![This is the backyard of the Hawthornes' residence on Tucker Circle in Pace. Ollie Hawthorne said water has never entered his home. However, "We keep coming close," he said. [AARON LITTLE | Press Gazette]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-5295f427-19da-3919-e053-0100007f3665-65e6f048.jpeg)
PACE — Ollie and Susan Hawthorne’s home on Tucker Circle is in a Zone X flood zone, according to the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser’s website.
Zone X is a moderate to low-risk flood area, but many county authorities and those in the home industry are urging Santa Rosa County homeowners to get flood insurance.
Wednesday, Hawthorne’s backyard flooded nearly to his back door.
“It’s always this bad,” he said, “and this is just rain. They say we’re not in a flood zone, but homes here do flood.”
June 6, Santa Rosa County received 11.65 inches of rain and it has continued to fall off and on since then. Tuesday night, Pace received about five to six inches of rain while 12 fell on the east side of the county, according to Santa Rosa County Emergency Management Director Brad Baker.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency sets flood zones. However, “There’s no reason why anybody should think they’re not in a flood zone,” Santa Rosa County Emergency Management Plans Chief Daniel Hahn said.
He said people shouldn’t use the flood zone map to decide whether to buy flood insurance — “everywhere floods.”
“Zone X is a flood zone. It just means it’s a low chance,” RE/MAX real estate agent Bruce Baker said. “I always discuss it (flood insurance, with clients). Particularly since 2014, I recommend they consider it…If there is rising water, regular homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover damage.”
Baker has sold homes for 27 years, most of them in Santa Rosa County, he said.
“I have to disclose flooding issues. I have to say if a home has a flooding issue even though it’s not in a flood zone.”
Baker said he understands people’s inclination to save money. However, he said, “Some things you should not try to save on.”
“If you’re not in a flood zone and you just get the standard amount of coverage…it can go from $150 to $200 a year,” Pace State Farm Insurance Agent Ernie Parker said. “If you’re in a flood zone, it can range anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000.”
Flood insurance does not immediately go into effect, Parker said.
“We get people who want insurance after a major storm…Once you get flood insurance, it’s not effective right away. There’s a 30-day waiting period. You can't wait until a week before a system.
“You have to plan ahead.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Flood insurance recommended for all homeowners