Looking to move/retire to Hammock Bay - weather risks?

My wife and I read that being inland is less risky and rated zone X. We’ve visited the area (Freeport, Niceville, Destin, etc.) back in early June and especially like Hammock Bay. We are retiring soon and considering buying new construction (2019+) in Flood Zone X. We are looking for honest local perspective on weather risks and what we didn’t know before buying.

Feel free to respond to any of the questions below. I’m an accountant so I tend to ask detailed questions (sorry 🙂). What I’d really love is to either text or speak with someone on the phone! We plan to visit the area again this fall. Perhaps we could even have lunch, my treat!

Thank you in advance.

Hurricane & Storm Questions

1. How did Hammock Bay specifically fare during Sally (2020) and Michael (2018)? Any street-level flooding, roof damage, or extended power outages?

2. How far inland do you feel you need to be within Freeport to avoid surge concerns during a major storm?

3. Do most residents evacuate for Cat 2+ storms, or do people generally shelter in place?

4. How long did power restoration take after the last major storm to hit the area?

Insurance Questions
5. What are you actually paying for homeowners + wind + flood insurance on a newer build in Hammock Bay? (Even ballpark figures help)

6. Did your rates increase significantly after Sally or Michael?

7. Are there specific insurers that are more competitive or more reliable for claims in this area?

8. Did you have any surprises at closing around insurance requirements your lender imposed?

Flood Zone Reality Check
9. Are there any streets or sections within Hammock Bay that flood even in moderate rain events, despite being zoned X?

10. Has anyone had a Flood Zone X property reassessed into a higher-risk zone after purchase?

Post-Storm Practical Questions
11. How long does it typically take for utilities (power, water, internet) to be restored after a significant storm?

12. Is there a local emergency notification system residents actually rely on?

13. Do most neighbors have whole-home generators? Is that considered a necessity there?

Ownership Surprises
14. What do you wish you had known about weather-related home maintenance before buying — roof materials, windows, landscaping, etc.?

15. Are there builder or construction differences within Hammock Bay that matter from a storm-resistance standpoint?