
efforts, collectively known as adaptation planning, will allow the City to take steps to address current
and future coastal planning in Cape Canaveral.
EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL (ECFRPC) PARTNER
The ECFRPC was established in 1962 as an area -wide association of governments. It is represented by
32 Council Members and a skilled staff that provides technical assistance to governments and
organizations within eight counties in the East Central Florida region. These counties include Brevard,
Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia. The ECFRPC staff has expertise in a variety
of areas including land use, environmental planning, comprehensive planning, resiliency and emergency
management. Recently, the FDEP awarded the City a grant to work with the ECFRPC to develop a
community based vulnerability assessment for Cape Canaveral, which was completed in May 2019. A
summary of findings from the Assessment can be viewed above in Section D of this action plan. For
more information, visit the ECFRPC's website at http://www.ecfrpc.org/ and the Florida Resilient
Coastlines Program at https://floridadep.gov/fco/florida-resilient-coastlines-program/content/funded-
projects.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES, EV CHARGERS, AND ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
The City currently has six Level-2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations (with 12 charging ports), which
are available to residents and visitors free of charge in order to promote and incentivize further EV
adoption across the Community. Locations include the Cape Canaveral Public Library, City of Cape
Canaveral City Hall, Manatee Sanctuary Park and Banana River Park. A Level-2 mono charging station
also resides at the Public Works Services administration building for City fleet usage. At least two more
dual port EV chargers are planned and locations will be updated as they become available on the City's
website. The City has one fully electric vehicle, a 2017 Ford Focus with 115 miles of range (Figure 20)
and four 2019 Toyota RAV4 hybrids that have a 40+ mpg rating in a city environment. More alternative
fuel vehicles will be added to the fleet as older vehicles are retired. To view charging station locations,
visit http://www.plugshare.com/ or download the app to your mobile device.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
Figure 20. The City's 2017 Ford Focus EV charging at Public Works Services administration building.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Because of the City's barrier island location, Cape Canaveral is inherently more susceptible to tropical
cyclones and their impacts (i.e., storm surge, strong winds, flooding rains, etc.). While storms can be
unpredictable, the City has procedures in place that aim to: safeguard life, minimize injuries, protect
property, ensure organized preparedness, and achieve an early return of services. The City of Cape
Canaveral Tropical Cyclone Preparedness and Recovery Plan is in place to better position the City for
resilience and most importantly, safety. Additionally, the City disseminates information through various
channels and coordinates with the Brevard County Emergency Management Office to communicate a
message of year-round preparedness in the event of a storm or natural disaster. The Your Pathways to
Preparedness guide provides resources that residents and visitors can use in an emergency. For more
information, visit the Brevard County Emergency Management Office web page and follow City -related
updates on the City of Cape Canaveral website and social media.
FEMA CRS PROGRAM MEMBER
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a program designed
by FEMA to recognize and encourage community floodplain management. According to FEMA, the
program "credits community efforts beyond those minimum standards by reducing flood insurance
premiums for the community's property owners." For CRS participating communities, flood insurance
premium rates are discounted in increments of 5%. A Class 1 community would receive a 45% premium
discount, while a Class 9 community would receive a 5% discount (a Class 10 is not participating in the
CRS and receives no discount). The CRS classes for local communities are based on 18 creditable
activities, organized under four categories: public information, mapping and regulations, flood damage
reduction, and flood preparedness. The City of Cape Canaveral is currently a CRS Class 8 community
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and all flood insurance premiums are reduced by 10% for all policy holders within the Special Flood
Hazard area. To view flood zone information, visit the: Brevard County Flood Zone Map,
http://gis.brevardcounty.us/flood map/.
FERTILIZER ORDINANCE
The City of Cape Canaveral has a summer ban on fertilizer application from June 1 st to September 30th.
No applicator shall apply fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus to turf and/or landscape
plants during the prohibited application period, or to saturated soils. The City Code of Ordinances
Chapter 92 — Fertilizer Land Application outlines all the specifics of this ban. In short, this chapter
regulates and promotes the proper use of fertilizers by any applicator; requires proper training of
commercial and institutional fertilizer applicators; establishes training and licensing requirements;
establishes a prohibited application period; specifies allowable fertilizer application rates and methods;
fertilizer -free zones; low maintenance zones; and exemptions. This chapter requires the use of best
management practices which provide specific management guidelines to minimize negative secondary
and cumulative environmental effects associated with the misuse of fertilizers. These secondary and
cumulative effects have been observed in and on the City of Cape Canaveral's natural and constructed
stormwater conveyances and surface waters. Collectively, these water bodies are an asset critical to the
environmental, recreational, cultural and economic well-being of Cape Canaveral residents and the
health of the public. Overgrowth of algae and vegetation hinder the effectiveness of flood attenuation
provided by natural and constructed stormwater conveyances. Regulation of nutrients, including both
phosphorus and nitrogen contained in fertilizer, help improve and maintain water quality.
FLOATING VEGETATIVE ISLANDS (FVIS)
The City of Cape Canaveral has constructed a number of wet detention ponds in order to reduce
pollutant loads to the BRL. Wet detention ponds provide stormwater treatment through settling of
heavy sediment particles and biological uptake within the pond's ecosystem. The City has enhanced the
pollutant removal effectiveness of existing facilities by adding Floating Vegetation Islands (FVIs) to three
existing ponds — one at Manatee Sanctuary Park (Figure 21) and four at the WRF. Nutrients removed
from the water are stored in the plant mass and routinely harvested, preventing resuspension of
nutrients when the plants die.
There are approximately 1.9
acres of surface water in the
three ponds selected for this
project. Over 3% of the water's
surface area is planted with FVIs
to achieve 20% removal
efficiency above and beyond
treatment obtained in the
ponds. FVIs are planted with
Figure 21. FVI located at Manatee Sanctuary Park.
several native plant species and
secured in deep water areas until harvesting time, when the mats are pulled to shore and water quality
improvements measured.
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KEEP BREVARD BEAUTIFUL TRASH BASH
Every year, the City participates in KBB's annual Trash Bash. As part of the Great American Cleanup, KBB's
Trash Bash partners with local cities to help organize volunteers and remove trash from their areas.
These volunteer efforts have helped to remove hundreds of pounds of litter from our beautiful
community and beaches.
LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (LEED) SILVER
EQUIVALENT BUILDINGS
New City Hall, completed in 2018, was built to LEED Silver standards. LEED standards are one of the
most popular green building programs used worldwide. Developed by the non-profit US Green Building
Council (USGBC), it includes a set of ratings that account for design, construction, energy use and
maintenance of buildings. Future City buildings, including the Multi -Generational Facility (MGF) and the
CAPE Center, will also be built to adhere to LEED Silver standards. Please note: The City plans to build
all future buildings to LEED standards, but will not necessarily pursue LEED certification as this requires
additional recurring fees.
LITTLE FREE LIBRARY AND LITTLE FREE PANTRY PROGRAM
The Little Free Library/Pantry is a grassroots, crowdsourced solution which strives to meet immediate
community needs. Whether it is a need for educational books, food, or a need to give, the Little Free
Library/Pantry's goal is to facilitate neighbors helping neighbors. Long-term goals continue to be
working with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida - Brevard Branch and local HOAs to
ensure Little Free Pantries are continuously stocked. To date the City has seven Little Free Libraries and
four Little Free Pantries.
MOBI-MATS® AND COMPOSITE DECKING IMPLEMENTATION
Mobi-mats are "a lightweight non -slip portable roll -out ADA/ABA/AODA beach access pathway for
individuals of all abilities, pedestrians, wheelchair users, strollers, bicycles and ATVs." As the City works
to become more accessible, the use of these recyclable and earth -friendly mats are a great way to
achieve greater accessibility with minimal environmental impact. Mobi-mats can be found at beach
crossovers at Monroe Avenue, Polk Avenue, Buchanan Avenue, and Ridgewood Avenue Beach
Crossovers. Additionally, the City uses eco-friendly composite decking, made from an innovative blend
of 95% recycled wood and plastic film for beach crossovers and will replace older wooden crossovers in
the future. For more information, visit: https://www.mobi-mat-chair-beach-access-dms.com/.
PACE (PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY) FINANCING
In 2017, the City of Cape Canaveral adopted Resolution No. 2017-01 that allows local governments to
create PACE programs in order to provide access to upfront financing for energy
conservation/efficiency, renewable energy, wind resistance, and other improvements. The program,
approved by the State of Florida, uses third -party administrators to provide funding for clean energy
projects. These programs not only assist residents and businesses in reducing their carbon footprint,
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but can also stimulate the local economy by creating job opportunities. To learn more, visit:
https://oacenation.orgL.
RECLAIMED WATER
The City of Cape Canaveral's Reclaimed Water System is striving to meet a conservation goal by
developing, expanding and promoting an alternative water system. Reclaimed water is a major
component of the City's Water Conservation Program and overall sustainability and as a result, the City
recently built a 2.5 million -gallon tank to lessen the amount of discharge into the BRL. The City of Cape
Canaveral makes this resource available to as many residents as supply, demand and financial resources
allow. For more information, visit the City's reclaimed water page.
Figure 22. Newly planted sea oats on Cape Canaveral's
beaches.
SEA OAT PLANTINGS
As part of the City's annual Sea Oats Planting Project,
volunteers attend and work to prevent erosion and
enhance the aesthetic qualities of Community
beaches. Between 2019 and 2020, volunteers planted
20,000 sea oats to help support the natural dune line.
City Staff from the Public Works Services Department
typically host the event. Refreshments and planting
tools are provided to volunteers, and after a short
how-to demonstration, volunteers head out to the
beach. To date, the City has planted over 100,000 (see
historical data below) sea oats on Cape Canaveral
beaches. The City's social media platforms have been
successful in reaching participants, and every year
new volunteers become first-time sea oats planters.
Year Number of Plants
2005 2,950 2013 7,200
2006 9,600 2014 7,700
2007 9,600 2015 7,700
2008 5,000 2016 7,200
2009 7,500 2017 7,200
2010 7,500 2018 7,200
2011 8,000 2019 10,000
2012 7,200 2020 10,000
SEA TURTLE PROTECTION & EDUCATION
In 2017, the City ramped up its sea turtle messaging on social media and at public events to engage the
Community in environmental stewardship. Because the beaches of Brevard County are among the
world's most important nesting areas for sea turtles, it is important to protect these animals. Each
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
summer, female sea turtles climb onshore to build nests and lay eggs. Later in the summer, baby sea
turtles emerge and crawl to the safety of the ocean. In Brevard County, nesting season begins on March
1 and ends on October 31. During this time, it is important to turn off lights on houses and businesses
near beaches to prevent turtles from becoming disoriented. In fact, the City's code enforces the
protection of sea turtles through policy that minimizes light on or near beaches. We hope to increase
this messaging in the future and continue to encourage activities such as keeping beach -facing lights
off during sea turtle nesting season.
SOLAR GENERATOR
In December 2019 the City's first mobile solar
generator arrived! It comes from a California -
based company —Mobile Solar —and is the
company's smallest unit type (the MS-150).
The City wanted to start small with its first
solar generator in order to train Staff and
educate the Community on solar and battery
technologies while also providing a usable
service. It will be used at City events, for
appropriate construction duties and —
perhaps most importantly —for disaster relief
operations after tropical storms and
hurricanes.
The MS-150 unit is capable of powering and
recharging numerous mission -critical devices
at any given time, including cell phones, laptops, power tools, external lighting fixtures and certain
appliances. This will help the City to maintain operations in the event of power outages, all without the
need for traditional gasoline or diesel fuel.
Figure 23. Mobile Solar generator (2079).
The three 335 watt LG solar panels have a daily energy harvest of 6-kilowatt hours with an inverter
output rated at 3.5 kilowatts (3,500 watts) with a surge of 6 kilowatts (6,000 watts). The included batteries
are charged by the unit's solar panels, have an overall lifespan of 12 to 15 years, and can last up to two
days on a single charge.
SOLAR TOGETHER
In January 2019 the City partnered with Florida Power and Light (FPL) to become one of the first
municipal SolarTogether subscribers. SolarTogether is an offset program where the City agrees to pay
a slightly higher utility rate in order to invest in large-scale solar arrays being deployed by FPL as a part
of their 30 by 30 initiative, which intends to see 30 million solar panels deployed across the state by
2030 to generate up to 10 gigawatts of electricity. In exchange for this increased rate, the City will receive
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
bill credits that will - after six years - see a breakeven point and subsequently begin positive financial
returns. Almost 3 million kilowatt-hours of municipal consumption will be offset.
Under the new program, FPL will build 20 new mainland solar plants (each with a 74.5-megawatt
capacity) by mid-2021. Over the life of the 30-year program, the City will see over $385,000 in utility
savings while helping to invest in a clean, renewable form of power abundant to the Sunshine State.
STORMWATER AND WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PROJECTS
• Ongoing replacement of open -throat stormwater inlets with Type C inlets, which reduce the
amount of debris entering the stormwater system, reducing debris backups.
• Construction of stormwater management systems at both Banana River and Manatee Sanctuary
Parks.
• Underground stormwater exfiltration chambers at the Cape Canaveral Fire Station.
• Replacement of sewer pipes located along Banana River to eliminate leaks and back-up.
• North Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project included the construction of a swale system to collect
stormwater and reduce flooding.
• Armored the Banana River Lagoon shoreline at Banana River Park, Manatee Sanctuary Park and
the City's Water Reclamation Facility to reduce erosion.
• Continued development and implementation of the City's Stormwater Master Plan (2014) as a
guide for future infrastructure projects and a means to reach Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
goals.
• Exfiltration pipe installations at eight City intersections to help reduce flooding.
• Sewer pipes replaced located along the Banana River to eliminate leaks and back-up.
• The North Atlantic Avenue Streetscape Project included construction of a swale system to collect
stormwater, which was not present before.
• Constructed a back-up oxidation ditch at the Water Reclamation Facility for system redundancy.
• Replacement of inefficient sanitary sewer lift stations with new stations.
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J) Moving Forward
A Resilient and Sustainable Future
The City of Cape Canaveral is at the center of the Space Coast's revitalization. An ever expanding space
program and increasingly modernizing global port pose opportunities and challenges that must be met
with preparedness in the face of intensifying risk from costly weather -related disasters. Over the last few
years, a number of communities have experienced tragic results from a lack of preparedness. For this
reason, it is important to note that the impacts of sea level rise and climate change will not only impact
a community's character, but its finances.
Figure 24. Traffic signal street sign with high water.
The results of sea level rise will likely burden residents and business owners. Therefore, the City of Cape
Canaveral will work to become a leader in resiliency and sustainability in an effort to meet the demands
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
of the present while balancing the needs of the future. Leading by example, the City will establish goals
for what a modern, sustainable and prosperous coastal municipality should be.
What follows are a series of resilience and sustainability-based development objectives —called
Preparedness Targets —that breakdown into eight Action Categories that include elements necessary to
sustainable municipal operations. It is also important to note that these objectives are in line with the
ECFRPC's East Central Florida Regional Resiliency Action Plan (ECF RRAP) goals (below) which offer a
regional approach to the challenges that all Brevard County municipalities face.
• ECF RRAP ALIGNMENT —GOAL 1 (LEADERSHIP & STRATEGY)
• LS1: Incorporate resiliency into local and regional plans, policies and objectives.
• LS2: Plan fiscally to implement resilient and sustainable solutions to long-term impacts.
• LS3: Implement strategies to promote adaptive measures that keep people and property safe from
natural hazards.
• LS4: Engage and educate private sector stakeholders, elected officials and other members of the
community about strategies to increase resilience in the built, natural, and social environment.
• ECF RRAP ALIGNMENT —GOAL 2 (ECONOMIC & SOCIETY)
• ES1: Protect high -value assets from natural hazards.
• ES2: Educate businesses about access to funding and financing services related to resiliency and
sustainability.
• ES3: Facilitate and support the efficient recovery of business operations after an event.
• ES4: Increase skilled labor force.
• ES5: Improve social equity and justice in decision making process.
• ECF RRAP ALIGNMENT —GOAL 3 (INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT)
• 1E1: Prioritize the use of Green Infrastructure as a first line of defense.
* 1E2: Promote interconnectivity of natural lands for habitat migration.
• I E3: Enhance stormwater systems to be more resilient.
• I E4: Improve water quality in surface water bodies.
* 1E5: Incorporate resiliency into local and regional plan, policies and objectives.
• I E6: Preserve and adapt the built environment to keep people safe from and mitigate current and
future natural hazards.
• 1E7: Improve community mobility while improving vulnerable transportation infrastructure.
• ECF RRAP ALIGNMENT —GOAL 4 (HEALTH & WELL-BEING)
• HW1: Improve capacity of jurisdictions to better respond to hazard events.
• HW2: Improve capacity of medical facility operations to prepare for and recover from natural
disasters and future conditions.
• HW3: Promote sustainable practices in government owned facilities.
• HW4: Engage residents and business owners with locally relevant information about expected
future changes in natural hazards and sustainable practices.
• HW5: Improve access to resources for the homeless, special needs, elderly, low income, and
English -limited residents.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
The following pages describe each of the City's eight Action Categories in detail and their relating
Preparedness Targets. There are a total of 56 Preparedness Targets across each of the Action Categories,
which are listed below:
ACTION CATEGORY 1—GREEN AND RESILIENT ECONOMY
• Preparedness Targets: 4
ACTION CATEGORY 2—NATURAL SYSTEMS
• Preparedness Targets: 10
ACTION CATEGORY 3—TRANSPORTATION
• Preparedness Targets: 10
ACTION CATEGORY 4—ENERGY
• Preparedness Targets: 9
ACTION CATEGORY 5—BUILT ENVIRONMENT
• Preparedness Targets: 3
ACTION CATEGORY 6—QUALITY OF LIFE AND SOCIAL OUTREACH
• Preparedness Targets: 3
ACTION CATEGORY 7—WASTE AND CONSUMPTION
• Preparedness Targets: 8
ACTION CATEGORY 8—STORM READINESS AND SEA LEVEL RISE
• Preparedness Targets: 9
Each Preparedness Target is listed alongside an explanation of its purpose, implementation period,
implementation strategy and measure of success —or the measure by which the City will know the target
has been achieved.
Preparedness Targets are listed in chronological order across four different implementation horizons:
CURRENT, DENOTED BY A (C)
• Targets the City can/should undertake immediately
FIVE (5) YEARS
• Targets the City should undertake within the next five (5) years
FIFTEEN (15) YEARS
• Targets the City should undertake within the next 15 years
THIRTY (30) YEARS
• Targets the City should undertake within the next 30 years
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
According to these timeframes, each of the 56 Preparedness Targets should be researched, scoped and
implemented by 2050. This proactively places the City's efforts of preparing policies/procedures and
engineering its infrastructure ahead of the worst -case scenarios predicted for impacts from flooding,
storm surge and sea level rise outlined in the City's Assessment.
This Plan is a living document, meaning it can be adapted and refined over time to better meet the
needs of the Community. There will be an assessment review conducted every five years after adoption,
where City Staff will have the chance to examine the results of the Plan's targets and amend if necessary.
This will help to ensure the action plan stays up-to-date and that results are formally assessed and
shared with the Community. If Preparedness Targets are completed by the time an assessment review
is conducted it will be removed from the document's listing. A new target can be included to either
enhance the objective of the previous target or incorporate a different topic altogether if deemed
necessary. Any new targets should however attempt to conform to the already established
implementation timeframes. Being a living document, this action plan can continue to serve the City for
decades to come.
With these targets, the City of Cape Canaveral can position itself to not only reduce costs via risk
mitigation and disaster preparedness, but also improve the overall health and well -being of its residents,
environment, and economy in order to become a Future -Ready city.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
Figure 25. Example of green infrastructure incorporated into the built environment.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
K) Action Category 1
Green and Resilient Economy
According to the US Economic Development Administration (EDA), economic resilience is the ability of
a local or regional economy to anticipate risks, evaluate how these might impact key economic assets
and to build a responsive capacity in order to respond19. This resilience must also be combined with a
general greening of a City's economy, one that promotes improved human well-being and social equity
while reducing threats to the environment in order to allow for sustainable growth.
Incorporating resilience into a local economy can reduce the financial impacts of disasters, improve
economic profitability and performance, and improves the general atmosphere for investment. As
redevelopment occurs, the City should focus on diversifying its portfolio of businesses, continue to
support and encourage local businesses and promote businesses that exhibit sustainable practices that
have a minimal impact on the environment.
This should occur in conjunction with maintaining natural
areas within the City in order to encourage biodiversity and
lagoon health —as well as ecotourism—a multi -million -
dollar industry in the State of Florida20. Areas of urban
development that are no longer of use or abandoned
should be investigated and acquired by the City where
feasible and appropriate to be made into natural areas and
stormwater parks.
The environment is a natural and economic asset, and must
be preserved and maintained to the maximum extent
possible. Mismanagement as seen in the Banana and
Indian River Lagoons can result in significant financial
losses. According to a 2016 economic valuation analysis prepared by the ECFRPC and the Treasure Coast
Regional Planning Council, the total economic value of the lagoon system was over $7.6 billion across
five counties21. If this resource should be lost due to continued environmental degradation or collapse
it would impact the economy significantly. Thus, policies, eco-oriented business practices and
infrastructure geared towards properly managing resources should always be promoted and prioritized.
Figure 26. Image depicting "green growth".
19 Source: https://www.eda.gov/ceds/content/economic-resilience.htm
0 Source: http://floridajobs.org/community-planning-and-development/community-planning/community-planning-table-of-
contents/ecotou rism/the-economic-benefit-of-ecotou rism
21 Source: http://tcrpc.org/special projects/IRL Econ Valu/FinalReportIRLO8 26 2016.pdf
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 1
Encourage green (eco-friendly) industries within the City.
Purpose: Encouraging green industries to establish businesses within the City can help to diversify
the City's economy, attract new 21 st century jobs and spur innovation. These new green industries,
which can range from energy efficiency engineering to local reusable cotton bag manufacturers, will
allow the City to add capital while also providing a place for a modernizing workforce. It is estimated
that as of 2018 the world's green economy, characterized by businesses who are efficient, clean,
circular, collaborative and low carbon, is worth more than the fossil fuel sector at roughly 10% of the
global market's capital. The fossil fuel sector currently makes up about 6%22.
Implementation Period: Current (c).
Implementation Strategy: Encourage green industries by highlighting the City's sustainability
initiatives, green and resilient best practices. The City should also purchase goods and services from
local or regional businesses.
Measure of Success: An annual assessment should be completed by City Staff in order to determine
the amount of businesses within the City that can be classified as "green" through their goods and
services, verifying whether these businesses are being maintained in the Community and increasing
in number. Such data should be made available to the public and promoted through the City's official
social media pages, website and outreach programs.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 2
Support clean energy industry jobs for residential and commercial projects, City facilities included.
Purpose: As of 2018, nearly 3.3 million Americans worked in the clean energy industry, outnumbering
fossil fuel workers 3 to 123. These green -collar jobs represent the future of American energy and
should be supported as energy grids transition to renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.) in
an effort to make a greener and more sustainable economy. This will also encourage homegrown
energy production, by encouraging local resiliency -based electricity.
Implementation Period: Current (c).
Implementation Strategy: Promote local clean energy jobs and engage the Community on clean
energy programs that are available to property owners. The City should also work to convert its
facilities to run off of renewable energy by mid-century and develop incentives for clean energy users.
"Clean energy user guides" should also be made available to the Community to increase awareness
and installation.
Measure of Success: The City should set a goal to encourage at least 50 private property owners to
convert to renewable energy by 2030, and work to attract at least one local clean energy company
to reside within its limits.
Sou rce: https://unfccc.int/news/green-economy-overtaking-fossil-fuel-industry-ftse-russel-report
23 Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/energyinnovation/2019/04/22/renewab le -energy - job- boom -creating-economic-opportunity-as-
c oal-industry-slumps/#3fd768293665
41
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 3
Promote green business practices within the Community through the City's website, official social
media pages, at events and through the Weekly Update.
Purpose: To serve as an education source for local business leaders aspiring to make their operations
more efficient, resilient and environmentally friendly while also reducing costs.
Implementation Period: Current (c).
Implementation Strategy: Educational materials pertaining to green business practices will be
distributed via the City's website, ongoing outreach sessions, official social media pages and through
the Weekly U pdate. Information will be up-to-date, showcase successful examples of implementation
elsewhere and highlight the successes of local green businesses, as well as other local businesses
working towards these goals.
Measure of Success: Success will be measured via statistics from social media tracking, Weekly
Update subscribers, website users and event attendees. Feedback through Community surveys can
also be used as a measure of interest or success. The City should strive to reach at least 500 individuals
on an annual basis through the channels mentioned above.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 4
Promote and build attractions that encourage ecotourism.
Purpose: Given the natural beauty of Cape Canaveral's surroundings, ecotourism—a vital industry to
the region —should be viewed as an economic asset that supports the preservation of the City's
natural areas, including the Banana River/Indian River Lagoons. Of the lagoons estimated $7.6 billion
value, $1.5 billion is estimated to be derived directly from tourism and recreation, with the average
lagoon visitor spending $162 a day24. This industry could also help to further diversify the City's
economy and promote local businesses whose livelihoods rely on the environment.
Implementation Period: Current (c).
Implementation Strategy: The City should make it a priority to purchase or preserve remaining
undeveloped areas, where appropriate, to aide in the development of LID, stormwater parks, and
lagoon restoration. Additionally, kayak trails should also be pursued to allow residents and visitors
access to the BRL, potentially connecting each lagoon facing City park with the proposed port -located
aquarium.
Measure of Success: City Staff should inventory current ecotourism-based businesses within the City
and reevaluate this inventory every year in order to determine growth. The construction, remediation
and completion of natural areas, park and other green infrastructure projects will also be viewed as
a measure of success.
24Source: https://www.tcpalm.com/story/specialty-publications/progress-and-innovation/2016/11/14/new-study-shows-how-valuable-
indian-river-lagoon-treasure-coast/92665478/
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
L) Action Category 2
Natural Systems
Natural systems are considered to be all land and water ecosystems and the organisms that reside within
them. Many of these natural systems are under immense stress due to waste, pollution, and population
growth. These natural systems play a complex and sustaining role in the health and well-being of not
only the environment but people as well. It is also important to note that since much of the area's
economy is built around environmental assets, they should be preserved and maintained to the
maximum extent possible. An effort should also be made to restore habitat areas where feasible.
The Banana and Indian River Lagoons are probably the most prominent local examples of an
endangered natural system. Throughout the last several years, numerous toxic algae blooms have led
to seagrass die -offs and massive fish kills that have the potential to lead to the collapse of the lagoon
system. More can be read about the lagoon in the Marine Resources Council's (MRC) Indian River
Lagoon Report Card, which was published in 2018. This report card, which will be updated by the M RC
as new data is collected and analyzed, is available for free download by the public via the MRC'swebsite.
Natural assets can also be seen as green infrastructure, LID, or infrastructure that incorporates natural
systems —trees and plants —into the everyday operations of a city's infrastructure. They can also help a
city manage stormwater runoff and can add to the overall aesthetics of an area while rebuilding natural
habitat. Green infrastructure can take the form of bioswales that help to collect and filter stormwater
runoff, living shorelines that help to stabilize vulnerable coastlines against storm surge and erosion, or
even include living walls on building facades that help reduce air pollution.
This category will help the City take actions in the preservation and mitigation of its surrounding natural
systems —both land and water —while also improving its resiliency through the implementation of green
infrastructure.
Figure 27. Large fish kill in the Indian River Lagoon, Associated Press March 2016.
43
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 5
Ban the use and application of glyphosate-based herbicide products at all City owned properties,
parks and facilities by City Staff and contractors.
Purpose: Glyphosate has been an active ingredient in herbicide (weed killer) since 1974 with an
estimated 18.9 billion pounds having been applied globally since its inception, with samples found
in consumable foods and beverages. Scientific research has raised concerns about the compound's
link to cancer25. This has resulted in numerous cities —and even countries —banning the substance26
It is also a water pollutant, with large amounts being found in watersheds across the country,
including Biscayne Bay in Miami, leading to its ban across the municipality27. With this in mind, the
City will work to eliminate the use of Glyphosate on City property.
Implementation Period: 5 years
Implementation Strategy: City Staff should first compile a detailed list of appropriate substitutes to
replace any glyphosate-based herbicides. The City will work with businesses and contractors to
recommend alternatives to aide in transitioning from glyphosate-based herbicides to
environmentally -friendly herbicides. City Staff should make its glyphosate alternatives publically
available in order to promote and encourage their adoption by Community members.
Measure of Success: Determined via the complete elimination of glyphosate-based herbicide
products on City property and an ongoing effort to record alternative herbicides being used in the
Community.
25 Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160202090536.htm
26 Sou rce: https://www.baumhedlu ndlaw.com/toxic-tort-law/monsanto-roundup-lawsuit/where-is-glyphosate-banned/
27 Source: https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/city-of-miami-bans-use-of-herbicides-containing-glyphosate-11100953
44
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 6
Begin a volunteer outreach program that encourages the discontinuation of phosphorus and
nitrogen based fertilizers, with the goal of at least 1,000 Community members pledging to end
applications on their properties.
Purpose: It is well documented that fertilizer applications can increase the amount of nutrient
pollution in a watershed, leading to harmful algae blooms and fish kills. Algae thrives off nitrogen
and phosphorus, which in high concentrations can accelerate the organisms' growth and can deprive
water of its oxygen content, which leads to dead zones28. Reducing these nutrients is critical to
maintaining lagoon ecosystem balance and water quality.
Implementation Period: 5 years
Implementation Strategy: Develop a voluntary pledge for Community participation to encourage
the disuse of nitrogen and phosphorus -based fertilizers. An informational packet should be created
to include education on the effects of fertilizers on the lagoon and a list of eco-friendly fertilizer
alternatives. Outreach sessions should be offered to educate participants and recruit pledges. The
City will also explore offering this program in conjunction with a local environmental group or agency.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to recruit 1,000 Community
members to pledge their support for the program and voluntarily discontinue their use of nitrogen
and phosphorus -based fertilizers, opting instead to showcase their alternatives in order to educate
the rest of the City.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 7
Increase the number of registered Lagoon -Friendly Lawns within the City by 60% over the current
listed number. This will also support Target 6.
Purpose: How one maintains their lawn can greatly affect the amount of nutrient pollution that can
runoff into the lagoon system. This nutrient runoff can cause harmful algae blooms and fish kills.
Having a certified Lagoon Friendly Lawn —a program under KBB—can help to minimize nutrient
pollution, reduce stormwater runoff and restore overall ecosystem balance by decreasing or
eliminating the amount of maintenance intensive turf through Florida -friendly plants and permeable
su rfaces.
Implementation Period: 5 years
Implementation Strategy: The City should partner with KBB and the OF/IFAS Extension in Brevard
County to promote and educate residents about the Lagoon Friendly Lawns program and its benefits.
An online showcase could be established through the City's website and official social media pages
of current City residents who have certified Lagoon Friendly Lawns. This showcase and its volunteer
participants can give testimonials to the programs benefits and speak at outreach events if willing to
do so in order to further education about the program.
Measure of Success: Certified properties with Lagoon Friendly Lawns will be inventoried through
KBB's online mapping program in order to create a baseline. The City should work to increase the
number of Lagoon Friendly Lawns by 60% beyond the baseline within five years and include a link to
the program on the City's website.
28 Source: https://phys.org/news/2018-08-florida-algae-crisis.htm I
45
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 8
Conduct a survey that documents all trees in/on City property, parks and facilities.
Purpose: Properly documenting and cataloging all trees on City property is an important step in
understanding where more trees are needed in order to increase the City's urban canopy; create
more habitat and shade by decreasing the amount of urban heat island and improving the overall
aesthetics of the City. This will also allow City Staff to know the location of any potentially harmful
invasive species such as Brazilian Pepper29.
Implementation Period: 5 years
Implementation Strategy: A City tree survey can be accomplished by City Staff using open source
Google Maps software (and supplemented by ArcGIS) that allows for the geo-tagging and
documenting of each tree identified on City property. The only tools necessary are a Wi-Fi enabled
smartphone or device. This data can be made available to any City Staff member, as well as the public
once completed.
Measure of Success: Success will be measured by the City's ability to complete this target within its
five-year implementation period. The survey should involve all City parks, facilities, right of ways and
properties upon completion.
29 Source: https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/schinus-terebinthifolial/
46
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 9
Increase mangrove habitats along the lagoon by at least 300 trees through a joint public -private
program.
Purpose: Mangrove trees, sometimes called the "kidneys of the coast", are an incredibly important
piece of Florida's coastal ecosystem. Due to their elevated and complex root structures they can act
to stabilize a shoreline, reduce erosion and act as a wave break against fierce wind -driven waves.
They also provide a home for countless aquatic and terrestrial species, adding to an area's biodiversity
by filtering water and air to improve quality and clarity3o
Implementation Period: 5 years
Implementation Strategy: The City should partner with a local environmental organization who
grows and distributes mangroves to establish an annual mangrove tree planting program that is
available to Cape Canaveral residents that live along the BRL. A waiting list will be created with
volunteer sign-ups taking place on a quarterly basis. Once the waiting list is full, mangroves will be
acquired from the City's organization partner and distributed to program volunteers for planting.
Measure of Success: Program volunteers will be given an informational guideline packet containing
instructions on how to properly plant and manage mangrove trees. Program success will be
determined through the amount of mangroves distributed and the City's ability to reach its goal of
300 trees.
30 Source: https://www.nature.org/en-us/newsroom/mangroves-reduce-florida-flood-
damages/?src=s fbo.ch fl.x.x.&sf111483038=1&fbclid=lwAR3nyo5sLe-X4maCcHNy-jbGg0B5SIK6w0N4Ionilrmc3zaXuzOe7xk3AMs
47
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 10
Increase urban tree canopy with a reforestation strategy striving to plant 1,000 new native and
Florida -friendly trees/plants on City properties. Residential and business properties should be
considered through a joint voluntary public -private planting initiative.
Purpose: Planting trees is one of the easiest and most cost effective resiliency initiatives a
municipality can undertake in order to mitigate future challenges. Urban trees can improve an area's
biodiversity, create shade, reduce soil erosion through root stabilization, sequester carbon, lower
ambient air temperatures, absorb stormwater runoff and improve air quality. According to the US
Environmental Protection Agency, urban trees can reduce an area's temperature anywhere between
2°F and 9°F, which can reduce local energy cost by decreasing the demand for air conditioning31.
Implementation Period: 10 years
Implementation Strategy: Using the results of Target 8 (a City-wide tree survey), the City will plant
native and Florida -friendly trees in areas lacking tree coverage based on feasibility and survey
findings. The City will strive to plant 1,000 new native and Florida -friendly trees, but the ultimate
number planted over the next 5 years is heavily dependent on the results of Target 8. This number
may decrease or increase based on available square footage. The City can partner with a local
organization or state entity to acquire an annual number of saplings that can be distributed in the
Community on both public and private property to willing program participants. Forestry grants can
also be used as a source of funding in order to procure new trees. Public -private partnerships can
also supplement funding.
Measure of Success: Based on the City's tree survey findings, appropriate locations and the number
of tree plantings will be determined by City Staff annually. Success will be measured by the number
of trees planted and if it meets the set annual goal. Within 15 years of this action plan's adoption,
1,000 trees should be planted. The City should also consider obtaining an average air quality
measurement before implementation begins and after the target is completed in order to better
determine success.
31 Source: https://www.epa.cgov/heat-islands/using-trees-and-vegetation -reduce-heat-islands
48
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 11
Continue annual sea oat plantings to double the amount of sea oats along the beach from the
existing 110,000 to over 220,000 for increased dune stabilization.
Purpose: Sea oats are a hardy, salt and drought tolerant grass commonly found in the upper dunes
of a beach. They are native to the southeastern US, from Virginia to Florida and across the Gulf region
to Mexico. Sea oats have extensive deep root systems that act as rebar would in a concrete building,
stabilizing dune systems, which help to reinforce a beaches natural defense against storm surge, wave
action and tidal flooding32. As an example of green infrastructure, sea oats provide a more natural
solution to beach stabilization and are considered so important to maintaining beach structures that
they are protected under state Iaw33.
Implementation Period: 15 years
Implementation Strategy: In 2020, the City planted 10,000 sea oats. Since 2005, the City has
partnered with Brevard County to plant thousands of sea oats for beachside maintenance and
preservation. The City uses this partnership as an outreach program to engage the Community
through an annual planting session. As a result, coordination with the County should continue, and
Community outreach and volunteerism should be maintained until the City doubles its sea oats
plantings.
Measure of Success: Annual sea oat plantings are tracked, and the data is available on the
sustainability section of the City's website. These numbers will continue to be tracked and monitored
across the 15-year implementation period until the target is met. The City should also attempt to
acquire the maximum allowable amount of sea oats from the County each year to ensure the quickest
implementation possible.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 12
Strive to double the amount of properties connected to reclaim irrigation to help reduce and
potentially eliminate the need for direct reclaim discharges into the Banana River Lagoon from the
City's Water Reclamation Facility (WRF).
Purpose: Currently it is estimated that about 50% of the Community receives reclaim irrigation from
the City's WRF. When irrigated, reclaim water is filtered through soil where nutrients are absorbed
naturally. Therefore, increasing the amount of properties using reclaim irrigation will allow for less
direct discharges into the BRL.
Implementation Period: 15 years
Implementation Strategy: To determine a baseline, the City will map existing reclaim connections
and work to increase these connections to 75% throughout the Community.
Measure of Success: As reclaim connections advance, the City will track progress via Google maps
or GIS maps, allowing for real time monitoring until the target is met.
32 Source: https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs unpa.pdf
33 Source: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/161.242
49
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 13
Establish annual oyster gardens at all City -owned docks through the Brevard Zoo Oyster Gardening
Program and showcase their benefits to the Community in order to encourage residents to
participate in the program. A public -private partnership should be pursued in the maintenance of
each oyster garden. Explore the feasibility of oyster reef construction along the City's lagoon
shoreline and implement as appropriate and possible.
Purpose:One adult oyster can filter 50 gallons of water per day, removing both organic and inorganic
particles from water. This results in improved water quality and a healthier ecosystem34. When
multiplied, the potential filtering power of oysters is infinite. The Brevard Zoo Oyster Gardening
program empowers residents to become an active member in the restoration of the lagoon system,
giving them one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to improve water quality. The City of
Cape Canaveral should pursue the program for its municipal docks through a public -private
partnership in the maintenance of each oyster garden.
Implementation Period: 15 years
Implementation Strategy: The City will work with the Brevard Zoo to freely acquire oyster garden
cages and the necessary materials for each growing season. Cages filled with young oysters will be
strung underneath City -owned docks via rope and left to incubate for 6 to 9 months; at which time
the fully developed oysters will be transferred back to Brevard Zoo staff for implementation at various
oyster reef locations across the lagoon. Signage will also be placed at each respective City dock in
order to make users aware of the oyster gardens presence and purpose. Should an oyster reef be
determined as a feasible infrastructure project the City will again work with the Brevard Zoo through
their Restore Our Shores Program in order to scope, permit and implement a proper oyster reef.
Implementation of such a reef could be accomplished through volunteer work in the Community.
Measure of Success: Success for this target can be measured through the amount of oyster cages
implemented each year and the amount of viable adult oysters that are collected at the end of each
growing period. A successful harvest includes anywhere from 50 to 200 oysters from each cage.
Metrics for each harvest should be made publicly available on the City's website and official social
media pages.
34 Source: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/habitat-conservation/oyster-reef-habitat#the-value-of-oyster-reef-habitat
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 14
When new City owned buildings, parks and roadways are being considered, or existing ones are
redeveloped, LID or xeriscape practices should be implemented. All City operated buildings should
dedicate 25% of the site to LID/xeriscape techniques.
Purpose: LID and xeriscaping is a form of landscaping that involves little to no irrigation and often
involves the planting of native species that are best suited for the area they are being planted in,
reducing the need for both water and fertilizers35. This in turn decreases the cost of maintenance and
an area's environmental impacts.
Implementation Period: 15 years
Implementation Strategy: Upon the development or redevelopment of a City building, the amount
of space dedicated to landscaping will be determined. At least 25% of this intended landscaped area
should be set aside for LID/xeriscape techniques and native or Florida -friendly plants. Ground cover
should consist of rocks or mulch in the place of sod. Florida native plants should be friendly to
pollinator populations and be drought tolerant. Should it be feasible and appropriate, this
landscaping practice should be incorporated at all City parks including pocket parks.
Measure of Success: Analyze the actual percentage of LID landscape implemented at City facilities.
Each facility should have at least 25% of its landscaped area incorporate LID or xeriscaping. A great
example can be seen at Cape Canaveral City Hall, which heavily features LID techniques.
35 Source: http://livinggreen.ifas.ufl.edu/landscaping/xeriscaping.html
51
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
M) Action Category 3
Transportation
Accessible, clean and safe modes of transportation are key factors in designing a community that is
"bikeable and walkable". The City's Vision Statement prioritizes a transportation system that does not
solely rely on cars as the primary form of transportation, but instead encourages alternative modes.
Because transportation design in the US is moving away from roadway designs that prioritize the
automobile, the streets of tomorrow will be designed to safely and efficiently incorporate pedestrian,
bike, scooter and vehicle traffic. Commonly known as Complete Streets, this type of transportation
thinking allows for communities to plan for multiple modes of travel for all ages and abilities to include
designs that utilize ADA compliant principals36. In the City of Cape Canaveral (1.9 square miles) walking
and biking is vital and often utilized as a primary mode of transportation.
According to a 2019 report by the National Complete Street Coalition and Smart Growth America,
Brevard County is one of the deadliest places in the entire nation for walkers and bicyclists, ranking third
on the report's list of vulnerable locations37. In the City's 2018 Community Survey, pedestrian and
roadway safety was an important topic to most respondents, with many being dissatisfied with the level
of ease and safety when using roadways in the City, especially SR A1A. For this reason, the City will work
with the SCTPO towards adopting Vision Zero policies for transportation design, which calls for zero
traffic and pedestrian fatalities or serious injuries within the City of Cape Canaveral.
Figure 28. Health First Mayors' Fitness Challenge bike event.
36 Source: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/program/national-complete-streets-coalition/publications/what-are-complete-streets/
37 Source: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/dangerous-by-design/
52
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
Another important aspect of resilient and sustainable transportation involves transitioning the City's
vehicle fleet to cleaner, alternative fueled vehicles in order to lower fuel costs, emissions and increase
fuel efficiency in times of disaster where fuel supplies may be inaccessible. Of the available alternative
fueled vehicles emerging in the national market, electric vehicles are by far the most technologically
advanced and are already seeing mass deployment across numerous private38 and public fleets
nationwide39. Additionally, electricity used to recharge electric vehicles is significantly cheaper than fuels
used in traditional internal combustion counterparts throughout their lifecycle40.
The City must also prepare its infrastructure to meet the demands of a changing auto industry, which is
rapidly deploying electric vehicles41. Installing appropriate EV charging station infrastructure to
accommodate a transitioning market to electric vehicles is important to modernization, growth and
resilience42. That being the case, the City will also explore renewable energy installations as an option
for powering the City's EV charging stations, as this will support clean energy production in the event
of a grid outage.
Figure 29. Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
38 Source: https://www.greenbiz.com/article/pace-corporate-electric-fleet-commitments-picking
39 Source: https://www.ciovtech.com/fs/transportation/Scores-of-Cities-Counties-Commit-to-Electric-Fleet-Future.html
40 Source: https://www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/saving-fuel-and-vehicle-costs
41 Source: https://mashable.com/2017/10/03/electric-car-development-plans-ford-gm/
42 Sou rce: https://www.govtech.com/fs/infrastructure/Strong-Growth-Expected-in-EV-Charging-Stations.htmI
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 15
Continueto support, maintain and expand appropriate infrastructure along portions of the East Coast
Greenway Trail that runs through the City along North Atlantic Ave. and SR A1A.
Purpose: This target is in line with the City's Vision Statement of becoming a bikeable and walkable
community. It also allows for increased ecotourism and alternative transportation that is non -
polluting and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Period: Current (c).
Implementation Strategy: An awareness campaign should be developed to include the trail and its
amenities via a distributable map highlighting the trails route through theCity. Further enhancements
can include the installation of bike fix -it stations, bike racks, protected bike lanes, expanded sidewalks
and pocket parks such as Wagner and the future Galactic, each of which run adjacent to the trail
along North Atlantic Ave.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by increased engagement and public awareness of
the trail. The City will also identify and map amenities along the trail's route for public distribution.
The trail should include at least three bike fix -it stations and have access to at least five bike racks.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 16
Double the current amount of Mobi-Mats® at City beach crossovers from four to eight.
Purpose: Currently, the City has four Mobi-Mats® at the Ridgewood, Monroe, Polk and Buchanan
beach crossovers, each designed to serve as a lightweight, non -slip, portable, roll -out
ADA/ABA/AODA beach access pathway that can accommodate pedestrians, wheelchair users and
strollers. Because they increase beach accessibility, Mobi-Mats should be added to additional beach
crossovers in order to continue promoting a Community designed for all ages and abilities.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: Begin the permitting process required for installation and acquire new
Mobi-Mats. Placement should be determined by Community input and feasibility.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by Community input and the City's ability to install
additional Mobi-Mats within the five-year implementation period. As a benchmark at least two
should be installed every two years.
54
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 17
Establish a kayak trail along the City's lagoon shoreline to connect Banana River, Manatee Sanctuary,
Long Point and Center Street Parks. Once established and if feasible, explore a partnership and
connectivity with the proposed port -located aquarium project via the Brevard Zoo and points south
into the City of Cocoa Beach.
Purpose: To expand ecotourism attractions in the City while also allowing for alternative modes of
transportation for residents and visitors that is non-polluting and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Period: 5 years (for City -owned property; Port Canaveral and City of Cocoa Beach
connection would be TBD).
Implementation Strategy: The City should explore grants as a funding source and determine
feasibility in regard to sites appropriate for installation. If established, the City should promote the
trail and its benefits through a social media campaign, community outreach and signage. The Brevard
Zoo should also be engaged in this process as they will be responsible for the future port -located
aquarium, the northernmost point along the proposed trail. Docks at each park should be made to
withstand extreme weather conditions, should be made from sustainably sourced materials and be
ADA compliant; where feasible.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to establish additional kayak
trails. At a minimum the City should strive to construct two more kayak accessible docks at Long
Point and Manatee Sanctuary Parks within the five year implementation period.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 18
Ensure all City facilities are universally EV accessible.
Purpose: Ensuring each City facility is universally EV accessible will not only support EV use in the
Community but it will allow the City to continue building the infrastructure necessary for EV fleet
deployment. This will increase the fleet's resiliency, as these charging stations will allow the City to
run independently during storm operations or when traditional fuel maybe in limited supply. Even in
an outage, these charging stations can become grid independent if they are connected to renewable
energy systems and batteries. This also supports Target 19.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: Renewable energy systems that aid in powering each charging station
should be considered, especially in locations where existing electrical lines may not be feasible for
connection. Of the remaining City facilities that are not EV accessible, appropriate locations should
be evaluated for feasibility.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by feasibility and appropriateness of site placement
based on the remaining City facilities without EV accessibility. At a minimum, the MGF should be EV
accessible as this building has already been designed to accommodate charging stations.
55
Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 19
Implement a City vehicle fleet wide carbon dioxide emissions tracking program.
Purpose: Having a tracking program for fleet vehicle emissions will allow the City to baseline its
transportation emissions load, and allow for a better understanding into which specific vehicles emit
the most emissions. Knowing such specifics can allow Staff to better pinpoint vehicles that are the
most emissions intensive and in turn better address conversion to cleaner alternative fuels.
Implementation Period: 5 years
Implementation Strategy: Staff will design and implement a tracking program based on fuel
consumption, vehicle make and model and miles driven to determine an emissions portfolio for each
individual fleet vehicle. This tracking program will apply to all vehicle types, including alternative fuel -
based vehicles. The City could partner with a local university to have the initiative become a student
design project to reduce Staff time and resources, while also enriching local awareness and education.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined based on whether or not a fleet wide carbon dioxide
emissions tracking program can be designed and implemented within 5 years, and also continuously
kept up-to-date by Staff.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 20
Work with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Space Coast Transportation
Planning Organization (SCTPO) to explore and research innovative policies and technologies that
improve vehicular and pedestrian safety along State Road (SR) A1A and implement as feasible and
appropriate.
Purpose: SR A1A is the City's most traveled thoroughfare and experiences frequent vehicular and
pedestrian traffic accidents. The Community considers the road dangerous and unsafe and desires
improvements that facilitate pedestrian activity. To this end, the City will continue to work with FDOT
and the SCTPO in order to reduce the number of accidents and fulfill the City's Vision for a more
walkable and bikeable Community. Such roadway improvements will also allow the City to meet
Vision Zero policies that seek to eliminate traffic related deaths and serious injuries.
Implementation Period: 15 years.
Implementation Strategy: There are multiple ways in which SR A1A can be redeveloped into a safer
roadway. All available technology and design solutions should be thoroughly reviewed by all agencies
(City, SCTPO, and FDOT). Improvements that include raised medians, solar powered pedestrian
crosswalks, roundabouts, protected bike lanes, reduced speed limits and turning lanes should all be
considered. Staff will continue to work with agency partners and advocate for roadway designs that
prioritize pedestrian activity and safety.
Measure of Success: Success should be determined after design or safety modifications are made
to SR A1A. Surveys should be conducted to compare pre- and post -modification statistics regarding
roadway related accidents, injuries and fatalities. This will be used to support SCTPO's Vision Zero
goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 21
Ensure all EV charging stations based at City facilities are powered by renewable energy and are
made grid -independent through the use of battery storage systems.
Purpose: To power EV charging stations with renewable energy so they are grid -independent, self -
powered and are not affected by power outages. Grid -independence will make each charging station
more resilient and will allow for emissions -free EV infrastructure for residents and City Staff.
Implementation Period: 15 years.
Implementation Strategy: Review each EV charging station to determine energy requirements and
public usage. Appropriate and feasible renewable energy generation methods should be scoped, in
conjunction with battery storage options in order to allow for continuous off -grid operation. Solar
power should be the primary consideration.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the ability to transition all City EV charging
stations to renewable energy while ensuring 24/7 operation without interruption.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 22
Convert all City fleet vehicles to alternative fueled vehicles.
Purpose: Transitioning the City to alternative fuel vehicles for its fleet will allow Cape Canaveral to
lower its fuel and maintenance costs, reduce its environmental footprint and increase resilience.
Implementation Period: 15 years.
Implementation Strategy: As older internal combustion vehicles are retired, alternative fuel vehicles
should be researched and procured. Types of alternative fueled vehicles include compressed natural
gas (CNG), hydrogen, biofuels, hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and full electric vehicles (EV).
EVs are gaining popularity in the market and their charging infrastructure is being provided by a
number of entities. As a member of the Climate Mayors Electric Vehicle Purchasing Collaborative, the
City has the opportunity to acquire new EVs at reduced costs. The City should remain a member of
the collaborative so as new medium and heavy duty electric vehicles become available, the City is
able to add them to its fleet.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to completely transition its
vehicle fleet to alternative fuel vehicles within the 15-year implementation period.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 23
Ensure all City bus stops are covered and appropriately illuminated via solar powered lighting.
Purpose: Bus shelters with nighttime lighting add an element of safety and security to the Community
and help to encourage the use of public transit.
Implementation Period: 15 years.
Implementation Strategy: The City should conduct a bus shelter audit to determine the number of
uncovered bus shelters. Installations should be prioritized based on use frequency. This target can be
co -developed with the SCTPO and the Space Coast Transit Authority (SCAT). As with existing City bus
shelters, new ones can be acquired via grant programs or simply allocated within the City's annual
budget, with the goal of installing at least one bus shelter per year.
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Measure of Success: Success will be determined on the ability to install and maintain covered bus
shelters at all City bus stops within the 15-year implementation period.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 24
Where feasible, transition City roadways to bikeable and walkable Complete Street designs that
follow the City's Vision Statement and include the installation of ADA compliant sidewalks.
Purpose: Complete Street designs offer increased safety and accessibility for all forms of
transportation. If designed properly they can also support stormwater infrastructure via LID, planted
medians, and permeable pavement.
Implementation Period: 30 years.
Implementation Strategy: As City roadways are redeveloped, they should be designed with
Complete Street amenities.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to transition streets to Complete
Street designs within the 30-year implementation period.
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N) Action Category 4
Energy
Energy production and the systems used for distributing power are critical pieces of infrastructure.
Without a steady and consistent flow of electricity, stable Community functions —ranging from
communications to emergency services —would not be possible. As the market evolves, energy
providers are rapidly transitioning to renewable energy. Wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, hydro, tidal
and wave power are all considered renewable forms of energy —and generally less harmful to the
environment43.
Worldwide, renewable energy capacity quadrupled over the last 10 years, representing $2.6 trillion in
investment44. Since 2008, renewable energy generation has nearly doubled in the US, from 382 million
megawatt hours to 742 million megawatt hours in 2018. Most of this growth, nearly 90%, came from
wind and solar power45. In 2009, solar power in the US produced enough electricity to power 227,983
homes. By 2019, solar energy in the US produced enough electricity to power over 9 million homes, a
40% increase. And, wind power alone now generates enough electricity to power 26 million homes in
the US, triple the amount of power it produced in 200946. To date, 139 US cities and 9 states, districts
and territories have committed to transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 205047. Much of this
transition is due to technological advances in renewables, which have drastically decreased in costs
when compared to traditional forms of energy like coal and nuclear48.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition with a record drop in petroleum demand across the
world due to lockdowns and travel restrictions, forcing many oil and gas companies to diversify and
invest in renewable energy developments. An example is BP, which in August 2020 announced it would
reduce its oil and gas production by 40% and invest $5 billion per year into low carbon technology by
2030 to build at least 50 gigawatts of renewables49. This slump in fossil fuel demand has allowed
renewable energy to rise significantly, now accounting for over 20%ofthe US energy grid 50. This is more
electricity share than coal production, which accounted 17.1 % of generation51.
43 Source: https://www.ucsusa.org/energy/renewable-energy
44 Source: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/06092019/renewable-energy-qlobal-q rowth-climate-change-goals-unep-global- trends-bnef
45 Source: https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=38752
46 Source: https://environmentamerica.orq/sites/environment/files/reports/Renewables-On-The-Rise/FRG-AME Renewables-On-The-
Rise 2019 vla.pdf
47 Source: https://www.sierraclub.org/ready-for-100/commitments
48 Source: https://www.prescouter.com/2019/04/2018-wa s-a-record -yea r-for- renewab le -energy- 2019-could-be-the-same/
49 Source: https://www.creentechmedia.com/articles/read/bp-to-invest-5b-a-year-on-low-carbon-and-cut-fossil-fuel-output-bv-40-percent-
bv-2030
50 Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/business/energy-environment/coronavirus-oil-wind-solar-energy.html
51 Source: https://ieefa.org/renewables-beat-coal-in-u-s-power-generation-in-q1-2020/
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
Energy storage systems, such as battery backups, are also an important component of renewable
energy. Recent price drops and increased capacity have allowed battery storage systems to become
cost competitive for both residential and utility scale usage52. When combined with energy storage
systems, renewables can offer a measure of resilience not possible with fossil fuels. Grid independence
allows for decreased utility costs, power assurance and increased energy security, as electricity can be
made onsite and stored for clean and continuous operations. On average, power outages cost the US
economy $150 billion annually, with 87% of outages attributed to severe weather events such as
hurricanes53.
As a barrier island, Cape Canaveral is vulnerable to hurricanes and power outages. Incoming
transmission lines are generally above ground and are susceptible to high winds and intense wave
action. Renewable power in conjunction with energy storage systems will allow the City to safely and
reliably maintain operations during outages and severe weather events for effective management
during pre- and post -storm periods.
52 Source: https://about.bnef.com/blog/battery-powers-latest-plunge-costs-threatens-coal-gas/
53 Source: https://www.kohlerpower.com/home/common/pdf/RES Infographic.pdf
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 25
Work with Florida Power and Light (FPL), industry experts and local universities to develop and
implement smart and microgrid technologies where feasible.
Purpose: Implementing smart and microgrid technologies across the City's built environment and
facilities will help to increase energy efficiency, reduce utility costs and increase resiliency. Smart and
microgrid technologies can allow for intelligent energy management independent of human input
and can allow for increased renewable capacity by allowing "islanding", where a building and its
energy systems can safely be grid -independent for prolonged periods of time.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: This target should be researched and scoped in conjunction with FPL and,
if possible, local university assistance from entities such as the Florida Institute of Technology or the
Florida Solar Energy Center. Explore grants from the state and federal government for funding and
implementing upgrades. As new City buildings are constructed or redeveloped, smart and microgrid
technologies should be reviewed before construction for feasibility and effectiveness.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the availability of smart or microgrid systems via
research with coordinating partners. If grant opportunities present themselves they should be
capitalized upon to expedite system installation.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 26
Transition each of the City's mobile fuel -based light towers and generator units to electric, solar or
wind powered equivalents.
Purpose: To achieve cleaner and quieter operations at City events and in post -disaster situations,
while also significantly reducing or eliminating the need for traditional fueling requirements.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: Inventory the City's current mobile light towers and generator units so
that appropriate renewable substitutes can be researched and procured. Solar power should be a
priority given its consistent availability in the region.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to convert each of its mobile
light towers and generator units to renewable alternatives within the 5-year implementation period.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 27
Strive to become a SolSmart Program member with a "Gold" rating by encouraging solar use and
providing resources to residents to make solar more affordable and easier to acquire.
Purpose: SolSmart is "a national designation program that recognizes cities, counties and regional
organizations that foster the development of mature local solar markets". Becoming a designated
SolSmart City will help the community become solar ready and allow for more resources to become
available to residents and business owners through a streamlining of solar policies, no -cost technical
assistance and access to local solar markets. Obtaining the designation could also attract clean energy
businesses to locate in the City.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: Create a list of City solar policies, projects and initiatives. Based on this
list, no -cost technical assistance can then be obtained through SolSmart representatives in order to
pinpoint solar ready policy changes that support the qualifications necessary to achieve a "Gold"
rating in the City.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to achieve a "Gold" SolSmart
Program rating within the 5-year implementation period. The City can choose to incrementally
achieve this Target, opting to first receive a "Bronze" rating —the lowest level of achievement —then
a "Silver" rating, then "Gold", the final achievement level within the program.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 28
Work with FPL and other partners to research and scope a utility scale battery storage facility to
deliver emergency power or peak operations City-wide.
Purpose: Large public and private utilities —including FPL—are adding these systems to their
operations in an effort to increase grid resilience and stability while reducing emissions. Battery
storage systems of appropriate size can help reduce outage times and lower energy costs by coming
online during peak hours and offsetting grid consumption. These systems can maintain a small
footprint, are noiseless and have zero onsite emissions.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: This target is not directly calling for the implementation of a utility scale
battery storage system, but rather its research and development in order to determine if a system is
feasible. City Staff should consult with FPL and various industry partners to scope possible battery
systems. The end result should be a completed feasibility and financial assessment.
Measure of Success: Determine feasibility and conduct a financial assessment highlighting how a
utility scale battery storage system could be implemented in the City of Cape Canaveral.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 29
Convert at least 50% of the City's streetlights to solar power by 2035; while also working to convert
100% of the City's streetlights to solar power by 2050.
Purpose: Grid -independent solar powered street lighting can offer the City reduced energy costs,
lower emissions and increased resilience.
Implementation Period: 15 years.
Implementation Strategy: An implementation strategy should be developed to facilitate installation.
Factors should include which roadways are most utilized, lighting needs based on turtle regulations
and existing lights most vulnerable to disasters. Self -powered solar lights should be installed on a
street by street basis with a specific replacement goal per year. The City should also investigate non -
energy reliant traffic control measures, such as roundabouts and speed humps.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to convert 50% of its street
lights by 2035 and 100% by 2050.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 30
Ensure that all 12 City lift stations have backup power from renewable sources for at least 96 hours
of grid -independent operations.
Purpose: Lift stations are vital infrastructure designed to move wastewater. Ensuring that each of the
City's lift stations have renewable backup power sources is key to maintaining lift station operations
in the event of a power outage. Power loss at any given lift station can cause wastewater backups,
loss of pressure and flooding of surrounding areas. Renewable power systems, when combined with
a battery storage backup, can run indefinitely without relying on traditional energy sources such as
diesel fuel.
Implementation Period: 15 years.
Implementation Strategy: Prioritize lift stations that require backup power —since not all lift stations
have emergency power capabilities —and transition from a diesel generator to a renewable system.
Begin a systematic upgrade of each lift station based upon need and which renewable system would
work best for which station. Solar and small-scale wind systems are likely the most practical renewable
generation methods. Lift stations slated for upgrade or redevelopment should be transitioned first.
Outreach to other cities that have already completed such systems should be conducted.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to transition all 12 City lift
stations to renewable emergency power sources that last for upto 96 hours in the event of an outage.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 31
Convert all City facilities to run off of renewable energy with associated battery storage systems.
Purpose: Ensuring that City facilities can generate their own power during normal operations and
during emergency operations through renewable energy (and associated battery storage systems)
will enable efficient operations, lower utility costs and increased resilience.
Implementation Period: 15 years.
Implementation Strategy: Each facility should be properly scoped for appropriate renewable energy
systems. Solar and small-scale wind installations are the most applicable given Cape Canaveral's
location. Other considerations include building size, roof square footage and site shading. Facilities
that are being constructed or redeveloped should be given priority when implementing renewable
energy and battery storage systems. Numerous grant opportunities exists for the research,
development and installation of such system and should be actively investigated before facility
conversion.
Measure of Success: Success should be determined by the City's ability to ensure facilities: have a
renewable energy and battery storage system; can efficiently and consistently maintain power each
day during normal operations; and in the event of power outages.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 32
Transition the City to renewable energy sources.
Purpose: Transitioning the entire City to renewable energy by 2050 is ambitious, but this has the
potential to improve the overall health and wellbeing of residents and the environment. Renewable
energy is an effective source of power generation and will increase resiliency as the Community will
no longer be tethered to traditional offsite energy sources.
Implementation Period: 30 years.
Implementation Strategy: The ultimate goal is to power the City's facilities with renewable power
by 2050. The Community should also work to transition to renewable sources. Since utility scale solar
systems are rapidly being added to FPL's energy portfolio, the City should actively seek to ensure its
Community members receive power from these utility scale solar systems through continued
lobbying and discussions with FPL, new energy purchasing programs or legislation.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to receive 100% of its energy
from clean, renewable sources with zero emissions by the designated implementation period.
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0) Action Category 5
Built Environment
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the built environment is anything that
provides people with living, working and recreational spaces54. As spaces are developed, energy and
water use increase. In a community that is over 90% built out, the City can profoundly influence its built
environment through innovative and sustainable land use policies that support redevelopment that is
resilient. Sustainable buildings are the framework for enhanced community resilience, and transforming
the way buildings and communities are designed and built can help ensure a more resilient future for
all.
Because Florida is ground zero for seal -level rise, coastal communities must lead efforts that aim to
mitigate the effects of natural disasters. U pdates that include a built environment that is storm and flood
ready will reduce impacts to the built environment and those who occupy it. With this in mind, the City
will continue to engage regional partners and explore policy changes that make Cape Canaveral's built
environment more resilient.
Figure 30. Aerial view of Cape Canaveral with the Banana River Lagoon on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east.
54 Source: https://www.epa.gov/smm/basic-information-about-built-environment
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 33
Develop policies that are in line with Peril of Flood (SB 1094) legislation that discourages increase
building density in the 100-year floodplain, the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL), areas
vulnerable to at least a Category 2 storm surge and the 2070 USACE High Projection Rate Curve for
sea level rise.
Purpose: To comply with the Peril of Flood legislation, which requires local governments to address
development and redevelopment strategies to reduce flood risk.
Implementation Period: Current (c).
Implementation Strategy: Staff will work with the ECFRPC to secure technical guidance and grant
funding through various sources in order to develop updates to the City's Comprehensive Plan and
Code of Ordinances.
Measure of Success: Success will be measured by the City's ability to adopt meaningful policy
changes to its Comprehensive Plan and Code of Ordinances that comply with SB 1094.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 34
Explore amendments to the City Code that would allow for elevated or floodable development with
living spaces that are higher off the ground55.
Purpose: According to the City's Vulnerability Assessment, storm surge and flooding will be
exacerbated by sea level rise; putting considerable amounts of the built environment at risk for
prolonged periods of inundation. Residents and business owners must be educated on opportunities
that allow them to develop floodable or elevated structures which aim to reduce flooding risks and
impacts to life and property.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: Staff will gather examples of case studies and ordinances that incorporate
floodable or elevated building techniques. Materials will be shared with the Community via digital
outreach or workshops.
Measure of Success: Success will be measured by Staff's ability to compile examples of building
techniques and ordinances that showcase innovative built environment solutions to flooding and sea
level rise.
ss Source: https://therealdeal.com/miami/2018/12/21/in-miami-beach-buyers-and-builders-turn-to-elevated-homes-amid-rising-concerns-
of-floods/
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 35
Explore amendments to the City Code of Ordnances that require more stormwater retention onsite.
Purpose: Increased stormwater retention onsite can reduce stormwater runoff through LID
techniques. Onsite retention allows stormwater to naturally percolate into the soil and be filtered or
to be evaporated without contributing to harmful runoff.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: Staff will prepare Code amendments that seek to increase onsite
stormwater retention for individual properties.
Measure of Success: Success will be measured by the adoption of these amendments which require
increased onsite stormwater retention.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 36
Ensure all City facilities have the ability to capture rainwater or stormwater for reuse through best
management practices that include: stormwater chambers, rain barrels or green roofs.
Purpose: Capturing rainwater and stormwater for reuse can help reduce harmful runoff that
negatively impacts the lagoon system. This can also help to reduce the risk of flooding since onsite
retention can lessen the chances of stormwater systems being overwhelmed. These systems also
reduce water consumption as collected rainwater and stormwater can be used in applications such
as irrigation.
Implementation Period: 15 years.
Implementation Strategy: As new City buildings are scoped, built, or redeveloped ensure that low
impact stormwater strategies are used to eliminate harmful discharges into the BRL. The Code of
Ordinances currently allows the use of LEED equivalent design, however the stormwater requirements
in the City's Code should also be evaluated and improved.
Measure of Success: Success should be measured on the City's ability to include innovative LID
techniques as a means of stormwater management. The City should document such improvements
and make them available via the City's website.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 37
At least 25% of all new City roads, parking lots and sidewalks square footage should be permeable.
Purpose: Permeable surfaces are better at managing stormwater since they allow water to percolate
and filter out pollutants. Traditional paved surfaces (i.e. asphalt) do not allow for water to flow
through them which results in runoff. This means unfiltered pollutants are channeled into storm
drains, which flow into the Lagoon. Increasing permeable surfaces will support a more natural system
that also recharges the water table.
Implementation Period: 30 years.
Implementation Strategy: As new City roads, parking lots and sidewalks are scoped, replaced, or
built, low impact stormwater strategies such as permeable surfaces should be explored. The City must
first determine approximate measurements for roads, parking lots and sidewalks. Once a baseline
has been established, the City should increase permeable surfaces based on feasibility and costs.
Products should also be evaluated based on maintainability before implementation.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to increase permeable surfaces
to 25% within the target's date.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 38
Ensure that all City owned buildings are at least LEED Silver equivalent upon new construction or
redevelopment.
Purpose: LEED certification is a program by the USGBC that encourages and "assesses building
design and construction in terms of energy efficiency, water usage, air quality and choice of building
materials as well as environmental factors such as access to public transportation and responsible
land use". While LEED certification can be costly, program design and construction requirements are
publicly available and can be achieved for free. With this in mind, all future City owned buildings
should be built to LEED certification equivalence.
Implementation Period: 30 years.
Implementation Strategy: As City buildings are built or redeveloped, LEED equivalency should be
used along with other more innovative technologies that increase building and energy efficiency.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to scope and ensure all new or
redeveloped City buildings achieve LEED equivalency.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 39
Ensure all City facilities are net zero or energy positive upon new construction or redevelopment.
Purpose: A net zero building produces the same amount of energy it consumes. An energy positive
building produces more energy than what it consumes56. This allows a building to reduce its utility
costs with reduced electricity consumption through more efficient heating and cooling systems.
These systems also lower emissions and are more resilient since they are typically power grid -
independent.
Implementation Period: 30 years.
Implementation Strategy: Buildings can achieve net zero or energy positive status through energy
efficiency upgrades, battery storage systems and renewable energy generation installations. Each City
facility should be reviewed in order to determine what renewable energy systems are best suited for
its design and load requirements. Energy efficiency upgrades such as smart thermostats, LED lighting,
variable speed drive air compressor air conditioning and heat pumps can be utilized to reduce energy
demands. Design reviews can occur in conjunction with both private and public partners, including
university researchers or consultants.
Measure of Success: If facilities become net zero or energy positive, audits should take place to
monitor electricity demands after upgrades have occurred to see if the structures are either using the
same amount of power they are producing or if they are producing more than they need to confirm
either a net zero or energy positive status.
56 Sources: https://thegrid.rexel.com/en-us/knowledge/energy-efficiency/w/wiki/81/achieving-net-zero-energy-or-net-positive-energy-
building-operation
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
P) Action Category 6
Equity and Quality of Life
In order to better position the City of Cape Canaveral, it is important to recognize that climate change
is likely to impact those in the Community who are lower -income, older, and will have a reduced capacity
for adaptation. That being the case, the City wishes to create an environment that is responsive, socially
connected, and can meet numerous goals while improving emergency management and reducing
environmental impacts.
As part of the City of Cape Canaveral's larger sustainability efforts, working to create balance between
the built and natural environment is critical to the Community. The built environment includes all
physical aspects of where a person lives —neighborhood characteristics, parks, land use and
infrastructure all have profound impacts on quality of life.
Overall, the City strives to be more resilient and equitable for all ages. AARP approaches the subject of
quality of life through their Network of Age -Friendly States and Communities, and upholds the 8
Domains of Livability developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). AARP's framework includes:
(1) outdoor space and buildings; (2) transportation; (3) housing; (4) social participation; (5) respect and
social inclusion; (6) civic participation and employment; (7) communication and information; and (8)
community and health services.
Similarly, the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), approaches quality of life and equity
through community -centered planning process that can maximize the benefits of climate preparedness
action among lower -income populations and vulnerable communities. Not to be confused with
emergency preparedness, equity driven resilience is the ability for a community to enjoy a high quality
of life with reliable systems, economic vitality and the conservation of resources through root causes
that persists in society. Equitable, community -driven climate preparedness planning framework has
several benefits because it can play an important role in developing policies and solutions that address
community vulnerability and build climate resilience. Actions, like those listed in this document aim to:
provide actions to reduce hazard risks, improve assistance after climate hazards, help communities
adapt to changing conditions and reduce social inequalities.
As the City plans ahead, it will continue to seek solutions that build community resilience through hazard
preparedness and climate change adaptation. In the end, the goal is to produce solutions that approach
potential changes through holistic and comprehensive planning.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
Figure 31. Community sea oats planting event, 2019.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
Figure 32. Kairos Community Garden event, 2019.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 40
Maintain monthly workshop series for residents to engage with Staff and various experts in regard
to the environment, resiliency and local initiatives that may affect the City.
Purpose: Communication of environmental issues and new ideas is an important aspect of
sustainability and preparedness. With this in mind, it is important to continue to inform residents of
the challenges the City faces and the initiatives being undertaken as a result.
Implementation Period: Current (c).
Implementation Strategy: Continue monthly workshops as a communication method to engage
residents and business owners on the City's environmental initiatives.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to maintain a monthly workshop
schedule and show increased engagement on environmental initiatives.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 41
Continue to maintain and promote the City's Kairos Community Garden while ensuring resources
such as water and electricity are self-sustaining.
Purpose: The garden is meant to serve the Community by providing an opportunity for gardeners to
strengthen community ties while providing access to nutritional foods some may not otherwise have.
Implementation Period: Current (c).
Implementation Strategy: Continue to empower residents to be environmental stewards and
provide resources and support for community garden needs.
Measure of Success: Success will be measured by garden participation/member retention and the
ability of the garden to become self-sufficient without relying on external resources.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 42
Develop an action plan that is in line with the World Health Organization's Global Network of Age -
Friendly Cities and Communities' eight domains of livability. The domains are used as a framework
for policy discussions for members of AARP's Network of Age -Friendly Communities. The domains
provide a centralized source for information, examples and strategies about programs and policies
that work to help communities become more livable places for all ages.
Purpose: As we look to the future, the City must develop and pursue goals that make the City of
Cape Canaveral a better place to live. With the completion of the 2018 Community Survey, the
Resilient Cape Canaveral vulnerability assessment and a number of completed sustainability projects,
the City will use this Plan to determine goals and appropriate timeframes that are in line with AARP's
8 Domains of Livability and the City's overall resiliency.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: Continue to engage AARP representatives and build relationships that
allow the City to use AARP as a resource to help develop initiatives and pursue effective strategies
during the Planning, Implementation and Evaluation phases of the age -friendly communities process.
Measure of Success: Because the development of an action plan is part of the AARP Network of
Age -Friendly Communities membership, completion of this plan will be considered a measure of
success. Following this, the City will have 5 years to implement parts of the plan and provide updates
on successes and best practices.
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Q) Action Category 7
Waste and Consumption
The US and by extension, the world, is facing a waste crisis. Since the 1950s, 8.3 billion tons of plastic
have been produced, but only 9% has been recycled. Twelve percent has been incinerated and 79% is
either in a landfill or littered in the environment.57 If current trends continue, 3.7 billion tons of plastic
will have been produced by 2050, which could lead to more plastic material in the ocean by weight than
fish58.
Each year, over 2 billion metric tons of solid waste is produced globally. This is enough to fill 800,000
Olympic sized swimming pools59. The US currently has a national recycling rate of about 35%60, making
it the only developed nation where waste generation outweighs its ability to recycle. The average
American produces 1,704 pounds of waste per year; three times the average Chinese citizen61
Recently (2018), China —America's number one importer of recyclable goods since the 1990s—instituted
new contamination restrictions for all incoming recycled materials. These requirements have been
difficult for the US to meet.62 As a result, recycling providers in the US have raised prices and have a
surplus of materials with nowhere to go. This has led many private and public entities to either constrain
or eliminate recycling programs altogether.
One of the easiest and most effective ways in which to reduce waste pollution is to simply stop using
unsustainable and unrecyclable materials. According to a 2019 waste stream audit from WastePro—the
City's primary waste contractor —Cape Canaveral's recycling contamination rate is 35%, meaning 35%
of all materials produced by the City meant for recycling are contaminated with items that cannot be
recycled. This Action Category is designed to help reduce waste produced from City operations, improve
recycling contamination rates and decrease the amount going to landfills.
57 Source: https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/3/7/e1700782
58 Source: http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF The New Plastics Economy.pdf
59 Source: hftps://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2018/09/20/global-waste-to-grow-by-70-percent-by-2050-unless-urgent-
action-is-taken-world-bank-report
60 Source: https://resource-recycling.com/recycling/2018/07/30/national-statistics-show-stagnant-u-s-diversion-rate/
61 Source: https://www.circularonline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07Nerisk Maplecroft Waste Generation Index Overview 2019.pdf
62 Source: https://e360.yale.edu/features/piling-up-how-chinas-ban-on-importing-waste-has-stalled-global-recycling
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Figure 33. Waste processing facility showing piles of corrugated cardboard, Brevard County.
Figure 34. Waste processing facility showing crushed aluminum cans, Brevard County.
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Figure 35. Waste processing facility showing compressed laundry bottles (left) and staff sorting non -recyclable or contaminated
materials (right), Brevard County.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 43
Eliminate single -use plastics and polystyrene within City operations where appropriate and feasible
and instead switch to reusable and eco-friendly alternatives. Vendors would be asked to participate
by declining to sell and distribute single -use plastics and polystyrene at City events.
Purpose: Eliminating single -use plastics and polystyrene will help the City to reduce one of the most
unsustainable waste streams while also decreasing plastic pollution within the environment63.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: First, determine which single -use plastic and polystyrene items are
currently used by City Staff, and which are appropriate to switch to reusable, recyclable or
compostable alternatives. Once a feasibility study has been completed, specific items can be selected
and removed from circulation in favor of alternatives.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to decrease the use of single -
use plastics and polystyrene within the target's 5-year implementation period.
63 Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/06/plastic-planet-waste-pollution-trash-crisis/
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PREPAREDNESS TARGET 44
Consider a feasibility study that determines the logistics and scope of a City-wide single -use
plastics and polystyrene ban.
Purpose: Single -use plastics and polystyrene are unsustainable and are often non -recyclable items
that have large and long lasting environmental impacts. They typically break down —but never
degrade —into small pieces called microplastics, which can be ingested by humans and wildlife which
can result in adverse health conditions64.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: A feasibility study should be conducted to identify impacts, how
implementation would affect business operations and what appropriate alternatives exist. Discussions
of a single -use plastics ban would include City Staff, residents, business leaders, as well as local
organizations that specialize in waste reduction and environmental stewardship.
Measure of Success: Target success will be based on whether or not a feasibility study is conducted
and results are formulated into a report that can be submitted to the City Council for review and
consideration in order to take whatever course of action is deemed appropriate by the study's
conclusions.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 45
Increase educational signage at all City facilities and beach crossovers that promote litter awareness
and proper recycling.
Purpose: Increasing public awareness of proper recycling habits and waste disposal methods can
reduce the amount of litter in the environment and the City's recycling contamination rate.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: Educational signage should be placed at City facilities that are frequented
by Community members and visitors, including beach crossovers and parks. Signage should display
messages and infographics that allow for quick and easy understanding.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to display up-to-date
educational signage relating to recycling and proper waste disposal at all City facilities frequented by
the public. Locations should include City Hall, the MGF, the CAPE Center, beach crossovers, public
parks, the Cape Canaveral Public Library, the Cape Canaveral Leisure Services and various other City
facilities.
64 Source: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html
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PREPAREDNESS TARGET 46
Develop a pilot program to recycle cigarette butt litter while increasing the amount of cigarette
receptacles within the City to 100 units.
Purpose: Cigarette butts are one of the most littered items on the planet. Once in the environment
they can: leach harmful chemicals; be ingested by wildlife; and become a fire hazard65. Collecting
these butts with appropriate receptacles and recycling their plastic filters can help reduce the City's
environmental footprint but also keep waste out of landfills and turn that waste into usable good s.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: The City has already acquired 50 lockable, metal cigarette receptacles
from the Connecticut -based nonprofit Keep America Beautiful through their annual giveaway
program in which they donate up to 10,000 units to US cities. The City should continue to apply for
this annual donation and strive to have at least 100 receptacles installed within the next 5 years. The
City can utilize TerraCycle in order to recycle collected butts, a New Jersey -based recycling company
that specializes in cigarette butt recycling at no cost to program participants.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability have at least 100 cigarette butt
receptacles installed and if the contents are successfully recycled into usable items. Statistics
showcasing how many butts the City has collected and recycled are available to program participants
via TerraCycle.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 47
Establish a City-wide composting program for residents and business.
Purpose: According to the US Department of Agriculture, the average American wastes 225 to 290
pounds (20%) of food each year. Most of this waste is fruits and vegetables66. Offering a composting
program to include composting bins designed for small scale residential use through a public -private
partnership would help to reduce the City's overall food waste, keep materials out of landfills and
allow for increased organic matter that can help with household gardening.
Implementation Period: 5 years.
Implementation Strategy: The City should determine an appropriate and financially feasible number
of small scale composting bins that can be distributed each year. Acquisition of composting bins
should be sought through local organizations, private donations or through available grants. A
document outlining howto compost should also be developed and distributed with each composting
bin. Composting bins should be no larger than 50 gallons and should be properly secured to avoid
unwanted pests.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by participation (at least 10 residents in year one)
and if there is growth in the program each year after inception.
65 Source: https://theconversation.com/cigarette-butts-are-the-forgotten-plastic-pollution-and-they-could-be-killing-our-plants-119958
66 Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinatroitino/2018/04/23/americans-waste-about-a-pound-of-food-a-day-usda-study-
finds/#5eea7a454ec3
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PREPAREDNESS TARGET 48
Decrease the City's recycling contamination rate from 35% to 10%or less.
Purpose: Recyclable items that are contaminated with food, liquid or non -recyclable materials are
often taken to landfills. Decreasing the amount of contamination within the City's recycling stream
can help to reduce waste and ensure that reusable materials are kept in circulation.
Implementation Period: 15 years.
Implementation Strategy: In concert with the City's solid waste contractor, improved signage
installations and educational campaigns should be created to raise awareness about proper recycling
practices. New recycling receptacles with designs to aid in proper recycling should be present at City
facilities to appropriately inform users of which items are recyclable.
Measure of Success: Regular waste audits will be conducted by the City's primary waste contractor —
currently Waste Pro —until the targeted contamination rate of 10% is reached.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 49
Significantly minimize waste for all City operations and facilities by 2050.
Purpose: Decreasing waste will help to improve the quality of both the natural and built
environments by reducing the City's carbon footprint and creating economic efficiency.
Implementation Period: 30 years.
Implementation Strategy: Waste should be defined as any materials that are generally sent to
landfills. City operations and facilities must work to utilize compostable, recyclable or long lasting
reusable materials that increase product life cycles. Construction activities associated with City
facilities should also be considered in this goal, ensuring all usable materials are repurposed and
reused.
Measure of Success: Success can be measured by beginning to track and catalog City waste
operations. A baseline should be set to establish a starting point and the City should work to decrease
its consumption by 20% every year. By 2050 such measurements should showcase a significant
decrease in materials going to landfills.
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R) Action Category 8
Storm Readiness and Sea Level Rise
The risks associated with flooding, tropical cyclones and sea level rise are examined in the City's
Vulnerability Assessment. In the coming years, the City will likely face higher temperatures, more intense
storms, and rising sea levels that will impact the efficiency of municipal operations. According to the
Assessment, by 2040, the City could see up to 1.85 feet of sea level rise, and by 2100, it could see
between 5.15 and 8.48 feet of sea level rise. This Action Category focuses on protecting and reinforcing
the resiliency of the City's most critical and vulnerable assets. To appropriately prepare for increased
risk and prolonged periods of inundation across the built environment, the City should strengthen its
infrastructure and flood protection measures to accommodate a minimum of 5.15 feet of sea level rise
by 2100. Moving forward, City leaders should continue to stay apprised of new sea level rise projections
released by official accredited scientific sources.
2040 Hazard Zone
2070 Hazard Zone
2100 Hazard Zone
2040 Hazard Zone
2070 Hazard Zone
2100 Hazard Zone
2040 - 1.85 feet sea level rise
2070 - 4.47 feet sea level rise
2100 - 8 48 feet sea level rise
Figure 36. USACE Sea Level Rise High Curve Projections, 5.15-foot minimum (left) and NOAA Sea Level Rise High Curve
Projections, 8.48-foot minimum (right).
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Cat 3 with 1.70 foot SLR (2050 USACE)
Cat 3 with 2.85 feet SLR (2070 USAGE)
Cat 3 with 5.15 feet SLR (2100 USACE)
Cat 3 with 2.5 feet SLR (2050 NOAA)
Cat 3 with 4.5 feet SLR (2070 NOAA)
Cat 3 with 8.5 feet SLR (2100 NOAA)
Figure 37. Category 3 Storm Surge with USACE High Sea Level Rise Scenarios (left) and Category 3 Storm Surge with NOAA
2017 High Sea Level Rise Projections (right).
Figure 38. Flooding from 2017 rain event in Cape Canaveral.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 50
Build at least three (3) new stormwater parks to manage flooding and continue to implement
exfiltration systems as needed.
Purpose: As rain events become more intense it is important that the City increase its stormwater
holding capacity in order to decrease the risk of flooding and reduce runoff. Stormwater parks allow
for the capture, holding and passive natural treatment of stormwater while also offering engaging
and aesthetically pleasing community environments. Underground exfiltration systems can also help
to increase the City's stormwater capacity, especially when traditional stormwater ponds are not
appropriate and feasible.
Implementation Period: 15 years.
Implementation Strategy: Feasibility studies should be conducted that take into account how
stormwater projects could be implemented. State and Federal grants relating to municipal resilience
and storm readiness should be utilized for project funding if possible.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to create 3 new stormwater
parks within the target's designated implementation period.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 51
Pursue a partnership with Brevard County to build a stormwater park with associated amenities
such as a perimeter walking trail, benches and water fountains at Cherie Down Park after
conveyance of ownership.
Purpose: Redevelopment of Cherie Down Park will allow for enhanced sustainability and resiliency.
Increasing stormwater capacity can reduce runoff and the risk of flooding. Adequately vegetated
areas can also increase local wildlife habitat and Community aesthetics.
Implementation Period: 15 years.
Implementation Strategy: Engage Brevard County on its willingness to partner with the City to fulfill
both the City's resiliency goals and the ECF RRAP goals which the County adopted in March 2019.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to partner with Brevard County
and transform a section of the site into a stormwater park within the target's designated
implementation period.
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 52
Implement appropriate semi -permanent flood defenses at City facilities for protecting open access
points such as doorways and garage doors to replace sandbags.
Purpose: Installing flood defenses at City facilities will increase their resilience against anticipated
higher flooding rates while also increasing the efficiency of Staff preparedness activities. Replacing
sandbags with metal flood barriers, gates, and walls that can be easily removed and installed as
needed will allow for more time and effort being diverted to other critical storm preparations.
Implementation Period: 15 years.
Implementation Strategy: Complete a flooding assessment for each city building to determine
feasibility and scope of installing flood defenses at all entryways and exits. Based on the results of
this assessment buildings considered to be the most vulnerable will be prioritized and appropriate
upgrades undertaken to allow for the installation of flood defenses.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined based on whether appropriate flood defenses are
installed at City buildings within this Preparedness Target's give timeframe.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 53
Dredge and strengthen the Central/Canaveral Ditch to improve erosion control and increase capacity
while creating shoreline stabilization and improved stormwater management.
Purpose: The Central/Canaveral Ditch is vulnerable to rain events, and without modifications, this
lagoon connected waterway represents a large flood hazard due to storm surge and from sea level
rise. Fortifying its banks has the potential to increase holding capacity while also preventing erosion.
Additional green infrastructure can provide increased protection as well.
Implementation Period: 30 years.
Implementation Strategy: A feasibility study should be conducted to determine the best course of
action for the Central/Canaveral Ditch. State and Federal grants relating to municipal resilience and
storm readiness should be utilized for project funding if possible.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to appropriately retrofit the
Central/Canaveral Ditch within the guidelines recommended in this Preparedness Target and if they
can be completed within the target's implementation period.
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PREPAREDNESS TARGET 54
Work with FDOT and the SCTPO to redevelop SR A1A in order to reduce flood risks posed by
minimum sea level rise projections (USACE 5.15 feet by 2100) depicted in the Assessment.
Purpose: SR A1A is an important component of the City's critical infrastructure, a major socio-
economic engine for the region and a vital evacuation route during storm events. Raising roadways
will enable SR A1A to be more resilient to storm surge and sea level rise which could otherwise close
the road to all forms of transportation activity.
Implementation Period: 30 years.
Implementation Strategy: The City must continue to engage FDOT and the SCTPO in order to
maintain its vision of a complete street design for SR A1A. Design discussions should involve elevating
the road in vulnerable sections and increasing low impact development to manage stormwater. All
efforts should be made on behalf of the City to see this target realized in a manner that is in the best
interest of its residents, visitors and businesses.
Measure of Success: Success will be measured by FDOT's ability to redevelopment SR A1A to
accommodate minimum sea level rise projections of 5.15 feet within the implementation period.
PREPAREDNESS TARGET 55
Research and implement climate -resilient engineering solutions in conjunction with green
infrastructure such as living shorelines around the perimeter of the City's Water Reclamation
Facility.
Purpose: The City's WRF is a critical asset, the location of the Public Works Department and City's
secondary emergency operations center during emergencies. Due to its proximity to the BRL, it is
highly vulnerable to storm surge, sea level rise and coastal erosion. As a result, coastal protections
will be vital to City operations.
Implementation Period: 30years.
Implementation Strategy: Once feasible flood protections have been determined, State and Federal
grants should be pursued for project funding, if possible. Partnerships with local environmental
restoration groups should also be considered in the construction of living shorelines along vulnerable
areas for further erosion control and shoreline stabilization. The City should also seek to implement
a series of low-cost sensor sites along vulnerable waterways designed to measure water heights in
order to better determine ongoing environmental conditions and further water rise.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined by the City's ability to develop a flood protection
barrier of appropriate height and scope within the target's designated implementation period.
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PREPAREDNESS TARGET 56
Complete a City-wide stormwater outfall sea level rise threat assessment and explore raising
outfalls to reduce the threat of flooding due to storm surge events and sea level rise.
Purpose: Stormwater outfalls—or points where stormwater discharges into water bodies from the
built environment —will increasingly be at risk during rain events. Stormwater runoff may not be able
to flow out into water bodies to properly drain and can result in increased flooding.
Implementation Period: 30 years.
Implementation Strategy: The City should determine which stormwater outfalls are at risk to storm
surge events and sea level rise. If outfalls are identified preparations should be made to increase their
elevation to account for a sea level rise projection of at least 5.15 feet by 2100 according to the
Assessment. City stormwater funds and State and Federal grants relating to municipal resilience and
storm readiness should be pursued to fund this project.
Measure of Success: Success will be determined on the ability to raise stormwater outfalls to
adequately accommodate a minimum sea level rise projection of 5.15 feet within the target's
designated implementation period.
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S) Preparedness Targets Summary
What follows is a bulleted summary of each Action Category and its associated Preparedness Targets,
including each target's implementation period. Implementation periods range from continuous or
"current" efforts (c), 5 years, 15 years and 30 years. There are a total of 56 Preparedness Targets across
8 Action Categories.
• ACTION CATEGORY 1: GREEN AND RESILIENT ECONOMY
• Preparedness Target 1
o Encourage green (eco-friendly) industries within the City. (c)
• Preparedness Target 2
o Support clean energy industry jobs for residential and commercial projects, City
facilities included. (c)
• Preparedness Target 3
o Promote green business practices within the Community through the City's website,
official social media pages, at events and through the Weekly Update. (c)
• Preparedness Target 4
o Promote and build attractions that encourage ecotourism. (c)
• ACTION CATEGORY 2: NATURAL SYSTEMS
• Preparedness Target 5
o Ban the use and application of glyphosate-based herbicide products at all City owned
properties, parks and facilities by City Staff and contractors. (5)
• Preparedness Target 6
o Begin a volunteer outreach program that encourages the discontinuation of phosphorus
and nitrogen based fertilizers, with the goal of at least 1000 Community members
pledging to end applications on their properties. (5)
• Preparedness Target 7
o Increase the number of registered Lagoon -Friendly Lawns within the City by 60% over
the current listed number. This will also support Target 6. (5)
• Preparedness Target 8
o Conduct a survey that documents all trees in/on City property, parks and facilities. (5)
• Preparedness Target 9
o Increase mangrove habitats along the lagoon by at least 300 trees through a joint public -
private program. (5)
• Preparedness Target 10
o Increase urban tree canopy with a reforestation strategy striving to plant 1,000 new native
and Florida -friendly trees on City properties. Residential and business properties should
be considered through a joint voluntary public -private planting initiative. (5)
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
• Preparedness Target 11
o Continue annual sea oat plantings to double the amount of sea oats along the beach
from the existing 110,000 to over 220,000 for increased dune stabilization. (15)
• Preparedness Target 12
o Strive to double the amount of properties connected to reclaim irrigation to help reduce
and potentially eliminate the need for direct reclaim discharges into the Banana River
Lagoon from the City's Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). (15)
• Preparedness Target 13
o Establish annual oyster gardens at all City -owned docks through the Brevard Zoo Oyster
Gardening Program and showcase their benefits to the Community in order to encourage
residents to participate in the program. A public -private partnership should be pursued
in the maintenance of each oyster garden. Explore the feasibility of oyster reef
construction along the City's lagoon shoreline and implement as appropriate and
possible. (15)
• Preparedness Target 14
o When new City owned buildings, parks and roadways are being considered, or existing
ones are redeveloped, LID or xeriscape practices should be implemented. All City
operated buildings should dedicate 25% of the site to LID/xeriscape techniques. (15)
• ACTION CATEGORY 3: TRANSPORTATION
• Preparedness Target 15
o Continue to support, maintain and expand appropriate infrastructure along portions of
the East Coast Greenway Trail that run through the City along North Atlantic Ave and SR
A1A. (c)
• Preparedness Target 16
o Double the current amount of Mobi-Mats® at City beach crossovers from four to eight.
(5)
• Preparedness Target 17
o Establish a kayak trail along the City's lagoon shoreline to connect Banana River, Manatee
Sanctuary, Long Point and Center Street Parks. Once established and if feasible, explore
a partnership and connectivity with the proposed aquarium project via the Brevard Zoo.
(5)
• Preparedness Target 18
o Ensure all City facilities are universally EV accessible. (5)
• Preparedness Target 19
o Implement a City vehicle fleet wide carbon dioxide emissions tracking program. (5)
• Preparedness Target 20
o Work with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Space Coast
Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) to explore and research innovative
policies and technologies that improve vehicular and pedestrian safety along State Road
(SR) A1A and implement as feasible and appropriate. (15)
• Preparedness Target 21
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
o Ensure all EV charging stations based at City facilities are powered by renewable energy
and are made grid -independent through the use of battery storage systems. (15)
• Preparedness Target 22
o Convert all City fleet vehicles to alternative fueled vehicles. (15)
• Preparedness Target 23
o Ensure all City bus stops are covered and appropriately illuminated via solar powered
lighting. (15)
• Preparedness Target 24
o Where feasible, transition City roadways to bikeable and walkable Complete Street
designs that follow the City's Vision Statement and including the installation of ADA
compliant sidewalks. (30)
• ACTION CATEGORY 4: ENERGY
• Preparedness Target 25
o Work with Florida Power and Light (FPL), industry experts and local universities to
develop and implement smart and microgrid technologies where feasible. (c)
• Preparedness Target 26
o Transition each of the City's mobile fuel -based light towers and generator units to
electric, solar or wind powered equivalents. (5)
• Preparedness Target 27
o Strive to become a SolSmart Program member with a "Gold" rating by encouraging solar
use and providing resources to residents to make solar affordable and easier to acquire.
(5)
• Preparedness Target 28
o Work with FPL and other partners to research and scope a utility scale battery storage
facility to deliver emergency power or peak operations City-wide. (5)
• Preparedness Target 29
o Convert at least 50% of the City's streetlights to solar power by 2035; while also
working to convert 100% of the City's streetlights to solar power by 2050. (15)
• Preparedness Target 30
o Ensure that all 12 City lift stations have backup power from renewable sources for at least
96 hours of grid -independent operations. (15)
• Preparedness Target 31
o Convert all City facilities to run off of renewable energy with associated battery storage
systems. (15)
• Preparedness Target 32
o Transition the City to renewable energy sources. (30)
• ACTION CATEGORY 5: BUILT ENVIRONMENT
• Preparedness Target 33
o Develop policies that are in line with Peril of Flood (SB 1094) legislation that discourages
increase building density in the 100-year floodplain, the Coastal Construction Control
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
Line (CCCL), areas vulnerable to at least a Category 2 storm surge and the 2070 USACE
High Projection Rate Curve for sea level rise. (5)
• Preparedness Target 34
o Explore amendments to the City Code that would allow for elevated or floodable
development with living spaces that are higher off the ground. (5)
• Preparedness Target 35
o Explore amendments to the City Code of Ordnances require more stormwater retention
onsite. (5)
• Preparedness Target 36
o Ensure all City facilities have the ability to capture rainwater or stormwater for reuse
through best management practices that include: stormwater chambers, rain barrels or
green roofs. (15)
• Preparedness Target 37
o At least 25% of all new City roads, parking lots and sidewalks square footage should be
permeable. (30)
• Preparedness Target 38
o Ensure that all City buildings are at least LEED Silver equivalent upon new construction
or redevelopment. (30)
• Preparedness Target 39
o Ensure all City facilities are net zero or energy positive upon new construction or
redevelopment. (30)
• ACTION CATEGORY 6: QUALITY OF LIFE AND SOCIAL OUTREACH
• Preparedness Target 40
o Maintain monthly workshop series for residents to engage with Staff and various experts
in regard to the environment, resiliency and local initiatives that may affect the City. (c)
• Preparedness Target 41
o Continue to maintain and promote the City's Kairos Community Garden while ensuring
resources such as water and electricity are self-sustaining. (c)
• Preparedness Target 42
o Develop an action plan (this is it!) that is in line with the World Health Organization's
Global Network of Age -Friendly Cities and Communities' eight domains of livability. The
domains are used as a framework for policy discussions for members of AARP's Network
of Age -Friendly Communities. The domains provide a centralized source for information,
examples and strategies about programs and policies that work to help communities
become more livable places for all ages. (c)
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
• ACTION CATEGORY 7: WASTE AND CONSUMPTION
• Preparedness Target 43
o Eliminate single -use plastics and polystyrene within City operations where appropriate
and feasible and instead switch to reusable and eco-friendly alternatives. Vendors would
be asked to participate by declining to sell and distribute single -use plastics and
polystyrene at City events. (5)
• Preparedness Target 44
o Consider a feasibility study that determines the logistics and scope of a City-wide single -
use plastics and polystyrene ban. (5)
• Preparedness Target 45
o Increase educational signage at all City facilities and beach crossovers that promote litter
awareness and proper recycling. (5)
• Preparedness Target 46
o Develop a pilot program to recycle cigarette butt litter while increasing the amount of
cigarette receptacles within the City to 100 units. (5)
• Preparedness Target 47
o Establish a City-wide composting program for residents and business. (5)
• Preparedness Target 48
o Decrease the City's recycling contamination rate from 35%to 10% or less. (15)
• Preparedness Target 49
o Significantly minimize waste for all City operations and facilities by 2050. (30)
• ACTION CATEGORY 8: STORM READINESS AND SEA LEVEL RISE
• Preparedness Target 50
o Build at least three (3) new stormwater parks to manage flooding and continue to
implement exfiltration systems as needed. (15)
• Preparedness Target 51
o Pursue a partnership with Brevard County to build a stormwater park with associated
amenities such a perimeter walking trail, benches and water fountains at Cherie Down
Park after conveyance of ownership. (15)
• Preparedness Target 52
o Implement appropriate semi -permanent flood defenses at City facilities for protecting
open access points such as doorways and garage doors to replace sandbags. (15)
• Preparedness Target 53
o Dredge and strengthen the Central/Canaveral Ditch to improve erosion control and
increase capacity while creating shoreline stabilization and improved stormwater
management. (30)
• Preparedness Target 54
o Work with FDOTand the SCTPO to redevelop SR A1A in order to reduce flood risks posed
by minimum SLR projections (USACE 5.15 feet by 2100) depicted in the City's
Vulnerability Assessment. (30)
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Resilient Cape Canaveral Action Plan (2021)
• Preparedness Target 55
o Research and implement climate -resilient engineering solutions in conjunction with
green infrastructure such as living shorelines around the perimeter of the City's Water
Reclamation Facility. (30)
• Preparedness Target 56
o Complete a City-wide stormwater outfall sea level rise threat assessment and explore
raising outfalls to reduce the threat of flooding due to storm surge events and sea level
rise. (30)
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T) Appendices
Acronym List
BMP Best Management Practice
BRL Banana River Lagoon
CBO Congressional Budget Office
CCCL Coastal Construction Control Line
CGNB Community Garden Network of Brevard
CRS Community Rating System
DEO Department of Economic Opportunity
DFRIM Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map
EAR Evaluation and Appraisal Reports
ECFRPC East Central Florida Regional Planning Council
EDA Economic Development Administration
EOOD Economic Opportunity Overlay District
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
EV Electric Vehicle
FCMP Florida Coastal Management Program
FDEP Florida Department of Environmental Protection
FDOT Florida Department of Transportation
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map
FIS Flood Insurance Studies
FPL Florida Power and Light
FRCP Florida Resilient Coastlines Program
FVI Floating Vegetation Island
IRL Indian River Lagoon
KBB Keep Brevard Beautiful
MGF Multi -Generational Facility
MHHW Mean Higher High Water
MRC Marine Resources Council
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NCEI National Centers for Environmental Information
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NGO Non -Governmental Organization
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
LID Low Impact Development
SCAT Space Coast Transit Authority
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SCTPO Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization
SR A1A State Road A1A
OF University of Florida
U F/I FAS University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
US United States
USACE United States Army Corp of Engineers
USGBC United States Green Building Council
WCED World Commission on Environment and Development
WHO World Health Organization
WRF Water Reclamation Facility
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Critical Facilities List
Table 16:Critical Facilities by Hazard
Storm Surge USACE SLR NOAA SLR Flood Shallow
Facility Facility Type Zone Horizon Horizon Zone Flood Area
Lowest Earliest Earliest
Banana River Park Debris Staging Area Waste Facility Category4 None 2100 None No
Brevard County Sheriff's Office Canaveral Law Enforcement Category 4 None None 500 No
year
Cape Canaveral City Clerk Government Category 5 None None None No
Cape Canaveral City Hall Government Category 5 None None None No
Cape Canaveral Culture and Leisure Services Government Category 5 None None None No
Cape Canaveral Fire Department Station#52 Fire Service Category4 None 2100 500 No
year
Cape Canaveral Fire Department Station#53 Fire Service Category4 None None 500 No
year
Cape Canaveral Public Library Government Category 4 None 2100 500 No
year
Cape Canaveral Community Services and Transportation
Fleet Storage Operations Category3 2100 2100 None No
Cape View Elementary School School Category 3 None 2100 500 No
year
Columbia Electric Substation Utility Category 3 None 2100 500 No
year
Craig Technologies HazMat Facility Category 3 2100 2100 500 No
Year
Lift Station 1(Washington/Magnolia) Utility Category 3 None 2100 500 No
year
Lift Station 2(Center Street) Utility Category 3 None 1 2100 None No
Lift Station 3(West Central) Utility Category 3 2100 2070 500 No
year
Lift Station 4(Coquina) Utility Category3 None 2100 500 No
year
Lift Station 5(Columbia Drive) Utility Category 2 2100 2070 Zone No
Lift Station 6(Imperial Boulevard) Utility Category4 None 2100 None No
Lift Station 7(Central/Thurm) Utility Category 3 2100 2070 500 No
year
Lift Station 8(Manatee Bay/Thurm) Utility Category3 2100 2100 None No
Lift Station 9(Banana River Drive) Utility Category 3 2100 2070 500 No
year
Lift Station 12(Patriots Park) Utility Category 3 2100 2100 500 No
year
Lift Station 13(Thurm Boulevard) Utility Category 3 2100 2100 500 No
year
Lift Station 14(Villa Nova-Thurm) Utility Category4 None 2100 None No
Manatee Sanctuary Park Solid Waste Facility Waste Facility Category 4 None 2100 None No
Pen Pals Childcare Center Day Care Category 3 None 2100 500 No
year
Transmontaigne Terminal Bulk Fuel Storage HazMat Facility Category 4 None None None No
United Stated Post Office(Cape Canaveral) Government 1 Category4 None 2100 None No
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Glossary of Frequently Used Terms
• Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Vehicle that runs on a fuel other than traditional gasoline or diesel;
any method of powering an engine that does not solely involve petroleum.
• Air Pollution: The release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to both human health
and the environment.
• Banana River Lagoon: Is a 31 -mile-long lagoon that lies between Cape Canaveral and Merritt
Island in Brevard County, Florida. It is part of the Indian River Lagoon system, and connects at
its south end to the Indian River.
• Battery Storage System: Is a technology developed for storing an electric charge by using
specially developed batteries. The underlying idea being that such stored energy can be utilized
at a later time as necessary.
• Built Environment: The human -made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity,
ranging in scale from buildings and parks or green space to neighborhoods and cities that can
often include their supporting infrastructure, such as water supply or energy networks.
• Climate Change: Describes a change in the average conditions —such as temperature and
rainfall —in a region over a long period of time. In the context of this action plan, climate change
refers to the rapid human -induced trend in warming across the planet currently being observed
by scientists resulting in numerous effects such as extreme weather, sea level rise, melting ice
sheets, and biodiversity loss.
• Climate -Ready Infrastructure: Infrastructure designed with climate -related stressors in mind,
such as sea level rise and increased storm activity. Climate -ready infrastructure is often
considered flexible, adaptable and smart; and is more resilient than traditional infrastructurethat
is designed for "business as usual" scenarios. This readiness reduces costs and build -back
periods in the event of a disaster.
• Electric Vehicle (EV): All -electric vehicles (also known as battery electric vehicles or BEVs) derive
all of their power from an electrical source. All -electric vehicles do not require any traditional
fuels such as gasoline or diesel to function and therefore have zero tailpipe emissions.
• Equity: In the context of sustainability, the term equity has to do with fairness — whether all
people have similar rights and opportunities, basic needs to maintain an acceptable quality of
life.
• EV Accessible: Transportation infrastructure (i.e., parking lots, roadways, building electrical
systems, etc.) that can support the recharging and/or maintenance of all -electric vehicles and
plug-in hybrids.
• Fossil Fuels: An energy source formed in the Earth's crust from decayed organic material. The
most common fossil fuels are petroleum, coal and natural gas. They are considered
nonrenewable as fossil fuels can take millennia to form and replenish.
• Gray Stormwater Infrastructure: Traditional "gray" stormwater infrastructure is designed to
move urban stormwater away from the built environment and includes curbs, gutters, drains,
piping, and collection systems. Traditional gray infrastructure collects and conveys stormwater
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from impervious surfaces, such as roadways, parking lots and rooftops, into a series of piping
that ultimately discharges relatively untreated stormwater into a local water body.
• Green Infrastructure: the range of measures that use plant or soil systems, permeable
pavement or other permeable surfaces or substrates, stormwater harvest and reuse, or
landscaping to store, infiltrate, or evapotranspirate stormwater and reduce flows to sewer
systems or to surface waters.
• Green Space: Is land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other
vegetation. Green space can include parks, community gardens, playgrounds, and vacant lots.
• Hurricane: Large, swirling storms that form over warm ocean waters. They produce damaging
winds of 74 mph or higher, flooding rains and destructive storm surge.
• Indian River Lagoon: Stretching 156 miles from northwest to southeast, the Indian River Lagoon
makes up 40% of Florida's eastern coast across six counties, including Brevard. Considered an
estuary, it is home to over 4,000 plant and animal species and is a significant economic driver
for the East Central Florida area.
• Living Shorelines: A protected and stabilized shoreline that is made of natural materials such
as plants, sand, or rock. Living shorelines provide a natural alternative to 'hard' shoreline
stabilization methods like rip rap or bulkheads, and provide numerous benefits including
nutrient pollution remediation, essential fish habitat structure, and buffering of shorelines from
waves and storms.
• Microgrids: A local energy grid with control capability, which means it can disconnect from the
traditional grid and operate autonomously.
• Nutrient Pollution: Is the process where too many nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus,
are added to bodies of water and can act like fertilizer, causing excessive growth of algae.
• Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV): Vehicles which use batteries to power an electric motor or plug
into the electric grid to recharge while also using a petroleum -based or alternative fuel to power
a collocated internal combustion engine.
• Renewable Energy (also known as clean energy): Energy derived from sources that are
naturally replenishing; renewable resources are virtually inexhaustible in duration but limited in
the amount of energy that is available per unit of time. Major types of renewable energy include:
biomass, hydropower, geothermal, wind, solar and tidal sources.
• Resilience: The capacity of a system, be it an individual, a forest, a city or an economy, to deal
with change, continually develop sustainably and have the ability to rebuild stronger in order to
mitigate the effects of future hazards.
• Sea Level Rise: An increase in the average level of the world's oceans due to the current trend
of planetary warming being observed by scientists.
• Solar Power: Energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy.
• Solid Waste: Any garbage or refuse, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, water supply
treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded material, resulting from
industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural operations, and from community activities.
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• Storm Surge: The abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm, measured as the height of the
water above the normal predicted astronomical tide. The surge is caused primarily by a storm's
winds pushing water onshore.
• Stormwater Runoff: Runoff generated from rain and snowmelt events that flow over land or
impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots and building rooftops, and does not
soak into the ground.
• Sustainability: Development which meets the needs of current generations without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• Water Quality: The suitability of water for a particular use based on selected physical, chemical,
and biological characteristics.
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