In a recent government meeting, residents of Atlantic Beach voiced their concerns regarding persistent flooding issues and the effectiveness of the city's stormwater management strategies. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the community, particularly in areas like Oak Circle, which has experienced chronic flooding for over 30 years.

Carl Klein, a long-time resident, expressed frustration over the city's response to flooding complaints, citing inadequate solutions and a lack of accountability from city officials. He criticized the city's approach, which he believes places undue burden on homeowners to manage stormwater, rather than implementing a comprehensive city-wide system.

Ethan Henninger, representing Oldcastle Coastal, presented data on permeable paving systems, emphasizing their effectiveness even when clogged. He noted that these systems could still handle significant rainfall, suggesting that proper maintenance could alleviate some flooding concerns.

Lee Elmore raised questions about the city's stormwater tax and whether the funds collected are being utilized effectively to address flooding issues. He called for a more proactive approach from the city, advocating for the development of a master stormwater system to relieve individual homeowners of the burden of managing runoff.

Suzanne Barker highlighted the impact of state funding cuts on local stormwater projects, stressing the need for community resilience in the face of climate change. She pointed out that many Florida cities have established stormwater utilities, suggesting that Atlantic Beach should consider similar measures to manage runoff effectively.

The meeting underscored a growing demand for transparency and action from city officials regarding stormwater management, as residents seek solutions to mitigate flooding and improve the quality of life in their community.