Town Staff Saves FEMA Discount For Residents

Fort Myers Beach is back in the good graces of FEMA. Residents will not lose their 25% Flood Insurance Program discount. Last week FEMA gave the town the good news after months of uncertainty and back-and-forth between FEMA and the town.

A lot of documents had to be shuffled over to FEMA after they first called and told Fort Myers Beach the discount would be dropped. FEMA made that call to Fort Myers Beach without any warning or specifics as to why. Mayor Dan Allers and Vice Mayor Jim Atteroholt both had high praise for Town Manager Andy Hyatt and his staff.

Mayor Allers said, “We are excited our residents are able to continue to receive the 25 percent flood insurance discount. Our staff has worked countless hours providing the necessary documentation to support we have and will continue to work within State and FEMA regulations. Andy and our staff have gone above and beyond to ensure our residents have one less thing to worry about as we continue to get people back into their homes and businesses.”

Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt added, “This misguided challenge by FEMA has been a huge distraction for our island as we try and recover from hurricane Ian. Credit goes to our Mayor and Town staff for rising to the challenge and responding with overwhelming evidence in defense of our procedures. Flood insurance is already difficult and the increased premiums from FEMA’s actions would have added insult to injury for our residents.”

Fort Myers Beach Town Manager Andy Hyatt said, “We feel as though we responded to FEMA’s request for information and felt that the information was accurate while meeting the requirements that were established prior to Hurricane Ian; however, we do look forward to working with FEMA to address any outstanding issues as they continue to explore the future of the Community Rating System and focus on ways that they can improve.”