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Oldsmar council declines to join barrier-island mayors’ letter to president on flood recovery
Summary
Council members discussed but chose not to sign a mayors’ letter requesting federal clarifications and expedited FEMA actions, citing differing local experiences and recent FEMA advance funding received by Oldsmar.
City of Oldsmar council members on Feb. 18 reviewed a draft letter organized by barrier-island mayors seeking federal attention to flood recovery but decided not to sign the version presented.
The draft — organized by leaders including Dunedin and other barrier-island communities — asked for clarifications on FEMA policies (including look-back periods), expedited reimbursements and other changes. Council members said parts of the letter did not reflect Oldsmar’s circumstances and services already received by the city.
Council member Gannon and others said the letter’s request to “clarify and justify the look back period and reset it for Helene flood victims” and a call to fast-track FEMA reimbursements were not appropriate for Oldsmar to endorse without qualification because the city had already received $2.8 million in FEMA advance funding after staff pursued an expedited request. “If it doesn't line up with what happened in Oldsmar, I don't see how I could be in favor,” Gannon said.
Vice Mayor Graeber and other council members suggested the council could express solidarity with other mayors on recovery needs while declining to adopt the specific text as Oldsmar language. Mayor Czeraki said he would inform the other mayors that Oldsmar would not sign the draft as written and noted the group could consider alternative language such as inviting a presidential visit to see storm damage.
Council did not take a formal vote to sign the letter and no amended letter was adopted during the meeting.
