Bradenton area could lose $25.4 billion in homes due to climate change

In the next century, nearly 40,000 homes in the Bradenton metropolitan area could be underwater because of climate change.

In a study published last month by real estate marketplace Zillow, Bradenton was listed ninth out of 10 areas across the country that will have the most houses submerged by rising seas. Miami, Tampa, Fort Myers and Naples were also listed.

Using data from Zillow’s median home value and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the listing was determined by how many homes would be inundated by 6 feet of water, what percentage of the cities’ homes would be underwater and the values of the homes that would be lost.

The amount of ocean rise projected for 2100 could sink $25.4 billion worth of homes in the 15 municipalities and unincorporated areas of the Bradenton area it studied from Terra Ceia to North Port.

According to the data, Siesta Key had the highest number of homes that would be hit with 5,871. The city of Bradenton was next with 5,785.

But the areas that had the highest percentage of nearly all the homes becoming flooded due to climate change were along Manatee County’s coast. Bradenton Beach would have 99.9 percent of its homes affected; Anna Maria, 99.6 percent; Cortez, 97.1 percent; and Holmes Beach, 90.6 percent.

The greatest median home value that would be hit with the rising water was in Anna Maria, with a price point averaged at $924,000.

Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said he tries to take climate change and sea level rise into account when governing. King tides, which are higher-than-normal tides that happen when the moon’s phase is either new or full, have made flooding on Anna Maria Island worse.

“These tides are higher than they’ve ever been,” Murphy said.

Rising sea levels also have caused saltwater to back up stormwater systems and flow into the streets. To alleviate this, Murphy said the city has installed WaStop valves on eight of its 36 stormwater drains, starting in the most affected areas.

He said it’s made a “huge difference,” and hopes it will slow climate change effects on his city.

This story was originally published November 9, 2017 at 5:46 PM with the headline "Bradenton area could lose $25.4 billion in homes due to climate change."