“Partnering for Success”

Contrary to the proverb about the month of March, the 2022 hurricane season came in like a lamb and went out like a lion.  Despite the statistics, with two landfalling hurricanes along the Florida peninsula, it was anything but a “normal” season.  The long road to recovery continues in Florida, where Hurricane Ian made landfall as a top-end Category 4 hurricane with a catastrophic 10 to15-foot storm surge.  Ian is the deadliest hurricane to strike the U.S. mainland in almost two decades and one of the costliest hurricanes on record. And despite its modest strength, the breadth of Hurricane Nicole’s winds acted like a powerful Florida nor’easter, chewing up large stretches of Atlantic beaches in mid-November; the latest hurricane to strike the Florida peninsula since records began in 1851.

Our ability to plan, to collaborate, to deploy, and to assist others in need, showed our mettle in overcoming these extraordinary challenges. This past season exemplified the way we do business in Florida – through collaboration, coordination, flexibility, forging partnerships pre-event, and trusting them in the heat of response, and serving those in need.  The events of this season have tested us yet again, and made us stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for future events.  Our theme for this 37th edition of the Governor’s Hurricane Conference, Partnering for Success, will present lessons learned and best management practices from the 2022 hurricane season experience and focus on how we successfully tapped into our affiliate resources, both capital and human, to innovatively and successfully solve the myriad of challenges presented by major tropical cyclones.

As we continue to build strong connections with our colleagues, we continue to train and educate Florida’s emergency response community through the Governor’s Hurricane Conference®.  This year, our sponsoring organizations and partners have mapped out more than 35 training sessions, 60 workshops and a dynamic general session to share lessons learned during this historic hurricane season.  We also offer the opportunity to network with peers to enhance your learning experience and develop cohesive partnerships across the State and our emergency management community.  Come join us as we recognize the impact of the storms of the past year and appreciate the resilience and strength of our community as we continue partnering for success in Florida and across the nation.

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