ManaSota-88 calls for building moratorium

Florida may face a greater potential for the occurrence of natural hazards than any other state. Florida ranks first in hurricane occurrences and is the most vulnerable to the devastating effects resulting from coastal storms.

Local governments have allowed inappropriate development in low-lying coastal areas that will result in catastrophic losses when a major storm occurs. In short, local governments have taken far too little interest in preparing for and safeguarding against the next major hurricane.

There appears to be no consideration given to this problem when approving new development.

Until Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties can ensure the safe evacuation of its residents during a significant storm event, a temporary development moratorium on all lands located in the coastal high hazard area and flood prone lands should be enacted.

A temporary development moratorium can be legally adopted if it furthers and is logically related to stated legitimate interest or concerns. Protecting residents from the impacts of a significant storm event is certainly a legitimate interest or concern.

ManaSota-88 strongly recommends that local comprehensive plans be amended to eliminate the current shortage of public hurricane-shelter spaces. A temporary building moratorium should be enacted until adequate hurricane shelters and evacuation plans exist.

A temporary building moratorium for flood-prone lands is necessary for county staff to review and submit amendments to comprehensive plans and land development codes.

The inability to evacuate within the limits of viable warning times creates a danger to the lives and property of the citizens of south Sarasota County and Charlotte County. River Road is woefully inadequate to safely move residents out of harms way.

The increase in residential density adjacent to River Road has left existing residents of Sarasota and Charlotte counties extremely vulnerable to the devastating effects of a hurricane. River Road creates a dangerous hurricane evacuation situation.

Sarasota County has been unsuccessful or unwilling to fund the expansion of River Road to correct the problem. The two-lane road is planned to be expanded to a four-lane divided road and elevated in areas to alleviate flooding problems. The total cost of the project is estimated around $100 million.

As additional people move into Florida, there will be an increase threat of extensive loss of life and property damage. It is critical that residents understand the dangers of living in a hurricane prone area. The state’s population is forecast to reach nearly 25 million in 2025.

Coastal governments need to recognize the futility of trying to evacuate an ever-growing population and need for existing and future hurricane evacuation plans and decide to limit population populations in evacuation areas.

Ignoring the probability of human injury and death, the costs to the American taxpayer of subsidizing development in the coastal zone are enormous. Roads have to be replaced, bridges strengthened, structures replaced - all with federal& state funds or federal subsidized flood insurance.

This story was originally published June 1, 2017 at 1:11 PM with the headline "ManaSota-88 calls for building moratorium."