Naples condos explore AquaFence for hurricane protection

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - Tampa General Hospital stood strong during Hurricane Helene in 2024, thanks to a flood protection barrier called AquaFence. This innovative barrier, made of tall metal panels, helped protect the hospital from feet of flooding.

AquaFence, the company behind this technology, traveled to Naples to share their solution with coastal condo communities. The goal was to help these communities prepare for future hurricane seasons.

WINK News reporter Maddie Herron attended the seminar in Naples, where AquaFence presented its flood protection technology. The barrier has been tested in laboratories against winds of up to 140 miles per hour. It also withstood real-world conditions during Hurricane Helene, a category 4 storm, at Tampa General Hospital.

Ben Liptak, senior vice president of sales for AquaFence, said, "Today was focused on condos, because condos have a small footprint and go vertical."

David Galloway, a board member at Beachmoor Condominiums, attended the seminar to learn more about hurricane-resistant options. "They want to make sure that they're protecting the association, protecting other homeowners' interest," said Galloway.

He added, "Just here to gather some more information, because we've been interviewing other hurricane-resistant type presentations also."

Galloway emphasized the importance of community protection. "We're looking for some things that might be preventative in the future," he said.

"It's a major expense. So it just depends what a border condominium association can either afford it or not afford it. And looking towards the future, it may be cost preventative," Galloway said.

With hurricane memories still fresh, many are focused on preparing for future storms.