Big Pine Key, Florida, being an island in the lower Florida Keys, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes. The island is relatively flat with a maximum elevation significantly less than 10 feet above sea level, making it susceptible to any sea-level rise, storm surge, or heavy rainfall events associated with hurricanes. Big Pine Key has a very high flood risk, with substantial areas of the island located in Zone AE, the second highest risk category for flooding where a floodplain exists. This high flood risk is not only due to the flat topography and proximity to sea, but also due to the types of soil and subsoil, which tend to be sandy and have relatively low capacity to absorb heavy, sustained rainfall. Historically, Big Pine Key has been hit by major hurricanes, the most recent one being Hurricane Irma in 2017. Irma, a Category 4 hurricane, hit the island directly, leading to widespread property damage and flooding, and significant damage to infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Prior to Irma, Hurricane Georges in September 1998 and Hurricane Wilma in October 2005 had significant impacts with extensive flooding and damage. Every hurricane has the potential to significantly impact this Key due to these prevailing conditions and history, which points towards extreme caution during the hurricane season.