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Residents press county on Lakewood Park drainage as MSBU assessment adopted
Summary
The board approved an annual assessment for the Lakewood Park MSBU to join Fort Pierce Farms Water Control District; residents criticized existing drainage and a pump that is activated only in declared state emergencies, and county staff said FEMA design funding is under state review.
The Board of County Commissioners approved the Lakewood Park MSBU annual assessment resolution, which will fund joining the Fort Pierce Farms Water Control District and would allow Lakewood Park to increase permitted drainage capacity. The board adopted the assessment after a public hearing and mailed notices to affected property owners.
Staff presentation: Barbara Gettler, MSBU coordinator, said the proposed annual assessment per parcel is $27.74 for parcels one acre or smaller and $55.49 for parcels greater than one acre up to two acres, with proposed maximums of $33.29 and $66.59 respectively. Gettler said there are 3,501 parcels in the MSBU and that ballots and notices were mailed on or before Aug. 12 as required by county ordinance.
Public comment and concerns: Multiple residents spoke during the public hearing. David Ellis told commissioners that flooding continued in his neighborhood despite prior work and questioned access to a pump on the Kings Highway Canal, saying the pump can only be activated under a declared state of emergency. Resident Marie La Ventura Ferrer said household water quality in parts of Lakewood Park was poor and urged county attention to water improvements.
County response: Patrick Diane, Public Works director, explained that the county has designed a replacement Kings Highway control structure (the gate that would reduce reliance on the pump) and that design documents have been turned over to the state for review as part of a FEMA grant arrangement. Diane said FEMA paid for 75% of the design and that county staff are awaiting the state's final review and green light for construction funding, which would also be eligible for 75% FEMA construction support. Commissioner comments noted past funding draws from local sales tax to fill funding gaps and stressed ongoing frustration with the pace of infrastructure work.
Board action: The board approved the Lakewood Park assessment resolution (Resolution No. 2025‑171) and directed follow‑up as required by county ordinance.
Ending: The assessment will appear on the November tax roll if implemented; residents were encouraged to follow up with county staff for one‑on‑one briefings about the design and timing of planned projects.
