Remember that FEMA story? The one where they dropped 5 local municipalities, including Fort Myers Beach, from their 25% National Flood Insurance program discount without telling any of them why. Here’s the latest…
After submitting all the required documents FEMA requested All 5 municipalities (Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Estero and unincorporated Lee County) were supposed to hear back from FEMA by July 10th. As of today, July 12th, crickets.
After the surprise attack FEMa launched on the 5 municipalities, they all went to work: A: trying to establish a line of communication with the federal agency, and B: trying to find out what they did wrong and how to fix that.
Once FEMA got over it’s arrogance and the town was able to determine what needed to be done, town staff provided FEMA with documentation reflecting the town’s records of site work review, including but not limited to: violations for unpermitted work, stop work orders, complaint code cases, processed renovation permits, documents demonstrating work was that was completed on houses which were not substantially damaged and documents proving there was substantial damage and the demolition permits were needed.
All of that documentation needed to be submitted by June 10th. FEAM then told the town (and the 4 other municipalities) they would call them with a verdict by July 10th. That didn’t happen. Mayor Dan Allers now says that FEMA is expected to contact the town next week some time before word gets out to the media and the public about their decision.
FEMA claims Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coal, Bonita Springs, Estero and unincorporated Lee County allowed property owners to perform work on their homes without permits and didn’t pay enough attention to FEMA’s 50% rule. All 5 municipalities say FEMA blindsided them with their insurance downgrade and all 5 municipalities claimed they provided FEMA with everything they asked for since Hurricane Ian.
Fort Myers Beach went from a 5 rating which offers residents a 25% discount to a 10 rating with is a zero discount.
Local, investigative journalism is hard work. If you believe Beach Talk Radio and Beach Talk Radio News bring you value, consider supporting our business model HERE.
Comments are closed.