Changes are because the District is now using advanced technology found in LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) maps which improves our knowledge of wetlands and flood issues which can be more accurately predicted.
We also have many newly developed areas which may affect water movement and thus change flooding characteristics of the area. An example of this is the new controversial Cornerstone Crossings development plan which is a blatant threat to the Ichetucknee Trace.
With their blind subservience to money, in the past too many local authorities have condoned development in wetlands and other areas which should never allow building. The new LIDAR maps are the truthseekers needed to stop impending harm.
We must be aware of the uses put to springs allocations, as our state agencies love to spend springs money on infrastructure or water transfers which may be in a realm beyond the expertise of the District’s water scientists.
It’s up to us to know our interconnections with the Florida Springs if we want to enjoy them with future generations through our intentions today because the government will not save the springs.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Communications Office | Suwannee River Water Management District |
386.362.1001 or 800.226.1066 (FL) | SRWMDCommunications@SRWMD.org | www.MySuwanneeRiver.com
SRWMD reminds residents of upcoming Santa Fe Watershed Flood Risk Review meetings
FEBRUARY 14LIVE OAK, FLA., F, 2023 – A trio of meetings to discuss updated flood risk maps for the Santa Fe Watershed will take place February 21-23 and the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) is encouraging local property owners to provide feedback on their property’s flood status.
Residents who live in certain areas of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Suwannee, and Union counties could be impacted by the updated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps. This means some residents who do not currently live in flood zones could be moved into flood zones, and residents currently in flood zones could be moved out of those zones. The maps are revised periodically to improve flood information for local communities in their planning and development. Flood zone designations can impact insurance rates.
Residents looking for information on the status of their property, and any proposed changes, can visit the online web map and search by their address. Residents can also visit the virtual meeting room and follow the steps below to review possible changes to their property:
- Visit www.SRWMDFloodReport.com/Virtual
- Scroll to the SRWMD Flood Report tab
- Select the Santa Fe Watershed (ARCGIS), and search for their property address.
- Ensure the “Changes Since Last Effective” layer is turned on for your specific county to see projected changes. Areas in red are new additions into a flood zone; areas in green have been removed from a flood zone.
If residents see that there is a proposed change to their property, they are encouraged to attend any of the three upcoming meetings, where representatives from the District and FEMA will be available to discuss the development of the flood risk maps for the region. Those unable to attend can submit feedback at this link for up to 30 days after the meetings.
Feedback received will be taken into consideration for the development of the preliminary maps, which are expected to be available to review later this year.
Three public meetings have been scheduled for residents to provide feedback.
- February 21 – Bradford County Courthouse in Starke – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- February 22 – James A. Lewis Commission Chambers in Alachua – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- February 23 – Westside Community Center in Lake City – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Additional information, including the presentation made at the meetings, can be found at www.SRWMDfloodreport.com/virtual.
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. The District holds true to the belief of water for nature, water for people. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter, search @SRWMD.
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