SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Many residents are closely watching the tropics, as it has been just over a year since Tropical Storm Debby caused severe flooding in Sarasota County neighborhoods. To help mitigate future flooding risks, officials are working on storm water basins.
“The whole street was just covered for two to three days because the water couldn’t go anywhere,” said Jon Forbes.
Forbes shared pictures of his flooded neighborhood during Tropical Storm Debby.
“You could just drive up the street and you could see cars that were no longer working. They were damaged from the flood water,” Forbes said.
About a year later, Forbes spoke to 8 On Your Side while at the park he said was also covered in water from the storm.
“Following the storm, people were using boats to navigate the streets near the roundabout. The flooding from Phillippi Creek, which flows in that direction, prevented us from leaving our house,” Forbes recalled.
Work is underway on the stormwater basin at Phillippi Creek. Sarasota County officials announced on Wednesday that crews are in the process of removing sediment dams along the creek’s 3-mile stretch.
“Such efforts are essential to ensure our drainage systems function properly. We are clearing sediment from the canal’s flow line and managing the vegetation along its banks,” explained Ben Quartermaine, Sarasota County’s stormwater director.
Officials said this process reduces flood risk and protects water quality. It’s the kind of work Forbes said he’s glad to see being done.
“I am thankful for any measures taken to avert further damage and losses in people’s homes,” Forbes expressed. “It’s reassuring to see these ongoing efforts.”
The stormwater director said the excavation work takes two to three weeks to complete.
