Daily Archives: April 11, 2023

Alachua County Flood Insurance Rate Maps Update Meetings 2023-04-12

The first of four Public Meetings about updates to Alachua County Flood Insurance Maps is tomorrow, April 12, 2023.

Thanks to WWALS Development Director Veronica Oakler for spotting this news item.

[Alachua County Flood Map 2023-04-11]
Alachua County Flood Map 2023-04-11

Alachua County, Headlines, April 6, 2023, Flood Insurance Rate Maps Update Public Meetings

Periodically, the Department of Homeland Security provides funding to FEMA to reissue the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and execute new detailed studies in selected areas. The FIRM is used by insurance brokers and housing lenders to determine the risk of flooding and to set the premium for flood insurance. New FIRM maps are being developed for Alachua County and surrounding communities. The Santa Fe Watershed Flood Risk Project covering most of the North and Northwestern portion of the County is available for public review. FEMA has started a public comment and appeals period that ends on April 30, 2023.

Four information meetings are being held on April 12, April 13, April 17, and April 18, 2023, at Alachua County Public Works Ready Room (5620 N.W. 120th Lane, Gainesville) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those wishing to appeal or comment about the FIRM maps can obtain information on how to do so at this meeting.

Those who would like to look up their property and view the current FIRM maps and the proposed changes should visit the Continue reading →

Hamilton County Planning Commission wants conditions on Nutrien phosphate mine permit renewal 2023-03-28

Update 2023-04-13: More materials: Hamilton County Planning Commission on Nutrien phosphate mine permit renewal 2023-03-28.

Update 2023-04-12: The County Commission meeting will be April 18th.

The Nutrien Phosphate Mine in Hamilton County, Florida, is up for renewal by the Hamilton Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, April 28 18, 2023, at 6 PM. There will be a Public Hearing. Since time to speak will be limited, best to send written comments in advance.

The renewal request has already been reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board (PNZ), on March 28, 2023. PNZ recommends renewal with some conditions.

Private landowners, a number of whose property is inside the mine boundary, object that some of Nutrien’s plans for disposal of waste such as clay will adversely affect those landowners’ businesses as well as wildlife and waters.

Dennis J. Price, P.G., of Hamilton County filed a page of questions.

Bienville Outdoors filed a a request to find other options for settling areas.

Maybe you would like to comment on effects of this mine on the Suwannee River, Swift Creek, the Floridan Aquifer, or public health.

[Private landowners, Clay flows, aerial: Nutrien Phosphate Mine, Hamilton County, FL]
Private landowners, Clay flows, aerial: Nutrien Phosphate Mine, Hamilton County, FL

On the WWALS website are Continue reading →

Valdosta liability insurance does not cover water 2021-05-01

Apparently Valdosta city employees can’t get wet. That includes the Stormwater Division.

[Policy, River]
Policy, River

So if you see any Valdosta City employee in a creek, river, pond, or swamp, whether in a boat or in mud boots, it seems they must be off the clock.

This could explain why Valdosta has a contractor clean out stormwater pond facility clusters.

In Valdosta’s GEORGIA INTERLOCAL RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY COMBINED AUTOMOBILE, CRIME, LIABILITY AND PROPERTY COVERAGES MEMBER COVERAGE AGREEMENT, see especially under GENERAL EXCLUSIONS APPLICABLE TO THE PROPERTY COVERAGE SECTIONS on page 7: Continue reading →

Gopher Tortoise Day –FFWCC

Yesterday was actually Florida Gopher Tortoise Day, but as Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says, “you can celebrate gopher tortoises by making your yard tortoise friendly and participating in our new recognition program.”

Georgians, you won’t get a sign, but you can also make your yards gopher-friendly for Gopherus polyphemus.

Gopher Tortoise Friendly Yard Recognition Program

[Gopher tortoise in human habitat --FFWCC]
Gopher tortoise in human habitat –FFWCC

Continue reading →

Waldo Tree Farm on the Santa Fe River and Camp and Abel Tract on the Suwannee River @ SRWMD Board 2023-04-11

Last month the SRWMD board approved buying the Camp and Abel Tract on the Suwannee River in Hamilton County.

Tomorrow morning, April 11, 2023, at 9 AM, SRWMD will approve an additional resolution for a slightly higher amount to cover costs of the transaction.

And SRWMD will consider buying Waldo Tree Farm, which is near the Santa Fe River in Alachua County.

You can attend in person at SRWMD HQ, 9225 Co Rd 49, Live Oak, FL 32060.

Or online:

GoTo Webinar Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7498156259411455319

Public Comment Form Link: www.MySuwanneeRiver.com/Comments.

[Agenda, Waldo Tree Farm on the Santa Fe River, Camp and Abel Tract on the Suwannee River @ SRWMD Board 2023-04-11]
Agenda, Waldo Tree Farm on the Santa Fe River, Camp and Abel Tract on the Suwannee River @ SRWMD Board 2023-04-11

The entire board packet is on the WWALS website.

Here are a few excerpts. Continue reading →