Low flood‑insurance uptake, shelter limits and communications gaps are top resident concerns in Edgewater

Development Services Director Ryan Solstice told attendees that Edgewater participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and the Community Rating System; the city’s five‑year update moved it from Class 7 to Class 6, which should yield about a 5% discount on NFIP policies effective around early April.

Solstice said roughly 13,000 structures exist in Edgewater and, based on FEMA data he cited, only 546 currently have flood insurance. “I really would recommend that people purchase flood insurance,” he said, noting NFIP structural limits and that flood coverage differs from standard homeowners policies.

During the question‑and‑answer portion, residents described gaps they experienced during Ian and Milton: one resident from Regent Street said there was no cell or Wi‑Fi service during the storms, which limited their ability to call for help; Chief Joe Mahoney urged callers to dial 911 in an emergency and described the department’s high‑water rescue response but acknowledged communications challenges in some neighborhoods.

Residents also pressed officials on hurricane shelter availability. City speakers explained that shelters are run by the county and the school district, which choose inland sites with backup power and staffing; the city does not typically operate its own hurricane shelter because preferred shelter locations are inland, not on the coast. Council members and staff said the idea of a local safe center or dual‑use facility has been considered but faces state and county funding and siting constraints.

Multiple residents offered volunteer help, heavy‑equipment operation and local high‑water vehicles; officials invited those offers and described how to coordinate through city and county channels. The seminar closed with officials encouraging residents to sign up for the county app, the city newsletter and to use official channels for emergency information.