TREASURE ISLAND COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT:
FLOOD SAFETY

Flooding in Treasure Island can be caused by heavy rainfall that occurs in short periods of time, as is common during summer thunderstorms, and by tidal surges that accompany coastal storms, tropical storms and hurricanes. Because of the City’s low land elevations and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the flood threat is significant.

Hurricane tidal surges are the Treasure Island's greatest threat and can cause flooding up to 24 hours before the eye of the storm reaches the coast.

The potential for flood losses in Treasure Island always exists when tropical storms and hurricanes hit the area. Some storms, such as the No-Name Storm in March 1993 produced coastal flooding that resulted in significant property damage. Residents need to respect this hazard and be prepared to deal with it accordingly.

FEMA has identified the entire City of Treasure Island as a Special Flood Hazard Area on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. These maps establish base flood elevations for development within these areas with the lowest permitted habitable flood levels ranging from 10 to 15 feet above sea level.

The most recent Flood Insurance Rate Map for Treasure Island went into effect in 2003. If you think the flood zone identified by your insurance agent is in question, please contact Treasure Island at 727-547-4575, ext. 230.

The City of Treasure Island is the community’s primary source of information regarding Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

Since all of Treasure Island is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, it is important to know the base flood elevation of the property and the flood insurance purchase requirements, if applicable.

Please contact the City of Treasure Island at the above phone number if you have questions regarding the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The City also has copies of the elevation certificates for many of structures in the community. If you need such a certificate, please contact the City to determine if one is on file.

For many people, their home and its contents represent their greatest investment. Property losses due to flooding are not covered under most standard homeowner insurance policies.

You can protect your home and its contents with flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
The NFIP is a federal program established by Congress in 1968 that enables property owners to buy flood insurance at reasonable rates in participating communities. In return, participating communities carry out flood management measures designed to protect life and property from future flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Federal Insurance Administration administers the NFIP.

Flood insurance is required for properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area in the City of Treasure Island for any federally backed mortgage.
The amount of flood insurance that was available through the NFIP as of April 2006 is as follows:

. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies issued or renewed for properties in the Special Flood Hazard Areas of Treasure Island receive a 15% premium discount.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
this discount is the result of the City’s qualifying as Class 7 in the NFIP Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System.
The City has achieved this rating through activities such as maintenance of drainage facilities, regulation of stormwater discharge and distribution of this information as part of the Community Outreach Program.

CONTACT BUILDING OFFICIAL NEAL SCHWARTZ ABOUT THE NFIP nschwartz@mytreasureisland.org
or call 727-547-4575 ext. 264

Any development requires a permit from the City’s Building Department which ensures that all development meets the flood regulations.

• Such regulations include minimum elevations of living floor areas, flood proofing of certain construction, limitations on placement of fill, and limitations on substantial improvements, additions, and reconstruction.
  

Following NFIP standards, the City mandates that:

• if the cost of any reconstruction, rehabilitation, or addition or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s depreciated value, then such work is considered a substantial improvement. The existing building is then required to meet the same standards as a new building.

The NFIP standards relating to substantial improvement are enforced through the development and building permitting process.

• Applicants for remodeling or repair of "nonconforming” structures (i.e. buildings which are not elevated to or above the base flood elevation) are required to submit a cost estimate of the improvement and, if necessary, an appraised value of the existing structure, to determine if the work constitutes a substantial improvement.
• This means that the older non-conforming properties in the City will eventually come into NFIP compliance and be protected from potential flood damage.

The City’s permitting review process is a necessary component of its participation in the NFIP, making flood insurance available to those who want to protect their property from flood damage.

Development that occurs without City permits threatens the City’s continued participation in the NFIP and the ability for residents to obtain flood insurance.

If you see development occurring without permits, protect your rights and immediately contact the City at (727) 547-4575 ext. 230

Under Florida law SB 80, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead contact by phone or in writing.