The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has issued adjusted flood maps in 2019 for a number of areas within New Port Richey city limits and elsewhere along the Gulf Coast.

The changes affect FIRMs, a designation of areas that can affect flood insurance rates and/or requirements for flood insurance for homeowners with mortgages. The changes mostly appear to be expansion of flood areas, mostly for secondary (areas that flood only after primary areas flood). Most significantly affected area areas closer to the coast and to river basins, including the Pithlachascotee.

Pasco County residents can visit this link provided by the County to enter their address and see changes to their flood designation.

Residents in other Counties can use FEMA’s nationwide mapping system linked here.

FEMA also has initiated an appeals process for those affected by changes to the FIRM designations and new flood maps. Comments can also be left directly on the ArcGIS map linked, but appeals must be submitted using the formal process as well.

Appeals must be received by May 28, 2019.

For more information on the appeals process, contact:

Mail:

Rick Sacbibit, Engineering Services Branch

Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, FEMA

400 C Street SW, Washington, DC  20472

Phone:  (202) 646.7659

E-mail:  patrick.sacbibit@fema.dhs.gov