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As Florida recovers from another devastating hurricane season, recovery and rebuilding are top priorities. However, there is one important step in the process that many overlook — flood mitigation.

As Florida recovers from another devastating hurricane season, recovery and rebuilding are top priorities for many residents. However, there is one important step in the process that many home and business owners continue to overlook at their own expense – flood mitigation.

Neglecting flood mitigation perpetuates a continuous cycle of flood loss and recovery. To give you an example of how serious the problem is in Florida, a Jacksonville home holds the record for most federally funded rebuilds with 21 claims.

Flood mitigation is a relatively new industry and much of the nation is stuck in a “sandbag” mentality when it comes to protecting their homes from flooding. Over the past 20 years, the flood mitigation industry has experienced exponential growth and innovation. The sandbags of yesteryear have been replaced with professionally engineered and thoroughly tested flood mitigation systems – many of them manufactured in Florida, including at the Jupiter-based Flood Panel. Such systems are designed to protect everything from family homes and small businesses to hospitals, power plants and schools.

National Weather Service doesn't mention flood mitigation

The industry is so new that the National Weather Service doesn’t mention flood mitigation in its advice on what to do to strengthen your home before a tropical storm or hurricane, instead providing tips to board up your windows, bring your patio furniture inside, and keep trees around your home trimmed — all good tips, but none to keep floodwaters from damaging your home.

Opinion:Florida isn’t alone in its home insurance crisis. We must reimagine the system.

Flooding causes more damage annually than any other natural disaster, equating to billions of dollars in property damage. Building structures that are properly protected from flooding costs slightly more, but the additional expense will ultimately benefit communities in case of future flooding events. According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, every dollar invested in flood mitigation will save you $6 compared to the cost of recovery.

In Jacksonville, Palm Beach and Miami, flood mitigation systems protect businesses

In Jacksonville, Palm Beach, Miami, the Keys and everywhere in between, I have met with home and business owners whose properties were protected from the flooding following hurricanes. Those businesses that invested in effective flood mitigation systems reopen to customers as quickly as the next day. Those businesses not protected face weeks or months planning their next steps or awaiting federal dollars to rebuild and losing revenue each day that they are closed. The devastation is heartbreaking, even for someone who has witnessed it hundreds of times.

So, why don’t more property owners use modern flood mitigation systems? One issue is a lack of awareness of the range of flood mitigation solutions available and their effectiveness in protecting their most significant investment. Another reason is a reluctance to invest in protection. Flood mitigation is a lot like preventative care in medicine – those who get regular check-ups, immunizations, and screening are likely to catch issues before they become serious problems. Proper flood mitigation is like immunization for your home or business. Lastly, there is “flood amnesia,” a tendency for communities to forget about the impacts of flooding over time.

Opinion:The connection between hurricanes and investment in Florida

An important step in this process is educating lawmakers and changing the policy mindset that emphasizes flood recovery rather than flood mitigation. How many hurricane seasons will it take before Florida lawmakers realize that investing in flood mitigation now will protect communities, safeguard our infrastructure, and save taxpayer money? Florida’s economy is the fourth largest in the United States, roughly equivalent to the gross domestic product of Spain, which makes it critical to the financial well-being of our country.

Clearly, hurricanes and tropical storms are becoming increasingly frequent and more severe, which makes flood mitigation even more important in the future. We owe it to Florida home and business owners, our state, and our nation to break this cycle of devastation and recovery and be more forward thinking in protecting our vital assets.

Christopher Rodriguez is a flood mitigation specialist and a territory manager for Floodproofing.com in Jupiter.

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Curtis Boyd and Glenna Halvorsen-Boyd remember the last time medical abortions were illegal across the nation.

They remember, in the wake of the Roe ruling that had recognized women’s right to terminate a pregnancy, watching that medical procedure become the subject of heated and polarizing political debate.

They have walked through the ashes of the surgical centers where they provided care and returned to rebuild the facilities, which had been set ablaze by extremists.

They have seen abortion providers including their friend Dr. George Tiller, murdered in 2009 by people citing “right to life” beliefs. Assassinated in the church where he served as an usher, Tiller had dedicated his professional life, as they have, to improving care and expanding options for women seeking to terminate pregnancies.

The Boyds’ experiences encompass a history of women’s reproductive rights — from the 1960s when Boyd performed abortions from his small-town medical practice before the procedure was legal across the United States, and when Halvorsen-Boyd counseled and arranged travel for women who did not want to or could not bring their pregnancies to term.

More:This woman left Florida and traveled across the country for an abortion. Here is her story

'When you're the oppressed one, you feel it'

The two have lived and worked together for so long they could be expected to finish each other’s sentences. They don’t, though. They are too aware of the different takes each has on the experiences they have shared.

It can feel personal to her.

“When you’re the oppressed one, you feel it,” Boyd says. "I can never be a woman.”

They came together during a time of promise for women's health care, in the aftermath of the Roe v. Wade decision that allowed him to open the first clinic providing legal abortions in Texas and allowed her to ensure the women who came there felt safe, supported and cared for.

They have seen that care threatened over the decades that followed as women’s access to abortion became a target for politicians and violent extremists and the rhetoric of those seeking to deny all abortion access grow ever more uncompromising.

Couple own West Palm Beach women's clinic

The pair, who in 2021 bought the Presidential Women’s Center in West Palm Beach from founder Mona Reis, have recounted all of this in their memoir, “We Choose To.”

They tell their story in alternating voices, highlighting the separate paths that brought them to their commitment to abortion access and care.

For him, that included a rural upbringing in a fundamentalist Baptist family. It was an upbringing that led him to become a preacher before he became a physician, and to a world where in the early 1960s “girls grew up to be wives and mothers; boys became husbands and fathers — and the sole provider for the family.”

It was into that world that a desperate young woman he calls “Sallie” stepped, when she appeared at his office in 1967 and told him she needed an abortion. “For her privacy and my own protection,” he writes, he forgot her name on purpose, “but I’ll never forget her."

The memory of a high school classmate who became an outcast when she became a single mother while the boy who impregnated her escaped judgment and responsibility, Boyd writes, prompted his response to "Sallie." Putting his license, his practice and his family’s security at risk, he provided the medical service she came to him for, setting out on a path that more than half a century later, he has not turned back from.

Doctor says clergy sent patients to him

While violent opponents of abortion rights cite religious beliefs as driving their fervor, Boyd notes, it was people of faith — chaplains, ministers and rabbis — who formed a Clergy Consultation Service on Problem Pregnancy, and who directed a steady stream of patients to his practice. It was they who asked him in the wake of Roe to open the state’s first abortion clinic in Dallas in 1974.

It was then that Halvorsen-Boyd, shaped by a strong mother, a compassionate father, President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty and the women’s movement of the 1960s, stepped into the newly opened clinic and into her life’s work of providing counseling to woman seeking abortion care.

Their book recounts how he worked throughout his career to develop surgical techniques to make the abortions less disruptive to women’s lives, while she worked to address the faith, fears, needs and values of each patient.

They continue to hope that the medical procedure, which stands alone for the obstacles of women seeking it, will be recognized and treated as care.

Abortion isn’t a problem, Boyd says: “It’s a solution to a problem.”

After the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision overturned the constitutional right to abortion guaranteed by Roe, they were forced to close their Dallas clinic when Texas then banned the procedure.

They finished their book prior to the release of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe, which they address in an afterword.

They were in their Dallas surgery center when the decision was announced, Halvosen-Boyd wrote, recalling gathering with clinic staff.

“Curtis and I were the only people in the building who had been alive before Roe,” she wrote. “For everyone else, our patients as well as staff, abortion had always been safe and legal.”

The determination that kept them moving forward under threats and danger, continues to propel them.

"For me,” Halvorsen-Boyd said, “I feel the utter devastation and despair, the outrage and the fear. Then my very strong stubborn streak kicks in.”

More:Providers prepare for perils of new 6-week abortion ban

'This is wrong'

“What I feel is this is the right thing to do,” Boyd said. “This is wrong. Something needs to be done about it. If you seek what is fair and just, then you take the risk for it.”

Boyd’s days of providing abortions in the states where they are illegal are behind him now. He is 88 and doesn’t want to die in prison.

In the past year, they sold their clinic in New Mexico to a Texan physician they know.

This leaves the clinic in West Palm Beach.

“We’re going to stay open as long as we can,” Boyd said, “if we can break even.”

They were afraid that wouldn’t be long when Florida’s ban on abortions past six weeks following a woman’s last menstrual period went into effect.

He credits the clinic’s director, who believed they could keep providing services to the narrowed population of women still allowed to terminate pregnancies, and has, so far, succeeded.

But the defeat of Amendment 4 worries them.

“The fear I have,” Boyd said, “is the state will prohibit abortion altogether.”

Antigone Barton is a reporter with The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at avbarton@gannett.com. Help support our work: Subscribe today.

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Sylvester Stallone and model Jennifer Flavin have lived in Palm Beach, Florida, since December 2020. The couple permanently relocated here from California in 2024.

Kristina Webb Samantha Neely

USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida

In his movies, Sylvester Stallone knows all about fighting − from "Rocky" to "Rambo" to "The Expendables."

Now, the superstar and "Tulsa King" main mob man says he's fighting for the ecosystem − in his own backyard.

Stallone and his wife, model and entrepreneur Jennifer Flavin, have been residents of Florida's Palm Beach since December 2020. The couple paid $35 million for their estate, which includes a 262-foot private beach on the lake, along with a two-story mansion, a guesthouse and pool pavilion.

Their property, however, is unique: It's very close to the northern edge of Palm Beach, which sits against the Palm Beach Inlet. Stallone's house looks west toward the Port of Palm Beach and Florida Power & Light's Manatee Lagoon education center, and Peanut Island, a popular boating and recreation site, is about a mile north.

Stallone was seeking permission from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps for a "floating seaweed barrier" at his property to prevent seaweed and other debris from accumulating along Stallone's shoreline, and, neighbors have said, to keep out boaters.

At a special town council meeting to discuss Stallone's application for the floating seaweed barrier on Thursday, Dec. 19, the "Suicide Squad" actor mentioned issues that come with fame − and people knowing where you live: "There's a lot of traffic that comes in there, because of our notoriety," he said, adding that while there are "lookie-loos," there are also fishermen and tour boats. Vessels will come into the area next to Stallone's home, drop anchor and stay there for 10 hours while they have a party or fish, he explained. "We're trying to make this pristine," he said.

Pelicans, not penguins:Sylvester Stallone pokes fun at himself in his plea for a seaweed barrier in Palm Beach, Florida

Below is what to know about Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin's proposed project, the outcome and his challenge "to clean up the waterway."

Where do Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin live in Florida?

Sylvester Stallone, star of the "Rocky," "Rambo" and "The Expendables" films, and his wife, model and entrepreneur Jennifer Flavin, have owned a "vacation" home Palm Beach, Florida, since December 2020. Earlier this year, the couple announced they would permanently relocate here from California.

Their seven-bedroom, two-story home and accompanying estate has had renovations since the couple moved in. One such project that needed approval from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps was a floating seaweed barrier.

What is a floating seaweed barrier? What are the benefits?

According to Water Pollution Solutions, a floating seaweed barrier helps to control floating mats of seaweed and sargassum that can build up in water, washing up on beaches and shorelines. If not controlled, they state these mats of floating seaweed will decompose as they wash up onshore, causing an "unpleasant, aromatic and unsightly experience" for beach visitors.

They also help keep debris, trash and certain marine life from washing up. They can be made from various materials, such as vinyl-coated polyester fabric, PVC green fabric, or stainless steel.

What's the controversy about Sylvester Stallone's 'floating seaweed barrier' at his Florida home with Jennifer Flavin?

While the project was pitched as an environmental concern, a public notice from the Army Corps said "the overall project purpose is to exclude boaters" from coming near the property. It lists seaweed as a secondary concern for the actor.

Stallone's neighbors, many of whom are longtime residents of Palm Beach, had a deadline, which was fast-approaching, to comment on the project.

In the wake of reporting by the Palm Beach Daily News, a USA TODAY Network newspaper, about Stallone's proposal for the floating seaweed barrier, the Palm Beach Town Council called a special meeting for Thursday, Dec. 19. The deadline for public comment is Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, or Christmas Day. Mayor Danielle Moore noted that special council meetings are rarely called and said she believed the last one was during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What happened at the Palm Beach, Florida, town council meeting with Sylvester Stallone?

Was the floating seaweed barrier for Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin's Palm Beach, Florida, property proposed to keep out seaweed or boaters from the water next to their multimillion-dollar estate? Neighbors of the Stallone family attended the special town council meeting to address that issue.

The meeting was from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. According to the Palm Beach Daily News, Stallone and Flavin arrived as the meeting began. They had two representatives with them, one was their attorney and an engineer on the project. The couple was there for the duration of the meeting.

There was no visible entourage with the superstar, the Palm Beach Daily News noted; however, does Sylvester Stallone really need a bodyguard?

During the meeting, Stallone gave a passionate speech, parts of which can be seen in the video with this story. The charismatic actor said he would fight to clean up the ecosystem: "It's been kind of lax, and it's just no one has really paid attention. Well, I'm going to pay attention. Trust me. This is something I really want to dedicate myself to, cleaning up the waterway because we need it. We've lost 1,000 manatees to pollution. That's what we know. It's probably even worse, and it's going to get worse because now in Riviera Beach they want to put 150 more moorings in there? That's ... we're done!"

Will Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin get a floating seaweed barrier at their Palm Beach, Florida, home?

Though Stallone delivered a speech worthy of the silver screen (see above paragraph or the video with this story), the Palm Beach Town Council voted unanimously to still send a letter to the U.S. Army Corps and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Stallone said he would pull his application for the floating seaweed barrier.

The town council president thanked Stallone for pulling his application for the floating seaweed barrier, but challenged him to really get involved with the issues that he was concerned with such as derelict vessels and a proposed mooring field nearby.

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

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(This story was updated to add new information.)

For a typical holiday season, Palm Beach County residents can search for the best holiday lights and displays in their neighborhoods, peruse our monthly calendar for different events and things to do, and scope out which restaurants are open to host a joyful Christmas feast.

However, if you want to celebrate like true Floridian — sans snow, but full of fun — there are quite a few traditions that'll make you say, "Only in Florida."

Here are eight "must-do" traditions that put the festive in Florida. While it may be too late to check out some this season, these annual events can make great holiday plans next year. Don't forget to share your favorite Florida-based tradition below!

To sleigh or surf? Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach

Surfing Santas is an annual Christmas Eve event that originated as a small family affair in Cocoa Beach.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Now in its 15th year, people from all over travel to watch as "surfs up" Santas shred waves and get in on the Christmas spirit. The event benefits non-profit organizations The Florida Surf Museum and Grind for Life.

When: Dec. 24, 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: 3 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach

Admission: Free

No snow? Snow problem. It is me, Sandi Tree!

Sandi, West Palm Beach's 35-foot-tall, 700-ton tree of sand, is a "must-see" attraction on the city's waterfront.

The iconic tree was lit during a Clematis by Night Holiday event on Dec. 5, featuring live music, photo opportunities with Santa and a llama.

Nightly light shows with synchronized music will play nightly from 6-10 p.m. through New Year's Eve, when the light show runs through midnight. The Ferris wheel will be available for $5 per person, per ride.

When: Now through Dec. 30, 6 to 10 p.m., and Dec. 31, 6 to 12 a.m.

Where: 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Admission: Sandi, free; Ferris wheel, $5

Ooo ooo, ahh ahh! Marvel at Lion Country Safari's Christmas with the Chimps

Lion Country Safari's annual "Christmas with the Chimps" allows visitors to spend the holidays with chimpanzees as they unwrap their gifts — usually with a verve and a glee that makes children on Christmas morning look subdued. This year's "Christmas with the Chimps" took place on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the sanctuary about 15 miles west of West Palm Beach.

Where: 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470

Admission: Adult (ages 10 & Older): $54.99 plus tax. Child (ages 3-9): $43.99 plus tax

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade

Disney World is as Florida as Florida gets.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade takes over Magic Kingdom each night at 8:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. through Friday Dec. 20. Parkgoers can watch as their favorite Disney characters float by waving and interacting with the crowd. Even Santa Claus makes a special appearance!

Where: Bay Lake, FL 32836. This tiny city 20 miles southwest of Orlando is home to Disney World's four theme parks.

Admission: Check Disney World prices here.

Ice, ice baby! Winterfest with Vanilla Ice

Winterfest, an annual holiday party in Wellington, features village resident, philanthropist and rap artist Vanilla Ice as well as pet adoptions, live performances, shopping and vendors. The party took over the Wellington Amphitheater from 6 to 10 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 6, this year.

Where: Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL.

Admission: Free

LEGOLAND Theme Park

Holidays at LEGOLAND, presented by the Hallmark Channel, is just another way families can build up their holiday spirit.

During the season, the theme park features a taller-than-life Christmas tree and reindeer sleigh all built out of the colorful bricks, a Holly Hype dance party and greetings from LEGO Santa, Gingerbread Man and more. Holidays at LEGOLAND can be celebrated from Dec. 21-31.

Where: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884

Admission: Check LEGOLAND Florida tickets here.

Set sail with Santa! Annual South Florida boat parades, a holiday staple

Boat parades are a South Florida holiday staple.

Throughout the holiday season, annual parades bring out the most colorful, decked out boats to cruise around Palm Beach County.

Perhaps the best known of them takes place between Jupiter and North Palm Beach each December.

Ice skating and fake winter wonderlands

This year, West Palm Beach's The Ben Hotel debuted an outdoor skating rink, the first and only one in South Florida.

The ice on the rink is resurfaced every 90 minutes to help the attraction survive Florida's warm climate.

When: Open Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., open weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Expected to remain open through March 1.

Where: 251 N. Narcissus Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Admission: $20 for adults, $10 for children under 12 for a 90-minute session

What's your favorite Florida holiday tradition?

Let us know! Comment on your favorite at @pbpost and we'll feature it in a roundup of Post readers' favorite Florida holiday traditions.

Ashley Ferrer is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.