Pinellas County Latest To Update FEMA Flood Maps

Flooding is one of the most common and costly disasters during storms. Pinellas County is the latest area to have adjustments made to its flood map to better reflect the risk that some homeowners may face.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency updated flood maps that will serve as visual representations for areas at risk. They will also help determine adjusted insurance rates and standards for new construction.

“This is a coastal update,” said Pinellas County Floodplain Coordinator Lisa Foster. “There were updates done between the 70s and the current map which was done in 2003, but the coastal part hasn’t really had an overhaul since back then.”

These new maps will have an impact on owners of properties susceptible to flooding from the Gulf, Tampa Bay and inland areas near waterways connected to either one.

Foster stated that a common misconception is that people think they do not live in a flood zone.