Research Symposium

BIO

Hello, my name is Megan Arteaga and I was born and raised in Naples, Florida. I have always enjoyed learning and researching about our environment. My career goal for as long as I can remember is to make a difference in helping the planet, which is why I am an ISS major Contrentrating in Public Policy and Geography. As for future goals, I plan to get my master's degree in Environmental Policy and be at the forefront of making positive environmental changes.

Post-Hurricane Michael Recovery: Examining the Glenwood Neighborhood Plan, Panama City

Abstract

We have now recognized that disasters are never natural and are usually caused by a combination of hazards exposure (eg. hurricane-hitting communities) and vulnerability (including social and ecosystem). In 2018, Hurricane Michael hit the City of Panama City resulting in the destruction of property and the environment. As part of the recovery process, the city of Panama City conducted a series of recovery planning activities which includes Neighborhood Planning. Neighborhood planning aims to address disaster recovery and resilience-building efforts done at a community and neighborhood level. This research analyzes the Panama City Recovery Plans of Post-Hurricane Michael. It aims to find if it is an effective way to address the community vulnerability and contribute to the city's resilience building. In this research, we looked into the neighborhood of Glenwood, which is historically and demographically an African American prominent community. The results showed that neighborhood planning helped address community problems that are caused by historical development decisions and showed different levels of priority within each neighborhood of Panama City. It provided a venue for community members to voice their concerns and engaged with the local government. Although questions about the effectiveness of engagements are notable as the process prioritized technical and expert knowledge. There is also limited examination and strategies that look at the cause of social vulnerability. It is therefore important to examine this further through interviews with different stakeholders.

Keywords: Hurricane, Vulnerability, Glenwood, Panama City