Cape Coral Mayor Holds Press Conference, Demands Full Transparency from FEMA Regarding CRS Rating Determination
April 2, 2024
WHAT: City of Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter will speak on the FEMA CRS rating decision, followed by a brief Q & A.
WHO: Media outlets are encouraged to attend.
WHERE: Mayor's Office
1015 Cultural Park Blvd.
Cape Coral, FL, 33990
WHEN: 12 p.m., Wednesday, April 3. Media is encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early to set up.
The City of Cape Coral is urging FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to provide full transparency regarding its determination to retrograde the Community Rating System (CRS) rating for the city from 5 to 10, effective October 1, 2024.
In response to recent media reports claiming that FEMA had sent "warning letters" to the city regarding deficiencies in its flood mitigation efforts, the City of Cape Coral clarifies that it has diligently responded to all informational requests from FEMA since Hurricane Ian. Despite repeated attempts to obtain written documentation supporting FEMA's allegations, the city has not received any substantiating evidence.
City staff have consistently fulfilled FEMA's requests for information within specified deadlines, providing all requested documentation. However, the city has not received any communication from FEMA indicating that the provided documentation would result in a retrograding of the CRS rating.
To address this matter and seek clarity, the Mayor will hold a press conference on Wednesday, April 3, at noon. The press conference will be held in the Mayor's Office and will provide an opportunity to further discuss the issue with the public and media representatives.
Additionally, during the regularly scheduled Cape Coral City Council Meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, the City Manager will request to add an agenda item concerning the FEMA/National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) update. If approved the agenda item will allow for an in-depth examination of the situation.
The City Council meeting will be streamed live on CCTV. Regularly scheduled City Council meetings are held in Council Chambers located at 1015 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL, 33990.
The City of Cape Coral remains committed to advocating for the best interests of its residents and ensuring transparency and accountability in all dealings with FEMA and related agencies.