HOMESITE CHARACTERISTICS AND THE SELECTION OF ADJUSTMENTS TO HURRICANE HAZARD IN THE LOWER FLOR IDA KEYS

Abstract

The Lower Florida Keys, including Big Pine through Saddlebunch Keys, are among the most vulnerable locales respect to the hurricane hazard within the United States. Hurricanes have struck these islands, whose highest elevation is eight feet , an average of one out of seven years, though the area has gone unscathed by a direct hit since Hurricane Inez (1966). Since then thousands of newcomers, most lacking hurricane experience, have taken up residence on these islands.