What does Pasco County have to do better to help save lives and property in the event of a catastrophic flood?
That’s what officials want to know as they look to update their local mitigation strategy — an assessment of hazard vulnerabilities faced by property owners and residents. The meetings include discussion on how communities can better mitigate against flooding hazards to not only protect people and what they own, but also to help expedite post-disaster recovery.
Florida’s Division of Emergency Management as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency will approve plans that will open municipalities like Pasco to receive grants that could pay for mitigation projects like improving stormwater management capabilities, buyout of properties repeatedly flooded, and other property and infrastructure improvements.
The first meeting is set for Aug. 25 beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Community Recreation Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. On the agenda for that gathering is the mitigation strategy itself as well as the National Flood Insurance Program, the community rating system, the hazard vulnerability assessment, and the county’s coordination with other community plans.
The Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will host its own meeting Sept. 5 beginning at 1:30 p.m., which will include a review of the current mitigation activities, and to draft an action plan.
Other meetings are scheduled for Aug. 28 at the Pasco County Emergency Operations Center in New Port Richey, and Sept. 10 at the South Holiday Branch Library in Holiday.
To read more about the county’s local mitigation strategy, click here. Questions or comments should be directed to the county’s emergency management office at (727) 847-8137, or email Barbara Spaulding at .
