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Residents urge action on cleared wetlands and drainage as commission hears flood-management warnings
Summary
Multiple residents asked Santa Rosa County to investigate cleared wetlands and chronic standing water at Furlong and other local sites; a Flood Defenders representative warned federal rules under the Floods Act of 2022 may require updated NOAA rainfall data and affect grant eligibility.
Residents at the Feb. 12 meeting told the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners they are seeing increased standing water, cleared wetlands and rapid development that they say is straining local drainage and creating safety hazards.
Pauline Grimes of Avalon Beach told commissioners that a natural drainage way on Furlong in Santa Cruz Boulevard was cleared without a permit and has produced persistent standing water in her yard after decades without the problem. "Please do that," she said, asking the county to investigate and restore the drain.
Diane Dwiggins, also from Avalon Beach, seconded the request and described trees removed and lots being filled to create home sites where water remains. "They just put the dirt on top of the water and next thing I know there'll be a house there," she said, urging preservation of wetlands and trees.
Chris Kerr, representing Flood Defenders, told the board to prepare for federal changes under the Floods Act of 2022 and the National Integrated Flood Information System, warning that future grant programs will require counties to use updated NOAA rainfall data. "You might as well get on board with it before it hits you, and you're required to because they're gonna tie grants to it," he said.
Commissioners did not take a formal vote on any drainage enforcement action at the meeting; several members acknowledged the public comments and scheduled follow-up work and meetings through staff where appropriate.
