Goal VI: Situation Statement
There are hundreds of municipalities in Florida, ranging from Islandia with 5 residents to the Greater Miami area with well over one million. Each Florida community has its own history and special flavor, as well as plans and hopes. The citizens of any community have the goal of working together to improve the quality of their lives and increase their opportunities.
For communities to grow, they must have the active interest and involvement of citizens in the form of a rich civic life. In this way, citizens come together to discuss and debate the needs and directions for their community. Then, once the decisions are made, citizens must come together to make and execute their plans. Another requirement for growth and opportunity is a robust economy. In Florida, a significant basis for such an economy is the natural environment, in terms of natural resources and natural beauty. Together, these account for much of Florida’s overall economy in the forms of tourism, industry, recreation and agriculture. Most communities in Florida are looking to one or more of these areas as sources of economic growth.
As much as citizens and leaders might desire to have vibrant, cooperative communities, the skills needed to achieve this must be learned. Communities need guidance and expertise. They need support and information.
Hanging over all plans and achievements, however, is the possibility of disaster. In the last ten years or so, Florida has sustained major natural disasters, including devastating hurricanes and drought. These disasters have challenged --- and in one case, leveled --- communities. A hurricane or tornado can cause irreparable damage to a community, and a severe drought can change the economic welfare of an entire region.
The past two years have made all Floridians aware of other threats to the stability of our communities. Every community must now have some response ready in case of an intentional attack. These attacks can take many forms, including bombings and the introduction of disease agents.
Central to the life of our communities are the lives of their citizens, and that means working for their safety in the everyday hazards they face in their homes and workplaces. Florida’s natural environment and large agricultural sector expose Florida citizens to a wide range of personal hazards or the possibility of creating hazards for others. As concerned as we are about large-scale emergencies, Floridians are much more likely to face death or injury through equipment or situations they encounter everyday.
Whatever our communities are confronted with, Extension must be ready to play its role. Through its reputation for community involvement and quality information, Extension has special capabilities that can assist communities in valuable ways during good times and bad.
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