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Time Out
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Where was ‘The Waterfront' filmed? Behind the scenes on Netflix's new crime drama
Netflix's The Waterfront mixes Ozark with Succession – and it all unfolds by the water in North Carolina. The show is the handiwork of Scream creator Kevin Williamson and boasts of an intriguing cast, including chiselled character actor Holt McCallany, Mario Bello, and actor-singer Melissa Benoist. The dynastic drama, which should also appeal to fans of Netflix's Florida Keys thriller Bloodline (2015-2017), is set in the coastal town of Havenport, North Carolina. Here's where you can find its seaside setting in real life. What happens in The Waterfront? After suffering not just one, but two heart attacks, Harlan Buckley (Black Bag 's Holt McCallany) is struggling to keep his family afloat as the controlling destiny in the fictional coastal town of Havenport, North Carolina. For decades, the Buckley family have controlled the local fishing industry and the town's picturesque restaurant scene. Following Harlan's brushes with death, it's up to his long-suffering wife Belle (A History of Violence 's Maria Bello) and their son Cane (Jake Weary) to make sure that the Buckley family maintains its dominance and reputation. Unfortunately for Harlan, that approach soon gets the family into even more trouble. Despite his ill-health, Harlan is forced to take back control – all while trying to keep an eye on his daughter Bree (Melissa Benoist), who lost custody of her son after her issues with addiction. With stunning locations and idyllic views, as well as murder, sex, romance, betrayal, and plenty of melodrama, The Waterfront is the sort of Netflix show you begin on Friday, only to have somehow watched it all by Saturday afternoon. Here's everything you need to know about its locations, cast, and how to watch it. Where was The Waterfront filmed? There is some bad news for fans of The Waterfront who are eager to visit the city of Havenport – it doesn't actually exist. Instead, The Waterfront was shot in the cities of Wilmington and Southport, North Carolina. Wilmington, North Carolina According to Port City Daily, when production took place in Wilmington, the cast and crew shot at the Suites On Market motel, the Cotton Exchange shopping complex by the Riverfront, on North Front Street in the Historic district, round the corner at the private Cape Fear Club, and at the Little Drum Landing event venue on Ann Street. Southport, North Carolina Meanwhile over in Southport, the city's officials took to Instagram to reveal that filming occurred in various restaurants, including Fishy Fishy Cafe, Morningstar Marina, and Potter's Seafood, each of which are bound to explode in popularity once The Waterfront hits Netflix. Kevin Williamson, The Waterfront's creator and showrunner who also wrote Scream, The Faculty, Dawson's Creek, and The Vampire Diaries, has made a habit out of shooting in his home state. Williamson was born in New Bern, North Carolina, and attended East Carolina University in nearby Greenville. I Know What You Did Last Summer, which Williamson wrote, was also shot in Southport back in 1996, while his beloved teen drama Dawson's Creek filmed in and around Wilmington for its six seasons between 1998 and 2003. Williamson has also teased that The Waterfront needed to be both set in and shot in North Carolina, because it was inspired by true events. While he's yet to provide concrete details on who influenced the Buckley family, his father Wade Williamson worked as a fisherman in North Carolina. Williamson even admitted to the Netflix website that his dad was a drug runner during this time. 'I come from a long line of fishermen,' explains Williamson. 'The fishing industry sort of upturned in the '80s – it all started to go away, and my dad couldn't feed his family. So someone came along and said, 'Hey, if you do this one thing, you can make all this money.' And it was hard to say no to… my dad – a very, very good man – got tempted to do some things that weren't so legal and got in some trouble. [But] it put food on the table, helped me go to college.' Who is in The Waterfront? The Waterfront looks destined to attract a cavalcade of viewers thanks to its all-star cast, too. In recent years, Holt McCallany has become one of most underrated actors in America, thanks to his work in Mindhunter and The Iron Claw. The leading role of Harlan gives McCallany plenty to dig into and he clearly relishes playing a despicable but still captivating patriarch. Maria Bello is the perfect foil for McCallany as his wife Mae. Audiences will recognise her from the likes of A History Of Violence, Grown Ups, Prisoners, and Beef, and she always makes everything she appears in better merely with her presence. Mae's decision to put her family first leads her to make some very bad decisions, but Bello ensures that you always still relate to her efforts. The other most recognisable performer in The Waterfront is Melissa Benoit, who shot to fame with the titular role in Supergirl, which ran for six seasons. She also appeared in the Oscar winning Whiplash, the Paramount miniseries Waco, and the action thriller Patriots Day. But the character Bree is much more hot-tempered and cunning than we've seen her before. That '70s Show star Topher Grace plays against type as drug smuggler Grady. While he comes from a rich family of lawyers and doctors, Grady made some poor decisions in the tech world that landed him in jail. After being released from prison, he started a poppy farm which ultimately leads to him butting heads with the Buckley family. The Waterfront's cast is rounded out by Jake Weary as Harlan's only son Cane, Humberly González as Cane's high school sweetheart Jenna, who has just returned to town and causes Cane to reconsider his relationship with his devoted wife Peyton, played by Danielle Campbell. There's also Gerardo Celasco as DEA Agent Marcus Sanchez, who keeps a watchful eye on the criminal exploits of the Buckley family. How can I watch The Waterfront and when does it come out? All eight episodes of The Waterfront will be available to watch on Netflix on June 19. Is there a trailer for The Waterfront? Yes, there is – in fact, you can watch it below. The best TV and streaming shows of 2025 (so far).
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Gusty breeze, Saharan dust help keep rain chance low for South Florida's metro areas
A gusty southeast breeze will push showers through the east coast metro areas and the Florida Keys on Thursday morning before storms develop over the interior in the afternoon. Winds will be near 20 mph out of the southeast with higher gusts this afternoon. A breeze from that direction this strong will not allow inland showers and storms to work back across the area later in the afternoon. It will be mainly dry in the evening. Temperatures will remain warm, a degree or two shy of 90 for the rest of this week and the weekend. Even though Saharan dust returns to the South Florida skies over the weekend, the strong ocean breeze will keep temperatures seasonably warm. The dust will lower the chance of rain slightly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A few showers work through the area in the morning before heavier showers and storms develop inland each day. Early next week the chance of rain remains low, but with a lighter breeze and less rain, high temperatures will be at or just above 90 degrees each day. A few showers may briefly cool things down in the morning before afternoon storms develop over the interior. Tropics remain quiet with nothing expected to develop over the next 7 days.
New York Times
06-06-2025
- New York Times
Florida Fisherman Is Charged in Shark Stabbing
A charter fisherman in Florida was charged with animal cruelty after a video showed him stabbing a shark multiple times, according to the authorities. The fisherman, Zane P. Garrett, 26, of Stock Island in the Florida Keys, was arrested by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Thursday and charged with the felony count. Law enforcement officials received tips on May 23 about a man 'repeatedly stabbing a shark on a fishing line before cutting the line and releasing the animal,' the agency said in a statement. It was unclear if the shark survived. A video, which has since been widely circulated, shows a man stabbing the shark with a knife and includes a caption that reads 'bud broke my rod.' Conservation agents located Mr. Garrett's boat in Key West and identified him as the charter captain on the day of the attack. He later admitted to the stabbing. It was not immediately clear what potential penalties Mr. Garrett might face. 'The careless cruelty displayed in this video is unacceptable,' said Maj. Alberto Maza, the South B regional commander of the state's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 'I'm proud of the public for reporting this senseless act and our officers' work in identifying the subject and holding him accountable.' According to WPLG Local 10 in Miami, an arrest warrant stated that Mr. Zane attacked the shark because it had stolen his fish. Mr. Zane declined to comment when reached by phone on Friday. According to his website, Mr. Zane operates Second Nature Charters in Key West, with prices starting at $900 for four hours of tarpon fishing. The charter boat is a 37-foot Torres sport fishing vessel that can accommodate up to six passengers. 'With Captain Zane at the helm, every fishing excursion becomes an unforgettable journey filled with camaraderie, laughter, and, most importantly, epic catches that will be cherished for a lifetime,' according to the site. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission said that sharks have been known to take fish off a line or bite boat motors, 'an unfortunate side effect of healthy and sustainable shark populations.' The commission's advice: Move to another area away from shark activity. In May, another Florida charter fisherman was sentenced to 30 days for shooting and poisoning dolphins from his boat, including doing so once in front of two school-aged children. The captain was frustrated with the dolphins for stealing his catch, investigators said at the time.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The 15 Best Family Resorts In Florida 2025
The best family resorts in Florida capitalize on the sunshine state's breezy beaches, offering everything from oceanside lounging to thrilling waterslides that will keep the kids entertained all day. The best part? 'Many of Florida's resorts will make you feel like you've been transported to the Caribbean—without needing a passport,' says Anna Fader, founder of family travel website Mommy Poppins and author of The Young Traveler's Journal and Activity Book. Our top recommendation is The Breakers Palm Beach, a classic retreat that has catered to guests young and old for over 100 years. For those heading to Orlando, the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is an all-in-one getaway close to Walt Disney World, while in the Florida Keys, Cheeca Lodge & Spa, a tropical island resort with activities for all ages, is not to be missed. Ahead, the best family resorts in Florida in 2025. The resort's stretch of private beachfront is a big draw, and four pools sit oceanfront, including a zero-entry family pool. The Breakers Since 1896, The Breakers has been one of Florida's best addresses, blending modern amenities with architecture modeled after the Italian Renaissance. From endless activities (including bike riding, junior golf and tennis) to childproofed suites decked out with cribs, strollers and bottle warmers, every inch of this beachfront getaway caters to guests young and old. Plenty of sun-soaked adventures await at its four, ocean-facing pools and private beach—but on the small off-chance that boredom strikes, head to the Family Entertainment Center to top the leaderboards at an array of arcade games, shoot hoops on the basketball court or score a hole-in-one on the nine-hole mini-golf course. Once you're all worn out, stop by for family dinner at The Italian Restaurant, an authentic eatery serving fresh pasta and brick-oven pizzas; here, parents can sip on fine wines while children play nearby. Book a family bunk room and the kids will have an area for themselves with their own TV. Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek Looking to stick close to Walt Disney World? The Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort is just a few miles from theme parks, so close that you can view their nightly fireworks shows from the property. Shuttles to and from the parks can also be booked at the front desk. On-site, families can enjoy an 18-hole putt-putt course and playground, plus additional perks from the nearby Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek (think: two lazy rivers, five pools and a pirate-themed water slide). For the ultimate kid-friendly suite, reserve a family bunk room with a separate bunk bed area for the kiddos and a private TV. Restaurants, bars and a buffet are all available throughout the premises to satiate any cravings, and when you're ready for a bit of R&R away from your tribe, check out the Blue Harmony Spa for holistic body treatments and massage therapies. A private beach offers opportunities for sandcastle building and other family fun; beach games are included in the resort fee. Pelican Grand Beach Resort Home to the only lazy river in Fort Lauderdale, activities at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort promise plenty of all-day splash action, which Fader praises: 'Families need to be flexible to work around the different needs and moods of everyone in the group, and this is one of the best resorts allowing them to create the experiences they want or need day to day,' she says. The resort's rotating list of activities includes sandcastle contests and coconut races down the lazy river, while at the Funky Fish Ocean Camp, marine biologists walk kids through tailored snorkeling lessons at the pool and beachfront. Its award-winning children's program also includes tie-dyeing, boogie boarding, and arts and crafts. After spending all day in the sun, spacious suites that evoke a charming, coastal aesthetic await; grab a cone from the resort's old-fashioned ice cream parlor, The Emporium, on your way in. Accommodations are condo- and penthouse-style suites ideal for larger tribes. Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa Fader is a fan of this Palm Beach retreat's kids' club. 'If I'm looking more for a chill location on a beautiful beach,' she says, 'I'm going to pick a place like this one, which has an amazing kids' club that will keep them busy while I enjoy the gorgeous beaches.' Indeed, the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa's Kid's Zone hosts supervised games and arts and crafts lessons for kids ages four to 12, and even partners with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center for educational sessions on sea turtle conservation. This gives grownups plenty of time to enjoy beach cabanas by day, or a coveted parents' night out by evening (babysitting services are available Thursday through Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m.). If that wasn't enough, accommodations here are condo- and penthouse-style suites ideal for larger broods, complete with full kitchens, washer/dryers and living and dining areas. At the SoBe Kids Club, kids can take part in arts and crafts, STEM activities and other experiences curated by the Miami Children's Museum. Loews Miami Beach Hotel At this iconic hotel in the middle of Miami's Art Deco district, the Miami Children's Museum and Frost Museum of Science have teamed up to deliver a jam-packed assortment of activities (like STEM experiments, crafts, cooking classes and more) at the SoBe Kids Club. Elsewhere, you and the kiddos can spend hours lounging or playing games in an air-conditioned cabana at the pool or beach; a personalized butler will be available to provide snacks and small bites. Other kid-sized dining delicacies can be enjoyed at the Italian restaurant Rao's (which serves favorites like rigatoni bolognese and linguini carbonara) or at Miami Joe Coffee Co., where you can scoop up locally crafted ice cream. Complimentary swim diapers, floaties and sunscreen are also provided on request. Accommodations include private villas ideal for family travel, with one or two bedrooms, full kitchens and plenty of room to spread out. Cheeca Lodge & Spa Located in the 'Sportsfishing Capital of the World,' the Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a hub for a wide variety of watersports that the whole family can enjoy, from fishing and paddleboarding to sailing far into the Atlantic Ocean sunset. Snorkeling tours—both private and large group excursions—regularly depart from the resort, and equipment rentals are offered should you need any. Camp Cheeca is also on-site to entertain children ages five to twelve with crafts, sports and scavenger hunts; drop the kids off at the program before heading to the spa to experience the tropical body wraps, facials and massage treatments of your dreams. When booking your stay, you can choose between 243 elegant suites (several of which have stunning ocean views and free-standing soaking tubs) or 11 fully furnished private villas, outfitted with washing machines and enough room to sleep six. Kids will probably be big fans of the resort's three-acre waterpark, with five waterslides, multiple pools and a palm tree–lined lazy river. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa The crown jewel of the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa is its massive, three-acre waterpark—a.k.a., the largest resort poolscape in southwest Florida. Between its multiple pools, winding lazy river, and five waterslides (including an inner tube slide and a twisty pair of dueling ones), children will never want to leave; adults are welcome to observe the fun from the comfort of a sleek, poolside lounger. Another highlight is the resort's excursions: Families can hop on a private ferry to the nearby Big Hickory Island to mingle with dolphins up-close and lounge on calm, white sand shores, embark on the high-speed Key West Express for a day of shopping and touring the Conch Republic or join a guided kayak excursion, sunset cruise or fishing trip to make unforgettable memories. At the beach, families can rent standup paddleboards and kayaks for exploring the emerald-green waters. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa After extensive, $35-million renovations, this full-service beach resort stuns with stylish, upgraded suites, a beachfront deck and a revamped spa (now complete with updated treatment services and lounge amenities, as well as a couples' suite). Outside, expect hours of fun in the sun with a variety of watersports, beach volleyball and three pools (including a dedicated toddler swimming area). Inside, cribs, pack-and-plays and bunk bed suites make your stay all the more convenient when your family needs room to spread out. The resort also partners with a trusted, local babysitting service—perfect for those days when you can use a little extra 'me' time, or for evenings when you long to indulge in the premium wines, expertly aged USDA prime steaks and sophisticated atmosphere at Seagar's, Northwest Florida's first AAA Four Diamond steakhouse. There's a family-friendly pool, nautical-themed splash pad and adults-only pool all surrounded by the largest pool deck in northeast Florida. Omni Amelia Island Resort For those seeking a more isolated stretch of sand, Omni Amelia Island Resort checks all the boxes. It's located on a barrier island off the coast of Florida, where beaches can be relatively uncluttered and offer sweeping, picturesque views of the Atlantic. 'There are so many activities at this resort to keep the whole family busy,' says Fader, who cites this as one of her top family-friendly Florida destinations. Days can be filled with water-wading, lounging and sandcastle-building, and away from the beach, there's plenty of other family fun to be had at the resort's golf experiences: the 18-hole Heron's Cove Adventure Golf mini-course and the beginner-friendly 10-hole Little Sandy Course. Bike rentals are also offered if you want to explore around the island. If guided experiences are preferred, head to the Amelia Island Nature Center to join nature-focused discovery tours led by naturalists, who walk families through everything from sea turtle sightings to shark tooth hunting. Three miles of Gulf Coast beach are at your leisure, as are multiple pools and a water slide. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort Having visited this property many times as a kid, Florida-based family content creator Brie Mazin loves taking her kids to the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. 'It's one of those resorts where you never need to leave the property,' she says. 'They have it all: So many dining options, a game room, bowling alley, an indoor shopping mall and more.' Families will never be bored with the vast array of indoor and outdoor activities here: Three miles of Gulf Coast beach are at your leisure, as are multiple pools and a water slide. Each of the resort's twelve restaurants spans global cuisines, but our favorite kid-friendly options are at Mosaico, an al fresco Mediterranean dining experience serving brick-oven pizzas and handcrafted gelato. When your long day of adventure ends, Mazin recommends heading back to the beach to watch a Balinese-inspired fire dancer light up the night sky. This AAA Five Diamond Award-winning property also offers a spa, golf course and multiple restaurants to keep grownups busy. Four Seasons Resort Orlando At Walt Disney World Resort After a day full of magical experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort, families can take a complimentary shuttle back to the nearby Four Seasons Resort Orlando, where the action-packed excitement continues. The luxury getaway is home to a five-acre water park with plenty of slides, pools and a lazy river. Suites on the property—which include deluxe accommodations with direct views of the parks—are elegant and modern, outfitted with luxe linens to ensure a comfy night's rest. In the morning, kids can meet-and-greet with their favorite characters while chowing down on waffles and omelets at Ravello, the on-site Italian eatery that holds Good Morning Breakfasts with Goofy & Pals every Thursday and Saturday. While admission to Disney World isn't required to stay at this resort, its proximity to and affiliation with the parks make tickets highly recommended. There's also an oceanfront pool ideal for cooling down after a family bike ride or workout at the fitness center. Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa With nightly rates as low as $200, Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa offers great value for its family-friendly amenities and experiences. On the beach, you'll find complimentary chairs and umbrellas, tours, cabanas and watersports rentals; in your suite, you'll have access to complimentary infant equipment like baby tubs, playards, bassinets and infant seats (limited quantities available upon request). Some rooms feature full kitchens, while others captivate with terraces that center you right in front of the turquoise waters. Every season, a rotating schedule of activities keeps the whole family entertained: Guests can join the new Turtle Talk series for a complimentary educational program from sea turtle experts or reserve the Stargazing on The Sea package to join a private river cruise led by a local astronomer. At the Falls Pool Oasis, the swimming pool and splash zone are ideal for younger kids, while two waterslides offer thrills for older kids. Orlando World Center Marriott If pool time is a priority, look no further than a stay at the 200-acre Orlando World Center Marriott, a premier destination known for its sprawling water park and pool oasis. Despite the resort's proximity to popular Orlando attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, you'll have difficulty tearing the kids away from its River Falls Water Park: a vibrant aqua playground with three adrenaline-pumping waterslides. Whether you're grabbing an inner tube to conquer the Boomerango slide—which propels riders 20 feet in the air towards a plunge pool—or floating down the winding, 575-foot River Falls Lazy River, you're guaranteed an epic afternoon of soaking in the sun. The whole family can experience additional aquatic escapades at the resort's lagoon-style swimming pool, which features two additional body slides and a splash zone for the little ones. You'll need a vacation from your vacation after enjoying everything that's included with a stay. Raif Fluker With all that's included in your stay at Island Grand At Tradewinds, you'll never want to leave the resort. There's something for everyone: thrill seekers will go crazy for the beach zipline and inflatable surf simulator; sporty folks will appreciate the volleyball, beach games, mini-golf experiences; watersports fiends can try their hand at jet skiing or hop on a banana boat; small kids will be dazzled by the family pirate shows and floating waterpark. The diverse assortment of activities means you'll always be occupied. Still, when you're finally ready for a more laid-back afternoon, a complimentary beach cabana awaits for basking in the ocean breeze. The resort shares amenities and its beachfront with the neighboring RumFish Beach Resort, so you'll get double the experiences for the price of one stay. Wildlife Field Guides are in each room to help you identify each critter you come across, and additional programs run by animal experts are on-site for even more educational fun. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Vacations don't get any more unique or memorable than a stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: an expansive, premium getaway with its own savannas, where over 200 animals across 30-plus species roam free. 'The resort adds a whole level of fun to a Disney vacation,' says Fader, 'and perks like early admission at the Walt Disney World theme parks make the stay worth it.' Wildlife Field Guides are in each room to help you identify each critter you come across, and additional programs run by animal experts are on-site for even more educational fun. Once you've had your fill of animal-viewing for the day, spend time in the 11,000-square-foot Uzima pool, shaded by palm trees, or cruise down the waterslide to cool off in the sun. Suites and guest rooms are decked out with warm hues and African-inspired textiles. 'Plus, they also have two- and three- bedroom villas that are great for larger groups,' says Fader. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and reported on a wide variety of hotels and resorts across the globe. We conducted extensive research on top-rated hotels across the state, factoring in testimonials, hotel rewards and family-friendly amenities. Florida family resorts vary widely in experiences and amenities, so your vacation may look very different depending on where you end up booking. Before reserving your room, here are some key things to consider: 'Multigenerational travel is hot and resorts are increasingly adding options for larger villas,' says Fader. For larger groups, seek out properties with spacious accommodations that have enough amenities to make you feel like you're staying at a home away from home. For instance, the Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa all offer villa, penthouse and/or condo-style residences perfect for larger families. Most come equipped with full kitchens and washers and dryers for convenience. Mazin also recommends reserving accommodations during quieter months when planning a trip with many people. 'You can find the best rates when it's off-season,' she says, 'and sometimes Florida families are given special offerings.' Whether you book an all-inclusive package or choose to pay for individual meals depends on what you prioritize: value or convenience. For value, à la carte pricing is typically the way to go. 'Sometimes families have picky eaters or end up paying for things they don't use,' says Mazin. For those on the more budget-conscious side, à la carte options alleviate the stress of having to consume your money's worth. They're easier on your wallet so you won't have to, as Fader puts it, 'pay $25 per person for a breakfast buffet where your child will eat only one pancake.' On the other hand, all-inclusive experiences can be ideal for those who don't want to ruminate on costs while relaxing on their holiday. 'I hate having to nickel and dime on vacation and constantly worry about whether this or that activity is 'worth it,'' adds Fader. 'Sometimes, not worrying about money is a great investment.' A majority of resorts have a comfortable blend of adult and kid-oriented attractions, while others skew on the more kid-friendly side (such as themed getaways like Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.) 'We need lots of options for a family resort to be truly great,' says Mazin, 'like engaging kids' activities, wellness options for parents, spacious rooms and easy dining options.' For Mazin—and other wellness-focused adults—a spa is always a fantastic benefit. To ensure the whole family will have something to be entertained by, look for kids' clubs and waterparks: They'll unlock hours of fun for the kiddos, plus give extra parental relaxation time for when you need it. 'They're both mega-perks because it's nice to know our kids are safe while we have a bit of adult time,' says Mazin. Plus, if you're staying in a theme park haven like Orlando, 'On-site water parks always keep the fun going back at the resort,' says Fader. I am a New Jersey-based editorial assistant working across the beauty, fashion, travel and home & kitchen categories here at Forbes Vetted. As a Caribbean descendant, I've spent ample time lounging on the beach since I was young, including multiple trips to Florida. I graduated with bachelor's degrees in English and Psychology from Amherst College and attended the Columbia Publishing Course. In addition to Forbes Vetted, my work can also be found in Make Muse and The Common.
Fast Company
27-05-2025
- Climate
- Fast Company
Hurricane season begins June 1. This Florida emergency official reveals what keeps him up at night
No place is more vulnerable to hurricanes in the 50 U.S. states than the Florida Keys. The chain of islands celebrated by singer Jimmy Buffett in his odes to tropical escapism is surrounded by water, jutting out 120 miles southwesterly from Florida's mainland to Key West with the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean on either side. The archipelago historically has been known for its quirky and libertarian inhabitants who revel in the islands' hedonistic, artistic and outdoorsy lifestyle. In recent years, it also has become a haven for the wealthy. Overseeing safety for the more than 80,000 inhabitants of the Conch Republic — the nickname for the islands after denizens declared a tongue-in-cheek secession from the United States in the early 1980s — is Shannon Weiner, director of emergency management for Monroe County, Florida. The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1, and the county has some new weapons this season, including a brand-new emergency operations center and a new seawater desalination water treatment plant. The county also relies on surveillance flights from hurricane-hunting aircraft from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for information about how to prepare. But, the potential for a catastrophic storm like Hurricane Irma in 2017 is always at the back of residents' minds. The Category 4 storm made landfall in the Florida Keys with winds up to 132 mph (209.2 kph), destroying around 1,180 homes and seriously damaging another 3,000. Weiner recently talked to the Associated Press about the upcoming hurricane season. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
