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FLORIDA - According to new findings from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, several major cities across Florida are seeing some of the fastest sea level increases in the United States.
The study warns that rising ocean levels could significantly impact communities along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, putting infrastructure, homes, and freshwater supplies at serious risk.
Mapped by Newsweek, the data shows cities like Pensacola, Fort Myers, and St. Petersburg are experiencing sea level increases well above the global average.
Pensacola leads with a yearly rise of 3.709 millimeters, closely followed by Fort Myers and St. Petersburg at 3.706 millimeters.
Cedar Key, located on a group of islands, showed the highest rate of acceleration, at 0.195 millimeters per year.
Jacksonville recorded the lowest increase among the cities studied, at 3.287 millimeters annually.
Jennifer Carpenter of The Nature Conservancy in Florida explained that these rising levels are already affecting urban areas.
She said high tides known as “king tides” now cause regular flooding even without storms, reaching inland due to Florida’s porous limestone foundation and high water table.
The ongoing rise threatens critical infrastructure like roads, stormwater systems, and water treatment facilities.
It also increases the vulnerability of low-lying homes to flooding from both heavy rain and storm surge.
Additionally, saltwater intrusion is putting pressure on freshwater aquifers, where much of Florida's drinking water is sourced.
While Florida has strong hurricane protections, experts say the long-term effects of rising seas demand urgent planning and adaptation.