Mayor proclaims Flood Awareness Week; planning staff outline outreach to boost CRS points

Mayor Jean Brown proclaimed March 9–15, 2026, Flood Awareness Week in Bradenton, citing the city’s experience with severe rainfall and the importance of public education and preparedness.

Robin Singer, planning and community development director, said the city will distribute an informational postcard and host a flood-awareness table at the Saturday market on March 14. Singer and Hannah Gordon, a newly hired city planner and floodplain coordinator, said outreach materials will include information on how to find flood hazard zones, storm preparations, landscaping tips to reduce property damage, and a brochure organized around the Community Rating System (CRS) topics that can earn the city CRS points.

Singer noted that Bradenton is a voluntary participant in the National Flood Insurance Program and that increased public awareness and preparedness can reduce flood losses and improve residents’ access to flood-insurance discounts. Building official Matt Rush and other staff were introduced as part of the team carrying out flood-week activities and ongoing stormwater and drainage projects.

Councilmembers and staff framed the outreach as timely ahead of storm season and emphasized both resident safety and the potential long-term benefit of improved CRS ratings. The administration said additional stormwater project details and outreach schedules will be posted and distributed via the city’s usual channels.