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City manager outlines FY2025–26 transportation, stormwater and parks priorities; Alexander Island and septic-to-sewer noted
Summary
City Manager Carmen summarized the FY2025–26 strategic initiatives including septic-to-sewer planning, Alexander Island park work, stormwater projects and trails; council directed staff to remove completed items and to continue budget planning.
City Manager Carmen reviewed the city’s FY2025–26 strategic initiatives for transportation, stormwater and parks at the April 16 special meeting, asking council for guidance ahead of the coming budget cycle.
Key updates included a county-led septic-to-sewer master plan with a $1.4 million grant for design work and a projected engineering schedule extending into 2026–2027; Alexander Island park construction (phased) with an anticipated preconstruction/ GMP in mid-2025 and a ceremonial opening planned for fall 2025; and multiple stormwater projects, many of which are fully engineered and awaiting funding or grant determinations. Carmen said the James Pond pumping-station work and West Highbanks stormwater efforts are among the large stormwater initiatives; she noted the city requested $1.5 million in legislative appropriations for stormwater work.
Carmen also reviewed transportation items such as the Fort Florida Trail (completed connection to SunRail station), the Donnely Smith Trail (state-funded bid expected in mid-2025), and FDOT resurfacing and ADA improvements on SR 1792. She described quiet-zone work at the SunRail crossing and noted it will take roughly a year to complete federal processes. The city manager flagged partnerships and grants (ECHO, FDOT, legislative appropriations) as crucial funding sources and asked council whether to remove completed or no-longer-active items from the strategic list.
Council members generally supported removing completed items, asked for continued emphasis on coordinating infrastructure and development timing (for example, repaving and turning lanes near pending development), and raised concerns about maintenance and cost overruns for Alexander Island opening amenities. Carmen said staff will refine the plan, remove completed items and coordinate these initiatives into the budget calendar provided to council.
Why it matters: The plan sets near-term capital and operating priorities that will guide budget requests, grant applications and coordination with county, state and regional partners; implementation timing affects construction, service delivery and maintenance costs.
