Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain or Wetland

Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain or Wetland To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) under 24 CFR Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under U.S. Department of HUD's Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery. The proposed project, DeSoto Apartments, is located on 9th St West, 600 feet Southeast of the intersection of 36th Ave West and 9th St West, Unincorporated Manatee County and is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. The proposed project includes approximately 5.07-acres located within FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panels 12081C0302F (effective August 10, 2021) and 12088C0304E (effective March 17, 2014). The site is mapped within Zone AE, representing the 1-percent-annual-chance floodplain, with a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) of approximately 17 feet NAVD88. Consistent with Executive Order 13690 and HUD guidance, the Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain was determined using the Freeboard Value Approach, resulting in an FFRMS elevation of 19 feet NAVD88 (BFE + 2 feet). The project area is located entirely within both the FEMA 100-year floodplain and the FFRMS floodplain. DeSoto Apartments LLC proposes to construct two, four-story concrete Mid-Rise buildings which will house 140 housing units within an approximately 5.07-acres site. The development will consist of fifty-two (52) one-bedroom / one-bathroom units, fifty-two (52) two-bedroom / two-bathroom units, and thirty-six (36) three-bedroom / two-bathroom units. FHFC has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain: A site known as "the Rangeland Parkway Apartments site (A.1)", and other sites considered were considered and were not located within the FFRMS; however, these sites were not feasible due to significant wetland presence, timeline to close, and purchase price, and were thereby not viable alternatives. The proposed project site is the only location that satisfies the applicant's criteria for the project without being cost-prohibitive. Further, while the proposed project is located within the FFRMS, it is able to be engineered such that the building is situated above the FFRMS. The no action alternative is unviable because it will not satisfy the need to aid local families and provide them with opportunities for independent, affordable living. Further, the no action alternative was not selected since the proposed site's impacts on human health, public property, and floodplain values can be mitigated and minimized. FHFC has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplain can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by the FHFC at the following address on or before July 13, 2026: FHFC, 227 N. Bronough St, Suite 5000, Tallahassee, FL 32301, Attention: Ms. Angeliki G. Sellers, Chief Financial Officer. Comments may also be submitted via email at ERRComments@floridahousing.org. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9:00am – 4:00pm at the aforementioned address above. Date: July 3, 2026 July 3 2026 LSAR0548148