New flood map and flood zone designations to affect some Alligator Creek residents
CLEARWATER – National flood maps are changing, and some residents living in the Alligator Creek area of Clearwater may be affected. Preliminary flood maps, updated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, show the flood zone designation for some properties in Alligator Creek may have changed to a higher risk category.
The city will host a public meeting Thursday, July 25, 4 to 6:30 p.m., East Library (2251 Drew Street), and residents are invited to attend. Members of the city's Engineering Department and the Southwest Florida Water Management District, or SWFWMD, will be on-hand to talk about the specific changes to the floodplain and how specific homes may be affected.
FEMA updates its flood maps each year, which identify the level of risk that determines flood insurance rates. Maps are available online at http://tinyurl.com/bk3u3. Residents can use the "Map-based Search" option on the page's left-hand side by keying in an address or place.
Homeowner policies do not cover flood losses. The City of Clearwater participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and Community Rating System so that flood insurance is available to Clearwater residents.
For more information, go to www.fema.gov/business/nfip/, visit www.myclearwater.com/flooding, or call the city's Engineering Department at (727) 562-4792.