The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is gathering information to improve identification of flood prone areas in Sumter County. Residents living in the Little Jones Creek/Wildwood watershed are invited to attend an open house Thursday, Jan. 13, at 4 p.m. The meeting will take place at Wildwood Community Center, located at 6500 Powell Road in Wildwood.
District representatives will present preliminary data for flood prone areas, explain the basis behind the findings, and gather additional information that may be used to identify areas which may be prone to flooding. After addressing public comments, information will be finalized and presented to the District’s Governing Board for approval to use the data for regulatory purposes. This information is not currently being incorporated into the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs); however, it may be used in future DFIRM updates.
Residents unable to attend the open house may provide virtual public comment now through Feb. 27 at WaterMatters.org/Floodplain. The website will present preliminary data for flood prone areas and the public will have the opportunity to submit comments.
The information which identifies areas prone to flooding can be used by local governments for land use and zoning decisions, to help manage development in and around floodplains and wetlands, to reduce flood risks, to preserve land and water resources, and for emergency planning. It will also provide valuable information to the public for decisions about purchasing and protecting property.
For more information or to find out which watershed you live in, please visit WaterMatters.org/Floodplain or call the District at (352) 796-7211, ext. 4297.