As Florida heat keeps breaking records, one researcher is finding ways to make cities feel cooler

Nicolle Osorio
·2 min read
5

Florida’s temperatures are hot, hot, hot!

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Scientists said July was the hottest month in Earth’s history and warned that warmer temperatures are still coming.

A researcher from the University of Florida is working to cool things off across cities in the Sunshine State.

Yi Luo, an assistant professor in UF’s College of Design Construction and Planning, has conducted studies in microclimates or areas with a different climate than others in their region.

One of her most recent projects included reducing the heat for visitors at the St. Pete Pier and the waterfront park.

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Luo is also working with an architecture firm in the City of Key West to study Mallory Square and find ways to make the area more comfortable during the day.

“In Florida, microclimate studies are typically needed at areas of extreme heat,” she said. “Studying these areas plays a huge role in making them more livable and enjoyable environments.”

Some solutions to improve the microclimate in St. Pete Pier include:

  • Extending the building roofs to have more shade.

  • Building a tilted lawn with a more shaded area.

  • Adding over 700 trees in strategic places in the park.

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In June, Luo and research assistants visited the St, Pete Pier to survey people in the park.

They measured temperature, wind humidity, and solar radiation with a weather station.

Luo said visitors found some areas more comfortable after the park’s renovations.

“Landscape architecture is an evidence-based discipline,” she said. “We need to know what works to inform future designs.”

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In July, the researcher began to gather data in Key West.

Luo said she plans to continue studying microclimates and to study Gainesville and cities in South Florida soon.

“In a new era where more cities are experiencing higher temperatures, this type of research is critical in heat relief for Floridians and visitors,” she said.



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