Mitigating urban heat island effects

Extension agent at a table plans to talk to people about how Sarasota County is helping mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Mitigating urban heat island effects

Nutrition and Health, Story , , , , , , ,

Extreme heat is a concern in Sarasota County, Florida. In 2023, the county experienced 63 consecutive days with a heat index above 100°F and a full week exceeding 110°F. Projections indicate there may be as many as 131 extremely hot days expected annually by mid‑century. Because extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, understanding who is most at risk and where challenges may arise is critical for community resilience. 

To address this need, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County partnered with NASA DEVELOP to conduct a comprehensive assessment. The project analyzed five summers of data (2019–2023) to map the county’s urban heat island patterns and identify neighborhoods facing the greatest exposure. Using satellite and datasets from multiple sources, the team evaluated daytime and nighttime land surface temperatures, surface reflectivity, evapotranspiration, population density, age, income and environmental characteristics. The results showed substantial temperature variation across Sarasota County, with North Sarasota, Venice and North Port emerging as areas in need of targeted intervention. 

These findings directly informed UF/IFAS Extension’s heat outreach efforts. In 2024, the team launched pop‑up cooling events in priority neighborhoods. By 2025, the campaign had expanded to 11 community events and three presentations, reaching 713 residents. New programs included youth-focused heat education, general heat safety and first aid training, outdoor worker sessions and presentations for professionals. A hands‑on display demonstrating heat absorption and reflectivity helped engage residents during outdoor events. Extension also collaborated with Sarasota County’s GIS team to publish an online extreme heat story map, improving public access to vulnerability and safety information. Ongoing goals include securing funding for resilience hubs, cooling centers and expanded tree canopy. Overall, this research-driven approach demonstrates UF/IFAS Extension’s commitment to strengthening community resilience. 

View the full statement on the NIDB.

University of Florida / IFAS Extension | Project supported by county funding. Photo courtesy of UF/IFAS.

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