According to municipal officials, Cape May County property owners will be able to view the revised flood maps as of August 19th.
Municipalities will have until November 29th to work with FEMA to correct any additional areas they think are improperly zoned.
I’m not certain if the current link will be updated, or if a new link will be provided. Â For reference, this is the existing link: FEMA Web SiteÂ
Type in a property address in the box above the map, and click “Get Details”. Â While the flood zone may change (many of the V zone locations are expected to revert back to the preferred A zone ), the elevation requirement will likely remain as stated.
Although the final maps aren’t due to be released until August 2015Â (for flood insurance rating purposes), construction offices will be referencing the revised maps in order to issue building permits.
Conquering Fear
The last time I kayaked in the ocean, it didn’t end well. Â It was almost 1 year ago, and I tanked while heading over the first set of waves. Â I was tossed (twisting my back), and then hit by the kayak (providing a lovely black eye). Â Needless to say, I didn’t go back out again for the rest of the season.
Bay kayaking is more of a controlled environment. Â Calm water and the safety net of nearby docks.
For 2013, my plan was to make sure I had enough arm strength and confidence from bay kayaking before facing the ocean again.
And today was the day. Â A quiet morning, low tide, no wind…all the right conditions.
As I rolled the kayak onto the beach, there was a fisherman at the water’s edge. Â Oh good…a lifeguard! Â Apparently, he did not understand his responsibilities because he left soon after I launched. Â Oh well, the drivers of the beach tractors were my back up.
So, I successfully paddled over the waves and out to the calm water.  Watched a beautiful sunrise…and conquered my fear.  Only disappointment?  No dolphins (my main motivation for ocean kayaking).  Will have to try again soon  🙂