New federal flood maps could change insurance requirements for Clearwater property owners in the Alligator Creek watershed.
FEMA is preparing updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the watershed, which covers 3,452 acres of eastern Clearwater on both sides of US 19 and drains through Alligator Lake into Old Tampa Bay, WTSP reported. Some property owners may need flood insurance for the first time. Others may no longer need it.
Gene Henry, Clearwater's floodplain administrator, told Tampa Bay 28 the city submitted information to FEMA for review because of severe weather impacts in the area.
"We know that area had repetitive flooding and there was a lot of flooding in areas that were not identified on the flood insurance rate map," Henry said on Aug. 21.
The updated maps could take effect as early as mid-2027, according to Tampa Bay 28. Federal rules require anyone with a federally backed mortgage to carry flood insurance if their property falls within a designated flood zone, Henry said.
How to check your property
Residents can search their address at clearwaterfl.withforerunner.com to see whether their flood zone or base flood elevation changed under the proposed maps. The site lets users toggle between the current "Effective FIRM" and the proposed "Preliminary FIRM" to compare.
A comment and appeal period opened Aug. 21. Property owners can submit comments at the same site by clicking "Submit," then selecting "Alligator Creek Preliminary FIRM – Comment and Appeal Review." The city's event page says the city will compile comments and supporting evidence and forward them to FEMA for review.
Three open houses scheduled
The city has scheduled open houses where residents can learn why the maps are changing and what steps they can take:
- Saturday, Sept. 12: 9:30 a.m. to noon, East Community Library, 2465 Drew St.
- Wednesday, Sept. 30: 4 to 7 p.m., Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 Second St. N.
- A third session at East Community Library is planned, but the city's own webpage is internally inconsistent. Its descriptive list says Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Its event calendar at the bottom of the same page says Thursday, Dec. 10, 2026, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents should confirm with the city before attending.
For questions, residents can email [email protected], call the Planning and Development Department at (727) 562-4567 (option 7) or visit myclearwater.com/AlligatorCreek.
