COVID-19 CONVERSATION: South Florida Off Track–Don’t Be Fooled

There is pressure to stop and gradually reduce stay-at-home requirement from the business community, people with cabin fever and workers wanting to get a regular check. Clearly, opening of public spaces and businesses is being reflected in a weakening of good social distancing and protection measures such as wearing masks. An increase in contagion, hospitalization and deaths throughout the State the Florida is sure occur–the true cost of opening up is more deaths.

Anecdotal observation evidences a weaken in social distancing with open beaches, people ignoring rational behavior. Miami Beach had a major problem with at parks and beaches occupants not wearing masks and not observing social distances.

The University of Washington Covid-19 model (http://www.healthdata.org/covid) has been adjusted for the new trend in many states to increase human interaction by opening public spaces and businesses. Florida, and especially South Florida, will see rising deaths, death rates and coronavirus incidences

City of Coral Gables FL on Sustainability, the Environment and Climate Change Response

A very recent resolution of the City Commission:

RESOLUTION NO. 2020-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, DECLARING A CLIMATE EMERGENCY, AND URGING THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE FOR RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AND PROPER STEWARDSHIP OF THE ENVIRONMENT

This is the description of City of Coral Gables sustainability and environmental initiatives:

The City of Coral Gables recognizes that sustainability must be a key focus of the City’s policies and services, with targeted investments in energy, water and waste efficiency. Creating this sustainable city requires a commitment of leadership and coordination across the organization. Whereas, the City will consider the environmental impacts of its operations, and develop creative and practical solutions that will minimize our ecological footprint. We will integrate sustainability in the places residents and employees live, work and play, and provide the guidance and resources for our businesses and citizens.

https://www.coralgables.com/sustainability

Green Goals in the City of Coral Gables:

The City of Coral Gables will take measurable steps towards becoming a “sustainable” community by providing a healthy setting for residents, workers, property owners and visitors and increase awareness of green development practices and ways to have a significant impact on the City’s environment including the following: protecting the quality of air, water, land and other natural resources; conserving native vegetation, fish, wildlife and worldwide ecosystems; minimize the carbon footprint; and reduce greenhouse emissions.

https://evogov.s3.amazonaws.com/media/91/media/165649.pdf

City of Coral Gables–The Environment

In recent years the City of Coral Gables has introduced a number of valuable sustainable development and environmentally relevant policies and programs.  Recently, the City Commission has approved a statement of its concerns for mitigating climate change effects. There is a strong concern for the protection of green areas, preparation for sea level rises and ensuring sound environmental principles in all programs and projects.