TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) \u2013 Flooding has become an increasingly common concern across Tampa Bay, and now planners are asking residents to help identify problem areas as they develop a long-term strategy to reduce future flood risks.<\/p>\n
The Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan spans seven counties, from Citrus County to Sarasota County, and aims to create a coordinated regional approach to flood mitigation and environmental protection.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan is going to provide a unified, coordinated regional strategy that will help reduce flood risk and protect natural areas,\u201d said Mandy Moore with the National Wildlife Federation.<\/p>\n
Organizers say the plan will focus on challenges such as high-tide flooding, storm surge, and extreme rainfall events.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut minor storm surge, high tide flooding, extreme rainfall events \u2014 those are the types of things that the Coastal Master Plan will address,\u201d Moore said.<\/p>\n
Community input is expected to play a major role in shaping the final plan. Residents are encouraged to complete an online survey detailing flooding they\u2019ve experienced in neighborhoods, on roadways, or in other frequently visited locations.<\/p>\n
Leaders say local observations can help identify flooding trouble spots that may not be captured through data alone.<\/p>\n
Once survey responses are collected, planners will begin analyzing the information and working with engineers to identify potential solutions.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then we\u2019ll do data analysis and start working with the engineers,\u201d Moore said.<\/p>\n
Officials say public participation could also strengthen the region\u2019s ability to compete for state and federal funding for future flood mitigation projects.<\/p>\n
The Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan is expected to be completed in 2028. Residents have until June 10 to submit feedback through the online survey at https:\/\/www.coastaltampabay.org\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n