The City of New Smyrna Beach is doing its part in the fight against sea level rise and flooding by participating in FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to elevate nine at-risk single family homes—six between Ocean Avenue and 2nd Avenue in Central Beach and three along Sunset Drive in Islesboro—above the 100-year floodplain.

75% of the project is funded by FEMA, with the remaining 25% split between the City—up to a maximum of $35,000 per property—and each property owner. The homes were selected using a ranking process designed to proportionately distribute the federal funds throughout Volusia County and its 16 cities.

“The selection process is time consuming and relies upon the interest of the property owner,” according to City Engineer Kyle Fegley. “We held four public meetings to obtain feedback and participation knowing it was a long-term commitment of four to five years.”

Selected New Smyrna Beach residents were given the option of elevating their existing home or demolishing and rebuilding a new one. Here's the latest on each property:

- 600 Goodwin Ave. Initial excavation underway; initial lifting expected to begin week of Feb. 13
- 610 Goodwin Ave. Permitting process complete; initial excavation pending
- 643 Goodwin Ave. Initial excavation underway
- 507 S. Peninsula Ave. Initial excavation underway
- 626 Pine St. Initial lifting underway; final lifting to 8 feet above grade expected week of Feb. 20
- 2696 Sunset Dr. Permitting process complete; initial excavation pending
- 2700 Sunset Dr. Initial lifting began Feb. 6
- 2926 Sunset Dr. Initial lifting underway; final lifting to 8 feet above grade expected by Feb. 9
- 632 Yupon Ave. Initial excavation expected to begin March 6

When is the next window of opportunity to apply for this program?

The Volusia County Emergency Management Division will host a public meeting with representatives from the Florida Division of Emergency Management to provide information regarding the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Emergency Operations Center, 3825 Tiger Bay Road, Daytona Beach. Residents will learn about HMGP eligibility, how the assistance may be used and the process for working with the appropriate local government to apply. 

Would you like to know more? Please contact City Engineer Kyle Fegley at [email protected] or 386-410-2835.