Manatee County residents demand action on flooding crisis amid rapid development and drainage failures

Concerns over flooding and inadequate drainage dominated the recent Manatee County Board of County Commissioners meeting, as residents voiced their frustrations about the impact of new developments on local waterways.

One resident highlighted the alarming increase in runoff due to recent construction, stating, "Crap runs downhill," and emphasized that the raising of land grades and the addition of impervious surfaces have exacerbated flooding issues. The speaker pointed to specific drainage creeks—Corbett, Little Deep, Polley, and Sand branches—claiming that developers have restricted these waterways, leading to more severe flooding incidents, particularly in areas like Star Farms.

Another resident, Matthew Sausnitz, expressed his anger over the lack of independent investigations into flooding complaints, criticizing the county's response as inadequate. He shared a photo taken by his son showing significant water accumulation in their neighborhood, questioning the normalcy of such flooding events. "Every time it rains, we flood," he stated, calling for accountability and action from county officials.

John Kampman, a professional engineer, raised concerns about the approval process for new developments, questioning how stormwater flows were analyzed and why developers were not required to improve local roads. He described his property as a "de facto retention pond" due to poor drainage planning, urging the county to rectify these issues.

Barbara Ficklin and other residents echoed these sentiments, pointing out that new developments have replaced natural land with concrete, increasing runoff and flooding in lower-lying areas. Ficklin noted that existing drainage systems are overwhelmed, leading to health issues and financial burdens for families affected by persistent flooding.

The meeting underscored a growing urgency among residents for the county to address drainage and flooding concerns, particularly as new developments continue to emerge. With many residents fearing future storms will only worsen the situation, the call for improved infrastructure and proactive measures has never been more critical.