Deltona outlines FEMA mitigation options for homeowners and funds Theresa Basin study

City of Deltona project manager Kimberly Castro and city staff on Thursday described federal hazard‑mitigation grant options for homeowners and outlined next steps for a newly funded Theresa Basin study, telling residents the process for grants can take years and that larger drainage changes will face permitting and funding hurdles.

The presentation focused on two FEMA programs: the post‑disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program. "The program is called the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program," Kimberly Castro said, adding staff would explain options and paperwork and accept interest forms from residents who want the city to apply on their behalf.

Why it matters: Thousands of Deltona properties flooded during recent storms, and residents said existing drainage and outfall capacity left neighborhoods isolated for days. The city framed the FEMA programs as one path to reduce future property damage while also saying the Theresa Basin — the large watershed that includes DuPont Lakes and drains toward Lake Bethel and Lake Monroe — needs longer, systemwide work. Phyllis Wallace, deputy director of public works, described permitting and interagency constraints tied to outfalls and the Saint Johns River Water Management Authority.

What the grants cover and how they differ

Staff described three principal homeowner options offered under FEMA programs. "This is the first of 3 options that FEMA provides the homeowner to mitigate for future flooding and this is simply what they call lifting elevating home," staff member David Hamstra said, describing elevation projects that raise a house so interior floodwaters are less likely to enter living spaces and critical equipment.

The second option is acquisition and demolition: FEMA buys a damaged property, demolishes the structure and…