2026 Annual Conference Agenda

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

FSA Community Service Project 
[Free to Participate, Registration Required]
Join us for a hands-on service project at a butterfly demonstration and pollinator garden maintained by our local Master Gardeners. This garden highlights how native and pollinator-friendly plants can support stormwater management by improving soil health, increasing infiltration, and reducing runoff. Volunteers will help prepare the garden for the summer season while learning how these nature-based practices function as small-scale green infrastructure that benefits water quality and local ecosystems. Master Gardeners will be on site to guide projects and share practical gardening insights that can be applied in residential and municipal settings. Please bring a reusable water bottle, wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes, and come ready to learn and lend a hand.

[ROYAL TERN] Pre-Conference Workshop
[Additional Fee, Separate Registration Required]

Cradle to Grave BMP Case Study: From Assessment to Design to Performance Monitoring Results
To address nutrient loading in Lake Pineloch, Orange County implemented a comprehensive stormwater quality improvement initiative within the Boggy Creek watershed. This case study details the project’s cradle-to-grave approach – covering watershed assessment, feasibility analysis, design optimization, permitting, construction oversight, and long-term performance evaluation. Lessons learned regarding media longevity, maintenance frequency, and cost-benefit outcomes will be shared to inform future retrofits in constrained urban environments.

The project began with a watershed assessment to identify nutrient loading hotspots and evaluate structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) for compliance with Florida’s Numeric Nutrient Criteria and Basin Management Action Plan obligations. Using detailed hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, the Keystone Drive outfall was retrofitted with a Nutrient Separating Baffle Box and Upflow Filter. Post-construction monitoring spanned two years and included real-time flow measurement, composite stormwater sampling, and solids characterization. Results demonstrated substantial reductions in Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, and Total Suspended Solids, validating the BMP’s effectiveness under field conditions.

 Nick Hartshorn, PE, Senior Engineer
Geosyntec Consultants

 Kevin Tyre, Water Research Scientist
Geosyntec Consultants

 Jesse Wineberg, PE, Engineer III
Orange County

[GREAT EGRET A] Welcome, Keynote & Excellence Awards Ceremony 
We are pleased to welcome Bill Conerly, State Representative for District 72, as our Keynote Speaker.  A U.S. Navy veteran, graduate of the University of Florida, and Professional Engineer specializing in stormwater permitting, Representative Conerly will share insights on the 2026 Legislative Session, recent legislation, and potential initiatives for 2027.  The session will conclude with FSA’s annual Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding stormwater programs, innovative projects, and impactful public education efforts from across the state.

  Melanie Weed, 2025-26 FSA President
  Pinellas County             

 Bill Conerly, State Representative (District 72) and Professional Engineer
Florida House of Representatives

01 - [TRACK A - GREAT EGRET A]  2026 Legislative Session Review
Stormwater policy and local government preemption were major topics in the 2026 Legislative Session, with wide ranging impacts for the stormwater management community. This session will review key bills, budget decisions, and efforts to set statewide standards for new stormwater projects, while examining ongoing tensions between state authority and local environmental regulations. Attendees will engage in discussion about how these changes affect the stormwater industry including local planning and future projects. As Florida heads into an election year with new leadership on the horizon, this interactive session offers critical insight into the policies and priorities that will shape stormwater management and local governance in the months ahead.

Kevin Coyne, Director of Regulatory Affairs
Florida Stormwater Association

Diana Ferguson, Lobbyist
Florida Stormwater Association                  

02 - [TRACK B - ROYAL TERN]  Reimagining Outreach: How AI Can Help You Connect, Inform, and Inspire
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming communication, but in stormwater outreach, genuine human connection remains essential. This session examines how agencies and consultants can use AI to enhance (not replace) the empathy, creativity, and authenticity that foster meaningful public engagement. Participants will explore practical examples of AI simplifying complex stormwater concepts, creating relatable content, and personalizing communication during planning and storm events. From chatbots that answer residents’ questions in clear language to AI-generated visuals illustrating flood resilience, attendees will gain actionable strategies for responsible integration. Ultimately, the session highlights how technology can support more inclusive, thoughtful messaging and better-informed communities while keeping people at the heart of every interaction.

Kelly Flowers Hass, MBA, MS, MIB, MA, JM, Marketing & Strategic Engagement Leader 
Jones Edmunds

03 - [TRACK A- GREAT EGRET A]  Community Co-Design of Green Stormwater Infrastructure for Coastal Resilience 
Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) offers a nature-based solution to strengthen flood resilience and enhance livability in vulnerable coastal communities. In Cedar Key, Florida, the City partnered with the University of Florida to identify retrofit opportunities and design best management practices. The project combined community engagement, stormwater monitoring, hydraulic modeling, and data from Hurricanes Debby and Helene to guide decision-making. Participants will gain practical insights into applying data-driven approaches and collaborative planning to advance coastal resilience. Strategies and lessons from Cedar Key can be adapted for other communities facing shoreline erosion, rising seas, and increasing storm impacts.

Jessica Bruso, Engineered Solutions Specialist
Ferguson Waterworks

Eban Z. Bean, PhD, PE, Associate Professor & Extension Specialist
University of Florida

04 - [TRACK B - ROYAL TERN]  AI in Stormwater Practice: Managing Complexity Under Real-World Constraints
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how stormwater and resilience projects are planned, analyzed, and delivered in Florida. This session highlights practical workflows that integrate AI into data collection, geospatial analysis, modeling, and project delivery. Using real Florida examples, including vulnerability assessments and regulatory support, attendees will see how AI accelerates analysis, improves consistency, and connects traditionally siloed workflows without replacing engineering judgment. The presentation also addresses real-world constraints, showing both AI’s benefits and limitations, and offering guidance for responsibly leveraging AI to manage complexity and deliver projects more efficiently.

John Wolf, Senior Staff Engineer
Drummond Carpenter

Aubrey Litzinger, Senior Staff Engineer
Drummond Carpenter

05 - [TRACK A- GREAT EGRET A]  Emerging Technologies: Shark Tank Style!
FSA’s practice of highlighting the latest developments in stormwater technologies and services from the private sector will be continued this year and features the leading firms in Florida and across the nation. This year, the Emerging Technologies session will be a Shark Tank Style session where attendees will vote to select their favorite pitch and product.

06 - [TRACK B - ROYAL TERN] An Environmental Restoration Success Story: Implementing a Reasonable Assurance Plan
The Mosquito Lagoon Reasonable Assurance Plan (RAP) serves as a model for collaborative environmental restoration. Initiated in 2014 after a Volusia County water quality workshop, local governments sought to accelerate recovery by bypassing the lengthy TMDL/BMAP process. Funded through agreements among Volusia County, the cities of Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach, Oak Hill, and FDOT, the RAP was completed in 2018 and adopted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in 2019. The plan targeted nitrogen and phosphorus reductions, established strict nutrient goals, and guided regional efforts including stormwater retrofits, reclaimed water expansion, septic-to-sewer conversions, and community education, leading to measurable improvements in water quality and seagrass coverage.

07 - [TRACK A - GREAT EGRET A]  Advanced Flood Modeling in Resilience Planning  
Jacksonville faces coastal, river, and stormwater flooding across more than 1,500 miles of shoreline. After Hurricane Irma’s record surge and $85 million in damage, the city prioritized understanding compound flooding, the combined effects of rainfall and storm surge, through its Resilient Jacksonville Strategy. In 2024, the city launched a basin-wide modeling effort using a 2D hydraulic model calibrated with historic storms. By running thousands of simulations, the project maps street-level flood risks under current and future conditions, providing critical data to support real-time forecasting, resilient infrastructure planning, and strategies to protect neighborhoods and assets.

08 - [TRACK B - ROYAL TERN]  Saving the Indian River Lagoon and St Johns River Through Stormwater Rediversion
Historic drainage canals in east central Florida diverted stormwater from the St. Johns River to the Indian River Lagoon, increasing nutrient loads while reducing flows that support aquifers, wetlands, and river health. The St. Johns River Water Management District is implementing a regional rediversion strategy to return treated stormwater to its original watershed while maintaining flood protection. This session highlights coordinated planning across the Indian River Lagoon basin, including key canals such as C-1 and C-10, and projects like the Crane Creek/M-1 Canal, which restores seven million gallons per day to the river.

Marc Van Heden, PE, M.Eng, Supervising Professional Engineer
St. Johns River Water Management District

Brett Cunningham, PE, Env SP, Managing Director
Jones Edmunds

St. Pete Beach is tackling resiliency head on, transforming aging stormwater systems and other infrastructure into a forward looking, adaptable infrastructure network. This session highlights how the City is integrating coastal resiliency planning, data driven decision making, smart capital investments, and community collaboration to reduce flooding and prepare for future climate challenges. Attendees will gain practical insights and replicable strategies for strengthening stormwater programs in coastal communities.

Nick Charnas, PE, CFM, Vice President, Director of Water Resources
Halff

Camden Mills, PE, Director of Public Services
City of St. Pete Beach

10 - [TRACK B - ROYAL TERN]   Designing For Success: Optimizing the Performance of Denitrification BMPs
Recycled woodchips and other low-cost natural materials are widely used to reduce nitrogen in groundwater, agricultural runoff, onsite treatment systems, and stormwater. Systems like permeable reactive barriers, submerged gravel wetlands, and bioretention cells create anaerobic conditions that convert nitrate to nitrogen gas. This session synthesizes U.S. research with a focus on Florida applications, showing that nitrate removal depends on design factors such as hydraulic residence time, flow control, and sustained carbon supply, not just influent concentration. Attendees will gain practical guidance for designing and implementing woodchip-based BMPs to achieve consistent, defensible nitrogen reduction in real-world projects.

Launched January 2025, Sarasota County’s Rain Check program offers property owners a one-time rebate to install small-scale stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). By reducing runoff to the county system, these BMPs improve water quality and protect local waterways while easing the burden on stormwater infrastructure. The program has increased community involvement and fostered shared environmental stewardship. This session reflects on the program’s first year, highlighting challenges, successes, and lessons learned, and provides insights for other communities interested in using incentive programs to promote sustainable stormwater management and engage residents in local water quality protection.

Holly Mathis, Supervisor, Stormwater Billing and Assessments
Sarasota County

Jen Rudolph, NEST Coordinator and Environmental Specialist III
Sarasota County

12 - [TRACK B - ROYAL TERN]   London Waterway Expansion – Tackling Challenges Through Creative Solutions
This award-winning project, recognized with the FSA 2025 Outstanding Achievement Award and nominated for the ASCE 2025 Sustainable Project Award, navigated complex planning, design, and environmental challenges. Key hurdles included city-owned land use, zoning and recreational requirements, ADA access, wetlands, gopher tortoises, and neighborhood concerns such as privacy and traffic. Extensive community engagement and coordination with city staff shaped recreational components and maintenance plans. Budgeting and construction challenges, including post-COVID bid inflation and fill relocation, were successfully addressed. This session highlights the strategies, lessons learned, and collaborative approaches that led to the project’s recognition and success.

Carmelo Morales, PE, CFM, Stormwater Engineer III
City of Palm Coast

It’s time to relax!  So, get comfortable and join us in your favorite flip-flops for snacks, drinks, and the chance to win a door prize.  Browse the Exhibit Hall to learn more about Florida’s emerging stormwater technologies!

13 - [TRACK A -GREAT EGRET A]  From Pixels To Prediction: 3D Mapping for Next Generation Stormwater and Flood Planning
Accurate data is essential for managing stormwater, especially in flat coastal cities where small elevation errors can cause flooding. This session highlights the City of Sarasota’s 3D mapping project, which uses high-resolution aerial and street-level surveys to capture roads, buildings, drainage systems, seawalls, and other features. The digital maps help city staff see how water moves across the landscape, test flooding and sea level rise scenarios, and plan upgrades. Attendees will learn how detailed, citywide mapping improves stormwater planning, decision-making, and confidence in protecting communities from flooding.

14 - [TRACK B - ROYAL TERN]   All In One! A Watershed Plan Can Do More Than One Thing!
Martin County is taking a holistic approach to water management, addressing sea level rise, flood protection, and water quality in a single Integrated Watershed Management Plan. This session shows how watershed planning connects to FEMA’s Community Rating System, Local Mitigation Strategies, Basin Management Action Plans, Resilient Florida, and stormwater master plans. Attendees will learn how integrating these programs supports capital improvement planning, operations, monitoring, and policy adjustments, opens doors for grant funding, and builds a more resilient system. Martin County’s approach demonstrates how tackling multiple water challenges in one plan creates practical, long-term solutions for coastal communities.

Amy Eason, PE, Environmental Resource Engineer
Martin County 

15 - [TRACK A - GREAT EGRET A] Navigating the Phase II MS4 Permit Process
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the designation and permitting process for new Phase II MS4 permittees in Florida. Attendees will learn each step, from potential designation letters through final permit issuance, and gain guidance on completing the newly redesigned Notice of Intent (Form 62-621.300(7)(b), F.A.C.), now aligned with eReporting requirements for ease and consistency. The presentation also covers recent rulemaking updates, highlighting technical changes to Chapter 62-624, F.A.C. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of the process, updated requirements, and practical insights to support successful permit compliance.

Kristie Seyon, Environmental Specialist III and Phase II MS4 Coordinator
Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Michelle Bull, FCPM, FCCM, Environmental Administrator
Florida Department of Environmental Protection

16 - [TRACK B - ROYAL TERN] Do All Drains Lead to the Ocean? A Ten-Year Review of Stormwater Impacts on Water Quality
In July 2024, Florida became the nation’s third most populous state, surpassing 23.3 million residents, driving increased development and impervious surfaces that reduce groundwater infiltration. In Palm Beach County, stormwater from roads, rooftops, and parking lots flows through the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) into canals and the Lake Worth Lagoon. This session explores how the county implements Florida Department of Environmental Protection stormwater regulations to prevent nutrient pollution and protect water quality. Using data from 26 monitoring stations across nine basins (2015–2025), attendees will examine nutrient and metal trends and evaluate the effectiveness of local stormwater programs.