“It’s about designing with intent,” Blake notes, stressing that this type of planning is essential to building a resilient future for Kissimmee. Technology and Smart Infrastructure: Key to Resilience Technology plays a pivotal role in Kissimmee’s disaster preparedness. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technology allows the city to track its entire infrastructure — from fire hydrants to stormwater systems — and respond quickly during a crisis. “By using GIS, we can quickly identify where the problems are and respond much faster,” Blake says. The city’s advanced weather monitoring system, installed in partnership with WeatherSTEM, provides real-time data to help officials make informed decisions during storms.
However, the responsibility to manage it smartly, ensuring that new infrastructure is both sustainable and resilient in the face of natural disasters. Blake is particularly proud of the city’s approach to integrating flood prevention into its growth plans. One of Kissimmee’s signature projects is Lancaster Ranch, a multi-purpose park that also serves as a flood control area. “Part of Lancaster Ranch is in a floodway,” Blake explains. “It’s part of Shingle Creek, which is the headwaters to the Everglades. It starts with us and moves all the way down to the Everglades.” with growth comes The park, funded by a Florida resiliency grant, will feature a field house and passive recreational spaces like trails, campsites, and biking areas, all while serving the vital purpose of managing floodwaters.
Austin Blake | Deputy City Manager
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