Residents demand flood relief and accountability during city council meeting

During the City Council Regular Meeting held on March 4, 2025, in Port Orange, residents voiced urgent concerns regarding persistent flooding issues and the impact of ongoing construction in vulnerable neighborhoods. The meeting highlighted the frustrations of homeowners who feel neglected by city officials in addressing their flooding crises.

One resident from Herbert Street expressed deep dissatisfaction with the city's response to flooding, stating that despite repeated incidents, their concerns have been overlooked. They criticized the city for diverting traffic to flooded areas and questioned the rationale behind prioritizing recreational projects over urgent flood mitigation efforts. The resident suggested that the city should consider purchasing flood-prone properties to convert them into parks, emphasizing the need for wildlife preservation amid increasing urban development.

Another speaker, Alyssa Dafusco, shared her personal experience of flooding in Sugar Forest, where she has lived since 2017. Dafusco described how her home was severely damaged by recent hurricanes, leaving her family displaced. She raised concerns about new developments, including a planned construction of 50 homes nearby, which she fears will exacerbate existing drainage problems. Dafusco's plea underscored the anxiety many residents feel about their homes' safety and the city's apparent disregard for their plight.

Shirley Rice, another resident, inquired about the status of a proposed lake intended to alleviate flooding, which was scheduled to begin in 2025. She also raised questions about flood prevention measures for local schools, particularly Sugar Mill Elementary, which has recently experienced flooding. Rice's comments reflected a broader concern among residents about the adequacy of infrastructure to handle increased water flow due to new construction.

The meeting concluded with council members acknowledging the residents' concerns, but many questions remained unanswered. The discussions highlighted a growing tension between community needs and city planning, as residents called for immediate action to address flooding and improve infrastructure. As the city moves forward, the urgency of these issues suggests that residents will continue to advocate for solutions to protect their homes and neighborhoods from future disasters.