Charlotte County invites the public to provide input into a forward-looking study effort identifying and defining potential climate vulnerabilities of county assets at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda.

Charlotte County is beginning work on a study to assess the risks and impacts to the county from existing and future climate conditions. Understanding these risks will guide decisions related to public policies and investments, and will help support County businesses and residences to prepare for future challenges together. Funded by the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership, a member of the EPA-funded National Estuary Program, this vulnerability assessment will use data to understand at the neighborhood level how changing environmental conditions could increase local flooding, especially from the impacts of stronger and more frequent extreme storms. By addressing these concerns head on, the County will provide valuable information relating to insurance concerns, real estate investments, and capital investments made by the County to support a more resilient future.

The study is planned for completion in spring 2025, and we are actively seeking community engagement and input. Come learn about this assessment process and bring your questions and insights; this is your future we are studying!