PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
title
ADOPTION OF THE UPDATED MARTIN COUNTY LOCAL MITIGATION STRATEGY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
Request the Board adopt by resolution the updated Martin County Local Mitigation Strategy, prepared in accordance with State and Federal policies.
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DEPARTMENT: Fire Rescue
PREPARED BY: Name: Susana Garces
Title: Emergency Management Specialist
REQUESTED BY: Sally Waite, Emergency Management Director & Amy Heimberger Lopez, Emergency Management Deputy Director
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
In the year 2000, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which mandates that all communities have a FEMA approved hazard mitigation plan. Martin County's Local Mitigation Strategy provides the tools for the County and its municipalities, as well as non-governmental agencies and residents to continue in ongoing efforts to reduce vulnerabilities to disasters and provides for mitigation priorities and eligibility for mitigation funding when it becomes available. In 1999 the Board of County Commissioners adopted by resolution the first Martin County Unified Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS). The Board has adopted the updated LMS by resolution in 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. FEMA requires that local government review and update the LMS and submit for approval and adoption every five (5) years. The update has been completed, reviewed, and approved for compliance with State and Federal policies by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM). Martin County received the Approval Pending Adoption letter from FDEM on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025.
The LMS provides a planning tool to produce a single county-wide strategy, that includes identification and profiling of all hazards for which the County is vulnerable, mitigation options, goals and objectives, a list of County wide mitigation projects to be considered for funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, as well as the methodology for review, prioritization and ranking of the projects. The strategy is developed and maintained with partnerships through the Local Mitigation Strategy Taskforce, which include representative(s) from all municipalities, the Martin County School District, Cleveland Clinic, Martin County Departments, including the Martin County Public Works Department, General Services Department, Utilities and Solid Waste Department, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, South Florida Water Management District, Florida Forest Service, and other private and/or nonprofit agencies. The Taskforce also includes and welcomes participation of citizens of the County.
To be eligible for future Hazard Mitigation Funding, the revised LMS must be adopted by Board Resolution and by all participating entities.
An electronic version of the updated LMS has been attached. A hardcopy is available to review at Martin County Fire Rescue/Emergency Management Agency, 800 SE Monterey Road, 2nd Floor, Stuart, FL 34994.
ISSUES:
None.
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law, has identified and addressed legal risks, and has developed strategies for legal defensibility.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board adopt a Resolution approving and adopting Martin County’s Local Mitigation Strategy.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
Failure to adopt the revised LMS, which is in compliance with the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, may make Martin County ineligible for receiving current and future Hazard Mitigation Program Funding.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☒Resolution
☐Other:
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback <http://www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback>.