FEMA updates flood maps for Sarasota County

Charles Merlis
·1 min read

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SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) —The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released new flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) for Sarasota County, effective Mar. 27.

FEMA’s current FIRM maps only contain two coastal flood zones for the region. Flood risks change due to construction and development growth, environmental impacts, floodplains widening or shifting, and other factors over time. FEMA’s FIRMs are updated periodically to reflect these changes.

Representatives from Sarasota County and the cities of Venice, North Port, Sarasota, and Longboat Key will host public meetings for residents to learn about their own flood risk, view the newly updated FIRMs, and learn how the changes may impact individual properties.

Public meetings with city and county representatives will occur during the following dates and times:

  • 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the Fruitville Library, 100 Apex Road, Sarasota.

  • 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice.

An additional online presentation is planned for the following date:

  • 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Mar. 13, held virtually over Zoom (ID 832 9202 7798).

For more information, citizens may view FIRMs online at scgov.net/floodmaps and visit the interactive map.

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