Jo Ellen Nash

Here in Naples and other parts of Southwestern Florida annual flooding is an unavoidable disaster. The pleasures of living near an ocean or on a beach are obviously not without their risks, and can be considerable. However, what you may not know is that inland living can be just as risky.

No matter where you live, the threat of flash floods is very real. Did you know there does not even have to be a body of water anywhere near your home? Flash floods can strike quickly and without any warning, due to large quantities of rainfall within a short time period. The smallest amount of water can afford a huge amount of damage. Will you be prepared in case of flooding in Naples Florida? Does your homeowners insurance provide the additional flood coverage necessary to offer you real peace of mind?

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was established after the National Flood Insurance Act passed in 1968. The purpose of the NFIP organization is to provide federal regulation and flood insurance options to homeowners in participating areas around the country.

Our community of Naples Florida is one area where specific areas are designated as flood plains. Flood hazard maps like these created specifically for Naples Florida neighborhoods provide local home and business owners with the tools necessary to raise awareness and be prepared for the possibility of future hazards.

FIRM_Panel_379_-_Park_Shore_-_Gulf_Shore_Blvd
FIRM_Panel_383_-_Park_Shore_-_Seagate
FIRM_Panel_387_-_Moorings_-_Gulf_Shore_Blvd
FIRM_Panel_391_-_Moorings_-_Coquina_Sands_-_Eagle_Ridge_-_Lake_Park
FIRM_Panel_392_-_Estuary_-_Bears_Paw
FIRM_Panel_393_-_Old_Naples_-_Aqualane_Shores_-_Royal_Harbor
FIRM_Panel_581_-_Aqualane_Shores_-_Port_Royal_-_Royal_Harbor

What is your plan in case of a natural flooding disaster in Naples Florida? Are you aware of the options available to you as a homeowner?

Perhaps you have decided to wait on the federal government to receive aid. If that is the case, it is worth your while to know, federal aid is offered only after the President formally declares a state of emergency. Remember what happened recently to New Orleans residents. The proffered government assistance often comes in the form of a loan with interest. Do you really want to end up in the position of owing the US government money?

What will you choose to do if the expected help never comes? It is so important not to wait before taking action by adding flood coverage to your homeowners insurance. If you think you can wait until after disaster strikes, think again. Many insurance policies do not take effect for up to 30 days, leaving you high and dry. With insurance premiums as low as $33 a month for a $100,000 policy, there is no excuse not to be prepared.

Property loss reimbursement caused by flooding is only available through participation in the federal program. Insurance agencies and companies that belong to the NFIP provide affordable solutions for homeowners and renters across the country.

The cornerstone policy of the NFIP is based upon neighbors teaming together to create successful solutions. Our Naples Florida community is a member of the National Flood Insurance Program. If our economy and our Naples Florida real estate market is ever at stake because of flooding or other disaster, what can we do as residents to assist our neighbors? To learn more about what you can do to protect your home, visit the National Flood Insurance Program website.

My excitement seems to build a bit more each time I drive down Vanderbilt Beach Road and catch a glimpse of the new Mercato shopping center. As a real estate professional my interest is obvious, but my enthusiasm also comes from an understanding of what this shopping center will mean to our Naples Florida community.

Here in Southwest Florida, and throughout the state of Florida, land is at a premium. The Mercato project was created by one of the founding developers of Parkshore Beach in Naples Florida, and is situated on 53 acres of prime real estate just 1.5 miles from the LaPlaya Beach. This is a golden opportunity and may not happen again for a long time, if ever.

The largest store in the Mercato shopping center, and the most highly anticipated arrival is Whole Foods. Whole Foods is the world’s largest organic and natural food store, and their involvement in the project assured the participation of other fabulous stores to follow. Are you familiar with the Whole Foods brand? What do you think about the addition of a Whole Foods store to our Naples Florida community?

Residency in the Mercato is limited to the luxury condominiums, The Strada, which will be situated over the commercial use units on the bottom. This idea is new for Naples Florida, although it has been popular in other parts of the country, like Vail, CO and Lake Tahoe, CA for awhile. Multi-use real estate complex designs like this one merge residential and commercial areas, encouraging inhabitants to form close-knit communities. Mercato will provide Naples residents, visitors, and occupants with unparalled access to shopping, dining, and other lifestyle accents without their ever leaving its parameter. As a resident of Naples Florida, what aspects of this project excite you the most? What do you think about the trend of mixed development real estate?