Committee Members
- Chair: Amanda Joseph
- Co-Chair: Radhika Subramanian
- Research Committee: Kelly Ralph (Director), Emily Keller, Maria Igarza, Rahil Zaveri
- Public Relations Committee: Raina Fan (Director), Tiffany Steiner, Tanvi Shah, Anjali Fedewa
- Logistics Committee: Isabella Garcia (Director), Kayla Bello, Ashley Keller
Executive Summary
by Chair, Amanda Joseph
The 2025 Future of Florida Summit took place at the University of Florida, February 28 – March 2, 2025, at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Innovation, Emerson Alumni Hall, and Pugh Hall. 70 students selected from across the state of Florida attended the 2025 FOF Summit on the Future of the Gulf representing several colleges and universities. The 2025 FOF Summit included an online public policy workshop and development session on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Artificial Intelligence Policy Panel Topics
- Environment
- Public Health
- Economic Development
- Immigration
Environment
The Gulf is a crucial hub of biodiversity, but human activities have drastically impacted its health through industrial pollution and energy shifts. Rising flooding, escalating storms, and ocean acidification are heightening risks for both ecosystems and coastal communities. Coral reefs and coastal habitats, essential for maintaining biodiversity, are particularly at risk. This panel discussion will explore these critical environmental challenges and discover how communities can adapt and respond effectively.
Panelists: Dr. Jessica Owley || Cynthia Barnett || Dr. Katy Serafin
Public Health
The coastal regions of the Gulf have faced growing challenges related to public health. Red tide blooms have caused physical health impacts and resulted in beach closures. Coastal communities have repeatedly launched disaster relief efforts in response to increased storm events. Despite advancements in healthcare throughout the Gulf, residents continue to struggle with food insecurity and limited access to mental health resources. This panel will focus on the public health issues affecting these communities and explore the effectiveness of potential policy solutions.
Panelists: Dr. Erta Cenko || Christopher O’Donnell || Dr. Sadie Ryan
Economic Development
The Gulf Coast is rich in natural resources that drive the energy sector, including oil and natural gas reserves. Houston and New Orleans are among the region’s essential ports used for international trade. For many local communities, tourism is crucial for attracting visitors and supporting their economies. However, while supporting these vital industries, rising housing costs and insurance premiums due to increased weather events present challenges for community members. Panelists will discuss the industries that make the region an economic powerhouse and consider sustainable solutions to the economic challenges faced by everyday citizens.
Panelists: Javier Marin|| Shannon Ogletree || Dr. Galen Treuer
Immigration
Immigration is a cornerstone to shaping America’s demographic and cultural landscape. This holds true in the Gulf, where Texas and Florida are home to the second and third largest immigrant populations in the country. As the influx of immigrants has grown, political debates have surfaced on illegal immigration and migrant welfare. Within communities, citizens will have to face the ramifications of increased migrant populations, including language barriers and new legal standards. This panel will focus on creating a balanced approach to immigration policy while examining the impact on state and local governments in the Gulf.
Panelists: Juan Caballero || Alice Burgos || Ilia Garrity Lopez
Public Policy Workshop
Dr. Teresa Cornacchione, Lecturer and Civic Engagement Coordinator, Bob Graham Center of Public Service
Chris Emmanuel, Director of Government Relations, University of Florida
Friday Dinner Keynote
Dr. Jack Davis, Distinguished Professor of History and the Rothman Family Chair in the Humanities
Dr. Tom Frazer, Professor and Dean of the College of Marine Science at the University of South Florida
Saturday Lunch Keynote
Lolita Jackson, MBE, Executive Director of Sustainable Cities at Sustainable Development Capital LLP
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