Residents of Land O'Lakes voiced significant concerns regarding drainage issues and the proposed construction of a new storage facility during a recent government meeting. The discussions highlighted the ongoing flooding problems that have arisen since the development of nearby townhomes, with multiple residents reporting unprecedented water levels affecting their properties.

Katrina Madewell, a local property owner, expressed her worries about flooding, noting that her property had never experienced such issues before the townhomes were built. She questioned the height of the new building and the implications of a Type B buffer zone, emphasizing her concerns about property value and the potential for increased flooding.

Debbie Gamowkson, another resident, shared her experience of rising water levels in her easement, which have persisted since Hurricane Debbie. She raised alarms about the drainage from retention ponds and the risk of further flooding if the storage facility is constructed. Gamowkson's fears were echoed by Deborah Lynn Gillis, who criticized the proliferation of storage units in the area and questioned their necessity, citing concerns about property values and the environmental impact on the local landscape.

In response to the residents' concerns, Clark Hobby, representing the developers, assured attendees that no additional fill would be imported to the site, which could exacerbate drainage issues. He emphasized that the project would adhere to county regulations regarding stormwater management, stating that the post-development discharge would not exceed pre-development levels. Hobby also proposed a meeting with residents and engineers to address drainage concerns more thoroughly.

The meeting underscored the community's apprehension about the impact of new developments on existing drainage systems, particularly in light of recent heavy rainfall. Residents are seeking assurances that their concerns will be taken seriously and that measures will be implemented to prevent further flooding in the area.