Innovative Sealor Project Aims to Combat Florida's Flooding Crisis

Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, USA - The Sunshine State is bracing itself for yet another bout of weather challenges. With climate change intensifying the storms and water levels creeping ever higher, innovative measures are urgently needed to protect Florida’s coastal communities. Researchers from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and Nexuma are stepping up to the plate with a groundbreaking project aimed at mitigating flooding caused by heavy rains and king tides.

Nexuma’s patented solution, Sealor, which can be applied directly to limestone, promises to forge a subterranean barrier that curtails what’s known as compound flooding. This problem is particularly vexing in Florida, where heavy downpours often coincide with king tides, wreaking havoc on both residents and infrastructure. The long-term vision for this project is clear: to implement Sealor across South Florida, addressing the urgent threats posed by rising sea levels and increasing severe weather events.

The Vision Behind Sealor

The brainchild of Alexander Suma, a resident of Sunny Isles Beach, Sealor was born out of necessity as he witnessed the relentless flooding in his own neighborhood. His invention is not just a stand-alone fix; it is designed to work hand-in-hand with existing flood control structures like seawalls and dikes. A talented team comprising biochemists, microbiologists, and marine geologists, including NSU research scientist Robert Smith, is part of the initiative.

Recently, Nexuma secured a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 grant in March 2025, a significant boost that will help propel their research forward. As planned, preliminary lab tests of Sealor will begin soon, with actual field testing slated for next year at sites most affected by flooding.

A Broader Context for Resilience

This initiative comes against the backdrop of the Resilient Florida Program spearheaded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The program aims to bolster the resilience of local communities facing environmental challenges. As weather patterns evolve, Florida’s approach to addressing coastal flooding is evolving as well, making programs that support innovation and research more vital than ever.

It’s worth noting the DEP’s efforts extend beyond technical projects. Their website serves as a resource to navigate the complexities of climate resilience, although it is predominantly available in English. Users can find an automatic translation feature provided by Gtranslate®, although it’s important to remember that it may not always deliver perfectly accurate translations. The DEP has clearly articulated that they disassociate themselves from the quality of these translations, emphasizing that users engage with translated content at their own risk.

As we look ahead, the collaboration between NSU and Nexuma could very well be a beacon of hope for households along Florida’s coasts. As the state confronts the ever-present threat of flooding, initiatives like Sealor do a good deal to show there’s something to be said for innovation steeped in local experience. The next steps will be crucial; keeping our fingers crossed for a successful endeavor that hopefully leads to safer and more resilient coastal communities.

Stay tuned for updates as lab testing kicks off and field trials unfold next year. Every bit of progress brings us closer to a future where Floridians can weather the storms with greater confidence.