Our Village Voice VOL. 35 NO. 12
www.seabreezepublications.com
DECEMBER 2024
Holiday Plant Swap January 1, 2025 Save The Date Master Gardener Maura and husband Steve Miller welcome you to our home for our annual holiday plant swap New Year’s Day from 8 to 11 a.m. The 2024 hurricane season caused major damage to Florida’s crops resulting in rising food costs. The focus
Bill’s Box
of this year’s plant swap will be edible plants: vegetables, herbs, and fruits. This is a family friendly activity and feel free to bring your friends and learn how to grow your own! Look for postings on social media. We look forward to seeing you again for another successful Shores of Jupiter holiday event. Miller Residence: The Shores of Jupiter 6526 Winding Lake Drive Jupiter, FL 33458
Commissioner’s Update New Flood Maps For Palm Beach County By Vice Mayor Maria G. Marino The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recently released updated flood zone maps that bring significant changes to Palm Beach County. These new maps, set to take effect on December 20, 2024, highlight an increased flood risk for thousands of residents, particularly in the eastern regions of the county. The revised maps classify many additional areas as high-risk flood zones, known officially as special flood hazard areas (SFHAs). The updated maps are particularly impactful for low-lying regions, properties near canals and lakes, and coastal zones prone to tidal surges. As a result, more than 16,000 parcels in Palm Beach County are anticipated to have a base flood elevation (BFE) increase of one foot or more. The increase in BFE may result in nonconforming structures that have the lowest floor below the BFE or minimum elevation required for a substantial improvement (SI). For residents in unincorporated Palm Beach County, staff can provide SI determinations and technical assistance prior to major renovations. For property owners required to have flood insurance under these new guidelines, it’s highly recommended to secure a policy as soon as possible. Those with existing National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies are encouraged to maintain them. Regardless of what flood zone you may be in, the county continues to recommend that all property owners have flood insurance since flooding can occur anywhere. Windstorm insurance does not cover flood damage. Thanks to Palm Beach County’s
participation in the Community Rating System (CRS) discount program, unincorporated area residents receive a 25 percent discount on their flood insurance premiums, which can help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with increased flood risk. The maps are available on the Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building webpage, where residents can use the countywide property search tool to determine their flood zones. The webpage also provides other important information, including links to FEMA, the pending FEMA flood maps, municipalities affected, tips on how the county can help, and more. Please visit: https://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/Pages/Update-on-FloodZones.aspx. If property owners believe their property has been incorrectly identified as an SFHA, they can submit an application to FEMA for a formal determination of the property’s location and/or elevation relative to the SFHA. There are two types of determination documents you can seek in your Letter of Map Change (LOMC) request. • Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA): A letter from FEMA stating that an existing structure or parcel of land — that is on naturally high ground and has not been elevated by fill — would not be inundated by the base flood. • Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F): A letter from FEMA stating that an existing structure or parcel of land has been elevated by earthen fill and would not be inundated by the base flood. Residents in unincorporated areas can request flood zone determinations from Palm Beach County, which provides written confirmation of zone designations. Additionally, the county offers consultations for retrofitting existing buildings to improve flood resilience. Municipal residents should defer to their municipal floodplain or town/city manager. For questions, property owners can call the Palm Beach County Flood Zone Hotline at (561) 233-5374 for personalized assistance with the new maps, flood proofing options, and more.
By Bill Thompson Bits And Pieces—This And That Use the difficulty. When the worst thing happens, minor or major, don’t let it get you down; think. How can I get the most out of this happening? A philosophy described by actor Michael Caine. A very short but hilarious interview video seen on Facebook Reel. Within the long scenario, we now know the name of the next president of the United States. Late But Worthy Comment Parts of Palm Beach County suffered severe damage this fall but spared The Shores of Jupiter. Two miles to the west a tornado severely damaged property. It was not that we prayed more fervently than others who were hit hard by two hurricanes. As in poker, it is always the luck of the draw. There were approximately 17 to 19 confirmed tornado touchdowns, some of which created a ground path of destruction before lifting. That exceeds the number recorded in the history of such weather records. I will not comment on hurricane devastation in North Carolina nor other sections of Florida. Being a son of NC, I have never in my relatively long life heard of hurricane destruction that occurred in the mountains. Whole sections of I-40. It may be trite to say life goes on in one fashion or another. That is until the next planet collision with earth, which would replicate our planet’s origin. That should take a while. Meanwhile, we the current residents may preempt the final chapter. We are now thought to be within four years of deadline to reverse or mitigate our climate change. Stronger wildfires, raging floods, hurricanes and tornados, the current rise in global temperature, and deforestation are only the beginnings. Responsibility lies Bill’s Box on page 3
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IMMEDIATELY TO THE JUPITER POLICE DEPARTMENT
(561) 799-4445
Use 911 for emergencies only. Lock car doors. Do not leave valuables in the car.