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FEMA Proposes New Flood Zones
Sep 25, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: LEE COUNTY, Fla. (Sept. 25, 2006) – Lee County has received updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, its first comprehensive review of local flood zones in 22 years. This review is part of FEMA's nationwide remapping of flood zones. This study includes unincorporated Lee County; the cities of Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Sanibel; and the town of Fort Myers Beach. These preliminary maps show that more areas of Lee County will be included in high-risk flood zones, especially along the coast, rivers and creeks. Within high-risk flood zones, known as Special Flood Hazard Areas, insurance rates and construction elevation requirements are higher than in other zones. High-risk flood zones are noted on the preliminary maps by the letters "A", "AE", "V" or "VE". Overall, the number of parcels in Special Flood Hazard Areas throughout Lee County would increase by about 7,600, according to these preliminary maps. Under the proposed boundaries, some communities, including Cape Coral and scattered areas in North Fort Myers, will see a decrease in the number of parcels in the Special Flood Hazard Areas. According to FEMA, the boundaries change over time as surface erosion, land use and natural forces influence water flow and drainage patterns. In addition, the preliminary maps were drafted with new technology as well as an additional 22 years of data. The maps are still preliminary and have not yet been officially adopted. They will likely be effective in August 2007. Residents of unincorporated Lee County and the cities of Bonita Springs, Cape Coral and Fort Myers may attend a public meeting about the flood maps from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, at City Pier, 1300 Hendry St., Fort Myers. It is at the corner of Hendry Street and Edwards Drive, about one block east of Harborside Event Center. This will be an "open-house" style meeting, where residents can have one-on-one conversations with local and FEMA representatives about their specific properties. The meeting for residents of Fort Myers Beach will be Thursday, Oct. 26, at 5 p.m. at Fort Myers Beach Council Chambers. The meeting for Sanibel Island will be announced. Property owners can view the proposed zone for their homes or businesses at the Lee County Web site: http://www.lee-county.com/dcd/ . The Web site also links to FEMA sites for specific information about flood insurance and FEMA's map modernization efforts. Additional information is available directly from FEMA at its Web site: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/index.shtm .
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