The goal of the Program for Public Information is to improve how flood-related information is communicated to the public.
By using a coordinated, committee-based approach, the program helps communities:

• Increase flood awareness and public understanding of flood hazards.
• Promote flood insurance coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Encourage property protection measures, such as elevation, retrofitting, and drainage improvements.
• Preserve natural floodplain functions, which help manage stormwater and reduce future flood damage.
• Enhance community resilience by ensuring that residents are prepared for and informed about flood events.

The PPI aligns with FEMA’s CRS program, which rewards participating communities with discounts on flood insurance premiums for residents, based on local floodplain management and outreach efforts.

Implementing a PPI provides significant advantages to participating communities and residents:

• Unified messaging – ensures flood-related information is accurate and consistent across jurisdictions.
• Coordinated outreach – prevents duplication of efforts and maximizes the effectiveness of public education campaigns.
• Cost savings – shared resources and joint messaging reduce expenses for local governments.
• CRS credit – participating communities earn CRS points that can lead to reduced flood insurance rates for property owners.
• Increased public engagement – residents have greater access to flood safety information and risk-reduction programs.

Recognizing that flood hazards and outreach needs extend beyond municipal boundaries, the communities of Lee County established a Multijurisdictional Program for Public Information to coordinate flood outreach efforts on a regional scale.

Participating communities include:

• City of Bonita Springs
• City of Cape Coral
• Village of Estero
• City of Fort Myers
• Town of Fort Myers Beach
• Unincorporated Lee County
• City of Sanibel

This regional partnership allows for shared communication materials, coordinated messaging, and a consistent countywide approach to flood education and preparedness.

The Lee County PPI Committee consists of representatives from local governments, community organizations, and the private sector.

Committee members include professionals from banking, insurance, real estate, public health, and other key community sectors, along with local government staff and citizen volunteers.

The committee first convened on June 3, 2014, and continues to meet regularly to review progress and update outreach strategies.

The PPI Committee is responsible for:

• Assessing public information needs and identifying priority audiences.
• Developing and refining flood-related outreach messages.
• Identifying and implementing outreach projects and programs.
• Reviewing existing communication efforts to avoid redundancy and improve coordination.
• Preparing and maintaining the official Program for Public Information document.
• Monitoring, evaluating, and updating the program annually to ensure its continued effectiveness.

The PPI focuses on delivering consistent messages through a variety of outreach methods.

Common topics include:

• The importance of purchasing and maintaining flood insurance.
• How to protect people and property before, during, and after a flood.
• Floodplain management regulations and building elevation requirements.
• Preserving natural floodplain and wetland areas to reduce flooding impacts.
• Local resources such as flood maps, evacuation routes, and flood safety tools.

Outreach is conducted through multiple channels, such as:

• Brochures, newsletters, and mailings.
• Websites and social media.
• Public workshops and community events.
• Partnerships with real estate agents, lenders, and insurance providers.
• Coordination with schools, civic groups, and homeowner associations.

The Lee County Multijurisdictional PPI is a living program, updated annually to reflect changing conditions, community feedback, and new FEMA guidance.

Each participating community reports outreach activities, tracks results, and evaluates program effectiveness to ensure continual improvement and alignment with CRS requirements.

By maintaining this coordinated effort, Lee County and its municipalities enhance flood risk awareness, strengthen resilience, and help residents better prepare for potential flood events.