Sonia Van Cleave highlights water issues at Spanish Fort's Patrician Drive

In the heart of Spanish Fort, Alabama, residents gathered at a special city council meeting to voice concerns over persistent water issues that have plagued their neighborhood. Sonia Van Cleave, a long-time resident of Patrician Drive, shared her experience with flooding that occurred just days prior. While she noted that the situation was not as dire as it had been over a decade ago, the damage to her property was still significant.

Van Cleave described how water from a failing ditch flooded her yard and that of her neighbor, Ralph Dumas, leading to the loss of trees and erosion of her land. She expressed frustration over the lack of maintenance on the roads and ditches, which she believes exacerbates the flooding problems. "We need to have some financial relief for the damage that was done," she urged, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by her and her neighbors.

The meeting also saw Joshua Thompson, another resident from Patrician Drive, attending primarily to gather information about the city's plans to address these issues. His presence underscored a growing concern among residents about the need for effective solutions and support from local authorities.

As discussions unfolded, the community's call for action resonated, with hopes that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would play a role in providing assistance. The meeting served as a crucial platform for residents to express their grievances and seek accountability from city officials, emphasizing the importance of maintaining infrastructure to protect homes and livelihoods in Spanish Fort.