FEMA representatives and Manatee County officials will hold two meetings in April to answer questions about new FEMA preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and elevation requirements that highlight flood risk and could impact insurance rates for many Manatee County homeowners. 
Over time, flood risks change due to weather events, environmental changes, erosion, land use and other factors. Maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes. FEMA recently released updated, digital flood hazard maps that show the extent to which areas throughout the county are at risk for flooding. The new preliminary FIRM is based on updated coastal modeling and Gamble Creek watershed in Parrish, and many property owners may find that their risk is higher or lower than they thought. If the risk level for a property changes, so may the requirement to carry flood insurance.

These open house meetings are scheduled for April 1 from 4pm to 7pm and April 2 from 1pm to 7pm at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto. Residents can find out whether their flood zone has changed at the website below.

Manatee County Flood Zone Information