As a barrier island community, it is extremely important for the city to protect the 4.5 miles of beach along the Gulf of Mexico and the waterways surrounding the city, as well as other natural resources. The Coastal and Conservation element of the plan sets forth the city's goals, objectives and policies for the management and protection of natural resources, storm and flood hazard mitigation, and planning for post-disaster recovery. These links will open the pages in a new window.