JW Marriott Hotel

Clearwater, Florida

The Challenge

Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, the JW Marriott Hotel in Clearwater, Florida, faces recurring flood risk from hurricanes, king tides, and storm surge each year. For a luxury beachfront property, the challenge extends beyond keeping water out.

Storm-driven flooding often carries sand, debris, and other materials that can damage critical equipment, block access points, and disrupt hotel operations, ultimately impacting the guest experience. Protecting building openings while maintaining the hotel's high standards of service was an important factor.

The Recommendations

Flood Risk America recommended installing a custom FRA Flood Panel system along the side of the building most exposed to storm surge and debris impact.

The panels were engineered to withstand not only rising water but also debris accumulation, pressure, and saltwater environments, providing a robust barrier during severe weather events. Designed for rapid deployment by on-site staff, the solution allowed the hotel to prepare efficiently without interrupting daily operations.

The Result

Ahead of an approaching hurricane, JW Marriott Clearwater staff deployed the FRA Flood Panel system just in time. The system performed as designed, even through Category 4 and 5 storms, effectively blocking floodwater, sand, and debris from entering vulnerable areas of the building.

As a result, critical equipment remained protected, operational disruptions were minimized, and the property was able to weather the storm with reduced damage and faster recovery. The customized flood protection solution now gives the hotel greater confidence heading into each hurricane season.