Holmes Beach, FL

IMPORTANT FLOOD INSURANCE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT THESE SITES 

 FloodSmart website  & FEMA National Insurance Program &
Florida State Emergency Response Team (SERT) - Community Resources
FEMA Substantial Damage Determinations Factsheet

FOR INFORMATION PERTAINING TO FEMA RISK RATING 2.0 CLICK THE LINK BELOW:

Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action

  ALL PROPERTY IN HOLMES BEACH  FALLS WITHIN A
SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA! 

Your property may also be in an area considered a "Repetitive Loss Property" which means it has been repeatedly flooded and has had several insurance flood claims of $1,000 that were paid by NFIP within any rolling 10-year period.

LOOKING FOR AN ELEVATION CERTIFICATE? CLICK HERE

LOCAL FLOOD HAZARD:  

• DURING HURRICANE SEASON FROM JUNE TO NOVEMBER THE CHANCES FOR FLOODING INCREASE. HEAVY RAINFALL COMBINED WITH A HIGH TIDE CAUSE  SALTWATER  TO BACK UP INTO THE STORM DRAINS, FLOODING STREETS AND YARDS. 
• JUST THIS YEAR HURRICANE IAN CAUSED FLOODING AND HIGH WINDS WHICH DAMAGED ROOFS, CARPORTS & OTHER MINOR STRUCTURES. QUITE A FEW TREES WERE UPROOTED AND BRANCHES WERE BROKEN DUE TO THE RAIN AND WIND. HOLMES BEACH WAS FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE TAKEN A DIRECT HIT BUT IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST DAMAGE A STORM CAN INFLICT. 
• HOLMES BEACH BASE FLOOD ELEVATIONS RANGE FROM 9 TO 11 FEET IN “A” ZONES AND 9 TO 14 FEET IN “V” ZONES. CONTACT THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT AT 941-708-5833 TO OBTAIN FLOOD MAPS, FLOOD PROTECTION, AND RETROFITTING INFORMATION.  
•  To determine your flood zone call the Building Department  941-708-5833,  visit  Manatee County Flood Maps ,  Floodsmart Flood Map Zones or click on  FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
• A CITY REPRESENTATIVE WILL PERFORM AN ONSITE VISIT TO YOUR PROPERTY TO GIVE YOU SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO IMPROVE DRAINAGE OR RETROFIT YOUR PROPERTY.  CONTACT THE CRS COORDINATOR AT 941-708-5833 EXT. 232 IN ORDER TO SCHEDULE AN ONSITE VISIT WITH OUR CITY ENGINEER.
• Floodplain Management Plan - Annual Progress Report 2023

 FLOOD SAFETY:  WHEN AN EVACUATION ORDER IS ISSUED, PREPARE TO LEAVE! 

• LEAVING THE ISLAND IS SMARTER THAN TAKING A CHANCE WITH YOUR LIFE. EVEN IF A HURRICANE DOESN'T COME ASHORE FLOODING CAN HAPPEN QUICKLY, SO PREPARE TO LEAVE WHILE YOU ARE ABLE. 

• DEVELOP A FAMILY DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN. 
• These sites will help you plan a strategy.  Manatee County Emergency Management  or Manatee County Emergency Planning & Tampa Bay Prepares
• LAST MINUTE EMERGENCY MEASURES: MOVE VALUABLE ITEMS (PHOTOS, ANTIQUES, ITEMS MOST DAMAGED BY FLOODWATERS) TO A HIGHER LEVEL.  PLACE SANDBAGS IN FRONT OF DOORWAYS AND OTHER ENTRY POINTS. SANDBAGS ARE AVAILABLE AT CITY HALL, 5801 MARINA DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH.

• TURN OFF ELECTRICITY, WATER AND GAS:  REMEMBER, SOME APPLIANCES SUCH AS TELEVISIONS, KEEP ELECTRICAL CHARGES EVEN AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN UNPLUGGED, SO BE CAREFUL.
• DO NOT WALK THROUGH FLOWING WATER: CURRENTS CAN BE DECEPTIVE- 6 INCHES OF RAPIDLY MOVING WATER CAN KNOCK YOU OFF YOUR FEET. IF YOU WALK IN STANDING WATER, USE A POLE OR STICK TO ENSURE THAT FIRM GROUND IS STILL THERE. FLOODING LEAVES TRASH INCLUDING BROKEN GLASS, NAILS AND MUD.
• DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH A FLOODED AREA: ROAD BARRIERS ARE THERE FOR A REASON!  DO NOT DRIVE AROUND THEM; THE ROAD MAY BE WASHED OUT OR THE WATER MAY BE DEEP ENOUGH TO FLOAT YOUR VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. 
• STAY AWAY FROM POWER LINES AND ELECTRICAL WIRES: THE NUMBER TWO FLOOD KILLER AFTER DROWNING IS ELECTROCUTION. ELECTRICAL CURRENT CAN TRAVEL THROUGH WATER. REPORT DOWNED POWER LINES TO FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT AT 941-917-0708. 

FLOOD INSURANCE: THERE IS A 30-DAY WAITING PERIOD FOR COVERAGE SO DON'T WAIT - BUY FLOOD INSURANCE!

• FEDERALLY BACKED MORTGAGES (FHA, VA, ETC) MUST CARRY FLOOD INSURANCE BUT EVEN FOR PROPERTIES WITHOUT A MORTGAGE IT IS PRUDENT TO HAVE FLOOD INSURANCE, ESPECIALLY SINCE YOU LIVE IN A SPECIAL HAZARD AREA AND FLOOD ZONE. FLOOD INSURANCE COVERS DIRECT LOSSES CAUSED BY SURFACE FLOODING, INCLUDING LOCAL DRAINAGE PROBLEMS.
• HOLMES BEACH PARTICIPATES IN THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM SO RESIDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A 20% DISCOUNT ON THEIR FLOOD INSURANCE PREMIUMS, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEIR PROPERTY HAS FLOODED IN THE PAST. ASK YOUR INSURANCE AGENT ABOUT THE DISCOUNT ON YOUR FLOOD INSURANCE.
• HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE POLICIES DO NOT COVER DAMAGE FROM FLOODS. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON WHAT INSURANCE POLICIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU TALK TO YOUR INSURANCE AGENT.  FOR FLOOD INSURANCE INFORMATION CALL 1-888-CALL-FLOOD EXT 304.
• You can also visit NFIP's website at FloodSmart/ NFIP
• DURING THE KIND OF FLOODING THAT HAPPENS IN HOLMES BEACH, THERE IS USUALLY MORE DAMAGE TO FURNITURE AND OTHER CONTENTS THAN TO THE STRUCTURE. IF YOU HAVE FLOOD COVERAGE, ENSURE THE AMOUNT AND EXTENT OF COVERAGE IS ADEQUATE.
• GET A FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY – IT WILL HELP PAY FOR REPAIRS AFTER A FLOOD AND, IN SOME CASES, WILL HELP PAY THE COSTS OF ELEVATING A SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED BUILDING. CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE AGENT FOR MORE INFORMATION.
• You can also go to Department of Homeland Security website at   DHS Flood page
• EVEN IF PROPERTY OWNERS DO NOT HAVE STRUCTURAL INSURANCE COVERAGE, RENTERS CAN BUY CONTENT INSURANCE COVERAGE. CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER.
• HOSE OFF YOUR VEHICLE SOON AFTER DRIVING THROUGH ANY FLOODWATERS.  INSURANCE AGENTS REPORT HIGH CLAIMS FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER A STORM DUE TO SALTWATER DAMAGE. 

PROPERTY PROTECTION MEASURES:  THERE ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY: 

• RE-GRADE YOUR LOT:  YOU CAN ALLEVIATE FLOODING BY BUILDING A SMALL FLOOD WALL OR EARTHEN BERM.  THIS METHOD WORKS IF YOUR LOT IS LARGE ENOUGH AND FLOODING IS NOT TOO DEEP.  CONTACT THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT BEFORE ANY BUILDING OR PROPERTY ALTERATION IS DONE, 941-708-5833. 
• RETROFIT YOUR HOME:  MAKE YOUR WALLS WATERPROOF AND PLACE WATERTIGHT CLOSURES OVER THE DOORWAYS.  THIS METHOD IS CALLED “DRY FLOOD PROOFING” AND WORKS IF THE WATER DOESN'T GET OVER 2 FEET DEEP. THERE ARE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) PUBLICATIONS, WHICH DETAIL MANY WAYS OF FLOOD PROOFING, RETROFITTING OR REPAIRING YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS.  YOU CAN FIND THIS INFORMATION AT THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT, 5801 MARINA DRIVE OR AT THE ISLAND LIBRARY, 5700 MARINA DRIVE, HOLMES BEACH. 
• Here is a good source of Flood protection information  
• PROTECT WINDOW & DOOR OPENINGS: IT IS ADVISABLE TO HAVE WIND PROTECTION SUCH AS IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS, STORM PANELS, OR AT LEAST PLYWOOD FOR WINDOWS AND REINFORCEMENT FOR YOUR GARAGE DOOR. 
• PROBLEMS WITH SEWER BACKUP: A WASTE LINE CHECK VALVE CAN STOP THIS IF THE WATER DOES NOT GET MORE THAN ONE OR TWO FEET DEEP. THE VALVE CAN BE PURCHASED AT A HARDWARE STORE AND IS RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE.  FOR INSTANCES OF MORE SEVERE FLOODING TALK TO A PLUMBER ABOUT OVERHEAD SEWERS OR A BACKUP VALVE.

PROTECT NATURAL FLOODPLAIN FUNCTIONS:

• GRASSY POINT IS A 34-ACRE NATURAL PRESERVE THAT BORDERS EAST BAY DR ON THE WEST AND ANNA MARIA SOUND ON THE EAST.  THIS AREA PROVIDES A TEMPORARY NATURAL STORAGE AREA FOR STORM WATER WHICH HELPS TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND ON ROADS.  IT IS ALSO HOME TO MANY ANIMALS, FISH, BIRDS AND BATS. 
• HOLMES BEACH SHARES ITS BEACHES ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND WITH UNIQUE WILDLIFE SUCH AS TURTLES AND SHOREBIRDS WHO NEST THERE.  PLEASE RESPECT THEIR NESTING AREA; IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO TAMPER WITH ANY AREAS THAT HAVE BEEN MARKED. 
• SEA OATS THAT GROW AT THE BEACH ENDS ARE ALSO PROTECTED BY LAW SO BE CAREFUL NOT TO DESTROY THEM. 
• GRASSY POINT AS WELL AS OTHER OPEN AREAS AND “POCKET PARKS” PROVIDE A PLACE FOR WATER TO DRAIN OFF CITY STREETS.  OUR CITY ENGINEER AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN WORKING ON IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING STORM WATER STRUCTURES AND REGULARLY BUDGET FOR THESE PROJECTS. 
• TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE FLOODPLAIN CLICK HERE.
• FLOOD/HURRICANE WARNING SYSTEM:  HOLMES BEACH HAS AN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN AND COORDINATES WITH MANATEE COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC) AS WELL AS THE ISLAND EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (IEOC). 
• You may contact Citizens Information Center 941-749-3547  or visit  #ManateeReady for further information.
• RESIDENTS SHOULD TUNE TO TV AND/OR RADIO WEATHER BROADCASTS AND BE ALERT TO SPECIAL LOCAL ADVISORIES.  SOME LOCAL STATIONS THAT CARRY ADVISORIES FOR OUR AREA ARE:     

RADIO STATIONS:
AM- 970
AM- 1490 WWPR

 TV STATIONS: 
CH 8 WFLA
CH 10 WTSP
CH 13 WTVT
BAY NEWS 9

 TIDAL GUAGES: 
Gulf of Mexico at St. Petersburg
Gulf of Mexico at Port Manatee

RIVER GUAGES:
Gamble Creek Near Parrish
Manatee River at Rye Bridge
Manatee River at Manatee Dam

WEBSITES REFERENCES:        Manatee County Emergency Management           National Hurricane Center

• IF MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDERS ARE ISSUED  EMERGENCY PERSONNEL MAY DRIVE THROUGH NEIGHBORHOODS WITH MEGAPHONES DIRECTING PEOPLE TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!
• WHEN ACTIVATED, MANATEE COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER POSTS CURRENT WEATHER ADVISORIES, STORM TRACKS, AND OPEN SHELTERS. 
• VISIT THEIR WEBSITE Manatee County Emergency  
• For storm tracking and warning visit National Weather Service
• RESIDENTS NEED TO REGISTER IF THERE ARE SPECIAL EVACUATION NEEDS, MEDICAL PROBLEMS OR TRANSPORTATION OFF THE ISLAND.
• You can register here  or call for  941-749-3500.
• RESIDENTS OF HOLMES BEACH MUST OBTAIN A HANGING TAG FOR RE-ENTRY AFTER EVACUATION. DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE STORM APPROACHES!  THE HOLMES BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ISSUES THE TAGS AND YOU MUST HAVE TWO PIECES OF IDENTIFICATION, ONE WITH A PHOTO. 

FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT REQUIREMENTS:  

• ALWAYS CHECK WITH THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT BEFORE YOU FILL, ALTER OR RE GRADE YOUR PROPERTY.  A PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ANY ALTERATION BECAUSE YOU MUST RETAIN STORM WATER ON YOUR PROPERTY SO IT WON’T AFFECT NEIGHBORING PROPERTIES.  
• DO NOT DUMP ANYTHING:   DUMPING IN CANALS, DITCHES, WATERWAYS AND OTHER BODIES OF WATER IS A VIOLATION OF HOLMES BEACH CITY ORDINANCE. OBSTRUCTED CONVEYANCES CANNOT CARRY STORM WATER AWAY, WHICH CAUSES FLOODING IN STREETS AND YARDS. 
• IF YOU SEE AN ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION SITE  WITHOUT A PERMIT CARD POSTED CALL THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT AT 941-708-5833.  THE WORK BEING DONE THERE MAY CAUSE FLOODING ON YOUR PROPERTY. 
• IF YOU SEE SOMEONE DUMPING:   YARD DEBRIS, PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES, OIL OR ANYTHING INTO STORM WATER INLETS, DITCHES OR OTHER WATERWAYS REPORT IT TO CODE ENFORCEMENT AT 941-708-5800 EXT. 247 OR PUBLIC WORKS AT 941-708-5768. PLEASE HELP PROTECT OUR NATURAL WATERWAYS!
• CALL THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AT 941-708-5768 IF A STORM DRAIN NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
• THE SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT/ DAMAGE REQUIREMENTS:  IF STRUCTURES ARE IN A SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA (SFHA), WHICH ALL OF HOLMES BEACH IS IN, AND IF THE COST OF RECONSTRUCTION, REHABILITATION, ADDITION OR OTHER IMPROVEMENTS ON THE STRUCTURE EQUALS OR EXCEEDS 50% OF THE BUILDING’S MARKET VALUE, THEN THE BUILDING MUST MEET THE SAME CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS AS A NEW BUILDING.
• SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED BUILDINGS MUST ALSO BE BROUGHT UP TO THE SAME STANDARDS AND MUST BE ELEVATED ABOVE THE BASE FLOOD ELEVATION. REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT/DAMAGE REQUIREMENTS MUST MEET PROVISIONS SPELLED OUT IN THE CITY’S FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE 08-02.
• Additional information can be found at this FEMA publication “ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED BUILDINGS”  (FEMA 213)   INFORMATION IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT. 

DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE:

• THE CITY’S STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM IS COMPOSED OF OPEN (SWALES/DITCHES) AND CLOSED SEGMENTS (INLETS/PIPING) THAT CARRY STORM WATER AWAY FROM HOMES AND ROADS. 
• HOLMES BEACH PUBLIC WORKS CREWS REGULARLY MAINTAIN THIS ENTIRE SYSTEM AS PART OF OUR PERMIT WITH THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES). IF YOU SEE ANY UNAPPROVED CHANGES TO THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM, SUCH AS FILLING OR REROUTING DITCHES, PLEASE CONTACT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AT 941-708-5833. HOLMES BEACH CITY ORDINANCE PROHIBITS LITTERING OR DUMPING ANYTHING INTO WATERWAYS SO PLEASE REPORT INCIDENTS TO THE CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT AT 941-708-5800 X 247.                                                               

PREPARE FOR A STORM AHEAD OF TIME:

• INSTALL SHUTTERS OR PRECUT PLYWOOD TO COVER ALL WINDOWS FROM WIND DRIVEN DEBRIS.
• UNPLUG AND SECURE ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT SUCH AS TVS AND COMPUTERS, PUT ANY ITEMS OF VALUE THAT YOU ARE NOT TAKING IN A HIGH PLACE SUCH AS A CLOSET SHELF.
• FILL YOUR VEHICLE WITH FUEL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID LONG LINES AT THE GAS STATION.  IT IS POSSIBLE THAT GAS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE DUE TO THE POWER LOSSES FOLLOWING A STORM.
• KEEP SOME CASH HANDY, BOTH BILLS AND COINS FOR VENDING MACHINES. MOST VENDORS WON’T BE ABLE TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS AFTER A HURRICANE.
• FOR SWIMMING POOLS, LOWER THE WATER LEVEL BUT DO NOT DRAIN COMPLETELY.  ADD EXTRA CHLORINE AND TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL POWER TO POOL EQUIPMENT.
• STORE WATER IN BATHTUBS, BARRELS, JUGS OR OTHER CONTAINERS.  USE THIS WATER FOR BATHING AND OTHER SANITARY PURPOSES. DO NOT USE THIS WATER FOR DRINKING!
• MAKE SURE YOU HURRICANE KIT IS READY TO GO AT A MOMENTS NOTICE.
• GET A RE-ENTRY HANGING TAG FOR YOUR VEHICLE AT THE HOLMES BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT.
• KNOW WHERE THE EVACUATION ROUTES AND SHELTERS ARE.
• FOR PET EVACUATIONS, HAVE THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK FOR CURRENT VACCINATIONS AVAILABLE WHEN CHECKING INTO A PET FRIENDLY SHELTER, HOTEL/MOTEL OR KENNEL.

POST STORM KIT

• KEEP TUNED TO LOCAL RADIO OR TV FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.
• AFTER THE STORM AND WHEN AUTHORITIES GIVE THE OKAY TO RETURN TO THE ISLAND RESIDENTS MUST HAVE A HANGING RE-ENTRY IN THEIR VEHICLE.
• FOR LOCAL INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE CALL THE MANATEE COUNTY CITIZEN INFORMATION CENTER AT 941-748-4501.
• PURCHASE NEEDED SUPPLIES AND FOOD BEFORE RETURNING HOME AND LET YOUR FAMILY KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING.
• UPON ENTERING YOUR HOME ACCESS ANY DAMAGE AND BE AWARE OF POSSIBLE STRUCTURAL OR ELECTRICAL DAMAGE OR GAS LEAKS. CONTACT FPL OR YOUR GAS COMPANY IF NECESSARY.
• MAKE TEMPORARY REPAIRS TO CORRECT SAFETY HAZARDS, COVER HOLES IN WINDOWS, WALLS OR ROOF.  REMOVE DEBRIS.  TEMPORARY REPAIRS DON’T NEED A PERMIT.  CHECK WITH THE BUILDING DEPT. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
• MAKE SURE ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCE ARE DRY BEFORE USING THEM.
• LISTEN TO PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORIES TO SEE IF PUBLIC WATER IS SAFE TO DRINK. 
• BEWARE OF OUTDOOR HAZARDS (SNAKES & OTHER CRITTERS WASHED OUT OF THEIR HOMES)  WATCH OUT FOR SINKHOLES, POTHOLES AND OTHER STRUCTURAL DAMAGE.
• DO NOT GO OUT AND “SIGHT SEE”.  REPAIR CREWS WILL BE WORKING TO CLEAN UP DAMAGE AND GET RESIDENTS BACK TO NORMAL.
• TAKE PHOTOS AND CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YOU HAVE ANY DAMAGES.

HERE ARE SOME GREAT SOURCES  OF INFORMATION TO ASSIST RESIDENTS IN PREPARING FOR A STORM EVENT AND HOW TO RECOVER  AFTER A STORM.


You can find out what your flood zone is  FIND MY FLOOD ZONE

Information about storm preparation can be found here MANATEE READY: EMERGENCY PLANNING

For weather tracking NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Here is a real time RAIN GAGE

Hurricane Preparedness 2023 NOAA website

Protecting your home & property here are mitigation ideas for reducing flood loss FEMA PUBLICATIONS

Tips for before and after a flood FLOODSMART
 
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) FLOOD INSURANCE

Protecting your home from flood damage PROTECTING YOUR HOME

Here are some Flood help PUBLICATIONS

Surging seasSEA LEVEL RISE VIEWER

Understanding & managing natural flood plains PROTECTING FLOODPLAIN RESOURCES

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The City of Holmes Beach aims to provide full accessibility to our programs, services, and activities unless doing so changes the fundamental nature of the program, service, or activity, or it creates an undue administrative or financial burden.  If you are not able to access any of the content of this website, please email the City Clerk at cityclerk@holmesbeachfl.org or call ADA Coordinator at 941-708-5800, ext. 226 so that we can provide a solution or provide the information in an accessible format.