Florida’s Hurricane Dilemma: Time to Face the True Cost of Paradise
By DON BROWN, FORMER FLORIDA STATE REPRESENTATIVE
As a long-time Florida resident and former State Representative, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of hurricanes on our beautiful state. From Andrew to Michael, these storms have reshaped our landscape, our economy, and our very way of life. Yet, despite the recurring threat, we continue to build, rebuild, and expand in vulnerable areas.
The harsh reality is that Florida’s current approach to hurricane preparedness and recovery is unsustainable. We’ve relied too heavily on artificially low insurance rates, inadequate building codes, and post-disaster federal bailouts. This strategy is akin to building a house on sand and hoping the tide won’t come in. It’s time to acknowledge that the tide is rising, and our foundation is eroding.
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