The Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) held a regular meeting on November 5, 2024, where residents from the Pulte Development Corkscrew Estates voiced significant concerns regarding ongoing drainage issues in their community. The meeting began with residents expressing frustration over inadequate responses from Lee County Community Development Services and the developer, Pulte.

Residents reported that their attempts to communicate about the reconstruction of the surface water drainage system had largely gone unanswered. They highlighted that multiple code enforcement complaints were dismissed without investigation, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the drainage system being installed. Homeowners emphasized that the drainage system, which was supposed to manage excess water through culverts and swales, was not functioning as intended, leading to increased flooding in their yards and streets.

One resident detailed the history of the development, noting that the approved development order was from 1989 and had not been adequately maintained for years. They questioned why a new engineering study had not been mandated before construction began, given the changes in land use and surrounding developments. The residents presented evidence of ongoing construction that they claimed did not comply with the approved drainage plans, leading to further complications.

Another resident raised concerns about the installation of culverts that did not meet code, resulting in water being trapped rather than effectively drained. They described unhealthy conditions in the community, including rotting sod and mosquito infestations due to stagnant water.

The meeting also included discussions about a flap gate that had been removed from a canal, which residents claimed had previously prevented flooding. They expressed confusion over the lack of permits for alterations made to the waterway and requested clarity on the county's plans to restore flood protection.

Overall, the residents of Corkscrew Estates called for assistance from the BoCC to facilitate a meeting with Lee County Community Development Services, Pulte, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District to address their concerns and seek solutions to the ongoing drainage issues. The meeting underscored the residents' urgent need for effective communication and action from local authorities to resolve the challenges they face in their community.