Resident raises drainage and water-intrusion concerns; CDD files NPDES report and discusses storm surge resilience

During public comment, Oak Run resident Lynde Sorensen described water intrusion under her home’s slab, buckled master bedroom flooring and high moisture and mold beneath the floor. She said plumbing and HVAC inspections found no leaks, a floor warranty issue was identified, and a leak-detection specialist measured very high moisture levels. The foundation specialist recommended perimeter drain tiles and 5–10-foot downspout extensions; Ms. Sorensen asked the CDD and HOA to coordinate a solution and noted underground downspouts were submerged when ponding occurred behind her unit at 27123 Sound Way.

Separately, Mark Zordan of Johnson Engineering reported that the Lee County NPDES Permit FLS000035-004 Cycle 4 Year 7 Annual Report was filed with Lee County and will be submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection before the Nov. 1, 2024 deadline. He said the new permit cycle is anticipated in the fall but staff have been instructed to continue into Year 8 pending the new permit. The Board and staff discussed water sampling requirements and noted that stormwater ponds are expected to catch and retain runoff and are not held to the same standard as natural lakes.

Eric Long raised broader concerns about storm surge impacts, outlined a multi-year resilience action plan and asked the CDD to designate a Board representative and a staff or engineering representative to coordinate with Pelican Sound and potentially with West Bay and county/state partners. Long referenced a hypothetical topographic map in which a 10–12-foot storm surge could flood 45–55% of the community and noted that addressing surge risk could take a decade and require multiagency coordination; the Board agreed that Mr. Long and Mr. Merrill will assist and authorized Mr. Krebs to support as needed.