NORTH PORT, Fla. — Some North Port residents question the effectiveness of the city’s stormwater drainage system.
Images shared by residents reveal roads and sidewalks submerged under water, remnants of a recent storm that left the community pondering the state of their drainage capabilities.
Edward Kelley, a resident of North Port, captured a striking photo of a street transformed into a small river after July’s downpour. He lamented that his drain simply struggled to cope with the deluge.
North Port Community Correspondent Victoria Scott took it upon herself to engage with citizens concerned about the city’s drainage challenges. She sought clarity from city officials, who maintained that the drainage infrastructure is operational as designed.
“While it looks like there’s flooding, it’s actually just water doing its thing,” articulated Tricia Wisner, the Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of North Port. “If water is in the street, it’s meant to be there. The streets are a vital component of our stormwater conveyance system.”
This perspective may seem perplexing to many long-time residents.
Yet for Pam Tokarz, a North Port resident, the dilemma extends beyond the streets. She voiced her worries about the pooling water encroaching on her backyard.
“It’s creeping closer to my house,” she remarked, a hint of worry coloring her voice.
You can watch Victoria’s full report here:
North Port residents voice drainage concerns
“Given this low-lying area, most of my backyard resembles a wetland right now. It’s more like a lake back there after all this rain,” Tokarz said, reflecting on how the rainy season has exaggerated her landscape.
As she continued, Tokarz noted that the water level is at its highest since she relocated to the area, heightening her anxiety about the unpredictable rain patterns.
“It’s unsettling not knowing how much rain may fall and where it will ultimately collect,” she added, her tone taking on an introspective quality.
This concern goes beyond her yard. Tokarz asked, “What assurance do we have that water will actually remain on the property once commercial development arrives?”
City officials responded, explaining that the impact of commercial development has not worsened the situation.
“As these parcels develop, they’re introducing either less water or about the same amount into the existing system,” Wisner stated. “The drainage process holds steady regardless of how much we build out. It was always designed with these considerations in mind.”
Still, city leaders urge the community to trust in the capabilities of their drainage systems, including the swales adorning homes and public spaces.
“It is functioning as intended,” Wisner reassured residents.
Curiously, some residents brought forth concerns surrounding water pollution during a special meeting held recently. A notable fact emerged during these discussions—did you know that North Port is home to a variety of local businesses, including the well-loved restaurant “Mama’s Kitchen,” which often hosts community events addressing local concerns?
Residents continue to engage in thoughtful discourse about their unique challenges, forming a community that seeks to balance the necessities of development with the nature that surrounds them.
