Seminole County breaks ground on $30M Midway drainage project

Seminole County commissioners and community leaders on Saturday marked the ceremonial start of a $30 million drainage and infrastructure project intended to reduce flooding and improve stormwater drainage in the Midway neighborhood.

"It's $30 million in proposed infrastructure investment in this community," said Chairwoman Commissioner Andria Herr, who opened the ceremony and thanked residents, project staff and elected officials for advancing the long-delayed effort.

The county said the package combines county general-fund dollars, revenue from the local penny sales tax, federal ARPA funds used to kick-start design work, and unspecified state funds. Herr said the ARPA money allowed the county to complete early design work while officials pursued additional funding.

Tani Alora, the county’s newly appointed public works director, provided a phased construction schedule and a list of early work. "Phase 1A actually the construction started on March 16," Alora said, and those improvements include work along Jack Court, Huey Street, Cypress Avenue, Dixon Avenue, Water Street and at a regional stormwater pond. She said additional early work identified as Phase 1B began March 23 and that construction near the community center and on Gitway Avenue is set to start in April. County staff told residents they expect the initial phases to extend through 2027, with subsequent phases dependent on right-of-way acquisitions and future bids.

Alora said the work must comply with federal and state funding requirements and permitting, and she urged residents to cooperate with crews and to report problems to county staff. Herr named Melody Graham as the county contact for complaints and scheduling notices.

Officials credited creative procurement and right-of-way work for allowing the project to move forward after previous attempts stalled. Herr praised the county’s public works and real-estate teams and singled out project manager George Jimenez and Atkins Engineering for bringing the initial phases in under budget.

Emery Green, executive director of the Midway Coalition, framed the groundbreaking as corrective investment for a historic neighborhood. "We're laying down more than concrete. We're laying down a foundation of dignity, safety, and opportunity," Green said, thanking residents who advocated for the project and county leaders who responded.

The ceremony closed with the traditional ceremonial step/shovel turn to signal the start of construction activity. County officials said they will continue outreach as work progresses and asked residents for patience during noisy and disruptive early construction activities.

Next steps: county staff will continue right-of-way work and advertise remaining bid packages; the county expects to complete the initial phases by 2027 and will provide advance notices about specific street closures and equipment staging. Concerns or complaints about the work should be directed to Melody Graham, the county's designated contact for the project.