Residents urge stormwater improvements during development discussions in Central Florida

Concerns over flooding and inadequate drainage systems dominated the Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 22, 2025, as residents voiced their frustrations about ongoing water management issues in their neighborhoods.

During the public comment session, a resident highlighted the severe impact of recent hurricanes, noting that both her and her neighbor's properties had flooded, leading to costly repairs. She urged the commissioners to consider implementing water containment systems in new developments to prevent further flooding. "We need to ensure that when building on land that absorbs water, we don’t replace it with concrete and buildings," she stated, emphasizing the necessity for green spaces and effective drainage solutions.

Another resident, Luis Herrera, echoed these sentiments, sharing his own experiences with flooding that had caused significant damage to his home. He criticized the current storm drainage system as inadequate and clogged, leading to repeated property damage. "Every year, we have to clean up the drainage, and on the other side of the street, there's no drainage at all," he explained, calling for improvements to the existing infrastructure alongside any new developments.

The commissioners acknowledged the residents' concerns and decided to continue the discussion, scheduling a follow-up meeting for May 20 to further address these pressing issues. The ongoing dialogue reflects a growing urgency in Orange County to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and urban development, ensuring that community needs are met as the area continues to grow.