The entire Town of Redington Beach is a Special Hazard Flood Zone. This means that the Town – as a whole, with NO exceptions – is prone to flooding during periods of high tide and especially during inclement weather (heavy rains, tropical depressions, tropical storms, AND HURRICANES).
The purpose of this flyer is to give Town residents some idea of what they can do to PROTECT themselves.
Since the entire Town is a Special Hazard Flood Zone, ALL residents should be aware that both the Town Hall Flood Protection Library and the Gulf Beaches Public Library (on Municipal Drive in Madeira Beach) have a wealth of information concerning flood prevention, protection, and mitigation. FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Maps) information is also available at both locations.
Upon request, the Town’s Director of the Department of Public Works, Mark A. Davis, will do a site visit at a resident’s property to review actual or potential flood problems and to explain steps that can be taken to stop flooding or prevent flood-related damages. There is NO charge for such services. Mark Davis can be reached at Town Hall (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) by calling: (727) 391-3875.
There are several different ways to protect a building from flood damage. One way is to keep the water away by re-grading your lot or building a small floodwall or earthen berm. These methods might work if your lot is large enough or if flooding is not too deep The Pinellas County Building Department, or Mark A. Davis, can provide this and related information upon request. Additionally, another approach is to make your walls waterproof and place watertight closures over the doorways.
In some instances, it may be possible to raise certain structures above flood levels. One recent project of this type can be viewed at: 16111 3RD Street – the old house at that location was totally razed and the elevated structure that now stands on the site was built with all living spaces ABOVE flooding levels. This project was done with assistance (financial) from the Flood Mitigation Assistance program.
Information about floodproofing or retrofitting can be obtained at the Town Hall Flood Information Library and at the Gulf Beaches Public Library in Madeira Beach. IMPORTANT Note: Any alteration to your building or land may require a permit from the County Building Department – always check to see if your plans require a permit (727 – 464-3176).
Flood Insurance coverage is MANDATORY for all federally-backed or funded mortgages. Even where such coverage is not mandatory, flood insurance coverage is a SMART thing to have.
BEWARE: Many flood insurance policies cover only damage to a structure and NOT the structure’s contents. Homeowners are advised to contact their insurance broker for complete details. The Town of Redington Beach participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) where you can purchase a flood insurance policy that is separate from a homeowner’s policy that may have some flood damage protection (to the structure and not the contents).
For further information on the NFIP program, contact your insurance broker or the Town Clerk at (727 – 391-3875).
Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet. Drowning during serious flooding is a real hazard.
Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don’t drive around flood barriers. Use EXTREME caution on the 161ST Avenue Causeway during storms, high tides, and related conditions.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The #2 flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can and will travel through water. Report downed power lines immediately to Pinellas County Utilities (727) 464-5800.
Be alert for gas leaks. Gas leaks are common during severe weather. Use a flashlight to check for leaks. When in doubt, DON’T use candles, lighters or other flame sources. Report gas leaks immediately to Pinellas County Utilities (727) 464-5800.
Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles, window glass, and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.