The Florida Keys to Experience King Tides through End of November - Take Precautions; Federal Grant Funding Available for Residential Flood Mitigation

The Florida Keys will experience seasonal high king tides through the end of November. King tides are unusually high tides that occur several times a year, usually in the fall, that can cause coastal tidal flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Monroe County is monitoring unincorporated areas experiencing these high tides. Residents and visitors are encouraged to prepare for king tides, be aware of their surroundings, and avoid driving on flooded streets.

In coordination with the National Weather Service in Key West, the highest king tides are expected to occur -

• October 15th through November 4th

• November 11th - 19th

• November 25th - 30th

King tide reminders:

• Avoid walking through floodwaters, it is dangerous and can be a health hazard.

• Adjust your driving schedule accordingly, and do not drive through flooded areas. Turn around and find another way if possible. It is likely saltwater. It is unsafe and can cause short and long-term damage to your vehicle. If you drive through tidal floods, wash the undercarriage of your car to remove any saltwater accumulation.

• Follow posted road closure and detour signs.

• If you drive through flooded areas, please note that creating waves can cause additional damage to surrounding landscaping and property.

• Avoid parking your vehicle in low-lying areas prone to flooding to prevent saltwater damage to your vehicle.

• Be careful of hazards below the surface that you cannot see that can cause injury from things like nails, broken glass, debris, and displaced utility hole covers.

• If you are a boater, be aware that these high tides cause lower clearances under fixed bridges. Check the tides before leaving the dock.

If done safely, residents can provide photos of property or neighborhoods experiencing tidal flooding to greenkeys@monroecounty-fl.gov with the address, date, and time the photos were taken.

Photos can assist in future planning and will become the property of Monroe County. By submitting a photo, you agree to allow the County to use it in any manner the County desires.

To find tides in your area, visit https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/map/index.html. (Put in a zip code, or city and state, and it will use the closest station data with today's tides as well as measured water levels.)

Additional information on king tides can also be found at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/kingtides.

Federal Grant Funding Available for Residential Flood Mitigation

Are you interested in obtaining grant funds to elevate, demolish/reconstruct, or sell your home that is below base flood elevation, at risk of flooding, or has flooded before with a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance claim?

If so, Monroe County is participating in a national grant program known as Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) to help with the costs of elevating, or demolishing and reconstructing your home. Buying out your home is also an eligible grant activity. Mobile homes and condominiums do not qualify for the buyout program. Mobile homes do not qualify for the elevation program. This program is available to all Monroe County homeowners.

Monroe County is accepting applications for the fiscal year 2023 FMA grant program. There is $220 million allocated nationwide for the program. The deadline to apply through the Monroe County application process will close Nov. 15, 2023.

This is a federal program administered by the State of Florida in partnership with Monroe County; therefore, it can be a timely process with slow turnaround times to move forward with projects.

If you have any questions, contact program administrator Mike Lalbachan at 305-453-8796 or visit the program website at www.monroecounty-fl.gov/fma.