St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce hosts Weathering the Storm - How to Thrive, Not Just Survive

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - April 24, 2023 - PRLog -- St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and the organization's Historic St. Augustine Area Council hosted a free meeting and community roundtable on April 14 at Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios featuring the topic of storm mitigation measures, Beyond Weathering the Storm: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive.

The member and guest event was also open to the public and included a discussion about short and long-term solutions plus simple to sophisticated methods to protect homes and businesses from flooding, storms, and hurricanes. Potential funding opportunities to strengthen local businesses and private residences, along with updates on actions being taken by St. Johns County and the City of St. Augustine to prepare were also covered.

The presentation addressed storm preparation and mitigation solutions for businesses and residents. Speakers provided attendees with resources such as a list of loans and grants available to support their properties for long-term resilience.

Invited speakers included Marge Cirillo, a consultant at Florida Small Business Development Center; Jessica Beach, Chief Resilience Officer, and a professional Engineer with the City of St. Augustine, and Westly Woodward, Floodplain Manager with St. Johns County Growth Management.

After the talk, event transportation sponsor Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine and Historic Tours of America, hosted 20 attendees on a short trip to the St. Augustine Wastewater Plant on Riberia Street for a tour. Participants learned how the protective measures implemented by City staff are applicable to residents' and business owners' properties. The measures include the use of hardening methods and advanced pumping stations, among many others.

To learn more about programs and presentations, visit the City of St. Augustine website  and St. Johns County Emergence Operations Center website. Also, visit the websites about flood guidance, funding, and available next steps at Microlender Listing, Grants, St. Aug. Flood Guidance for Historic Property, St. Augustine Resiliency Update, and St. Aug Resiliency Program Overview.

"St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to its members and helps to inform businesses and residents about many topics for a diverse group of industries, people, and interests. With all our programs, we serve as an integrated influence and a strong voice," said Renault. "Our board and council leaders work hard to sustain and grow many value-added services to support economic development with a mission to thrive in our County," she said. For more information about the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, visit www.sjcchamber.com or call 904.829.5681.