Collier County’s residents face the frustrating challenge of managing standing water in their yards, as Richard Dominicks on Greenway Road has discovered. For him, the ongoing issue has become alarmingly apparent since June, aggravated by the recent impacts of Tropical Storm Debby.
“The water in the ditches on Greenway Road has not moved, which means the water in my yard has remained stagnant,” he expressed, a mix of exasperation and concern evident in his tone. The accumulation of water has turned his yard into a breeding ground for mosquitoes, making it increasingly difficult to enjoy the simple pleasure of mowing his lawn.
Seeking answers and assistance, FOX4 reached out to Collier County to gain clarity on why the nearby swales struggle to drain effectively. The county’s response shed light on the matter:
“As Tropical Storm Debby swept through the region, our stormwater infrastructure had to be temporarily closed due to a tidal surge. Once the storm had passed, our Road, Bridge & Stormwater Maintenance Division team reopened the stormwater system (weir gates) to release water into the primary ditches, canals, and channels. Currently, the channels in Greenway Road’s vicinity are all open and operational. During and after intense rainfall, especially when coupled with tidal surges, it is common for water to accumulate in yards as the drainage system catches up.”
Residents are reminded that Southwest Florida is in the midst of its rainy season, typically lasting from late May through October. This June experienced particularly heavy rainfall, compounded by the effects of Tropical Storm Debby. With the land’s flat terrain, water often requires time to percolate into the ground, drip into the atmosphere, or meander from roadside ditches to the broader network of canals.
Richard Dominicks, who has called this neighborhood home since the 1980s, shared a poignant memory: even Hurricane Irma did not leave his yard submerged for this long. Such reflections underscore the anxiety that many Florida homeowners experience during the rainy season. They wonder if their own yards are joined in a dance of standing water and drainage challenges. A local garden store, such as the Naples Botanical Garden Shop, offers solutions for landscaping that can combat some of these issues, providing plant options that thrive in wetter conditions.
In these moments of contemplation, Dominicks’ plight resonates with others. The significance of a simple yard—a place where families gather and where children play—feels overshadowed by water and wildlife that are often unwelcome guests. Yet, hope remains in the community and its willingness to address such concerns together.
Collier County will continue navigating these challenges, finding paths forward amidst the rainfall and rising water. The resilience of its residents demonstrates a deep commitment to their homes and neighborhood.
In the face of these waterlogged realities, residents like Dominicks grapple with the changing landscape of their lives and homes, a solemn reminder of nature’s persistent role in community life.
