Coastal safety after Hurricane Ian: Q&A with Florida Sea Grant experts

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

Hurricane Ian’s impact on Florida’s coast lingers, even weeks after the storm’s passing, leaving questions about derelict vessels, water quality and more. Florida Sea Grant UF/IFAS Extension agents and other experts answer commonly asked questions about coastal safety after the hurricane.

Panelists include the following Extension faculty and specialists:

• Scott Jackson, Bay County agent
• David Outerbridge, Lee County Extension director
• Andrew Ropicki, marine resource economics specialist
• Kate Rose, Charlotte County agent
• Michael Sipos, Collier County agent

The panelists answered these questions:

• Is it safe to go in the water in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties?
• Where can I report a displaced vessel at sea?
• What can boaters do to help?
• With the commercial fishing industry hurt, what needs to be done to keep it thriving?
• Ian flooded our waterways with debris, silt and nutrients. How concerned should we be with red tide?
• With the underwater topography changed after Ian, what will it take to make it safe for marine activities?
• Where can small business owners go to find disaster relief assistance?
• Any other information to share?

Visit the link below to see their answers.