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Residents press the commission on flooding; nonprofit seeks city partnership for Indian River Lagoon youth restoration
Summary
Residents described repeated flooding problems and urged building-code changes and drainage fixes. Separately, Peace Project Incorporated and Stetson University asked the city to support a youth workforce and coastal restoration partnership for the Indian River Lagoon.
Multiple residents used the public comment period on March 11 to press the commission on recurring flooding and drainage problems and to propose community solutions.
Eric Fletcher said he purchased a home in July 2023 at 806 26th Avenue and has since experienced repeated backyard flooding that has entered his house and damaged his foundation; he told commissioners he believes neighboring overbuilding and violations of Volusia County permeable‑surface rules are contributing factors and that a city‑engineer proposal for a drain might take a year or two to implement. Donna Atherin described similar Corbin Park area drainage issues and proposed exploring building‑plan adjustments so new homes have elevated finished floors with open subfloor areas to allow water to pass beneath structures.
On broader flood management, Mayor Cleveland and commissioners recounted a recent roundtable with county officials about floodwater management; county staff and the county engineer discussed the limits of gravity drainage given tidal conditions and advised that pumping systems would likely be necessary for Turnbull Bay and Spruce Creek areas to achieve meaningful improvement.
In separate comments, Shai Morris of Peace Project Incorporated described a proposed partnership with Stetson University and other local organizations to engage youth in Indian River Lagoon coastal restoration, water‑quality monitoring and workforce training. Stetson faculty wrote in support of the project and offered volunteer hours, training and potential educational pathways for participating youth.
Why it matters: Residents described property damage and safety concerns tied to drainage; commissioners said the city and county are coordinating on floodwater management and that mechanical pumping may be required in tidally influenced basins. The Peace Project request connects environmental restoration with youth workforce development and potential grant funding.
What they said: Eric Fletcher: “I’m getting a lot of flooding from the road in my backyard... My foundation is kinda sinking now.” Shai Morris: the nonprofit seeks a formal partnership and left a packet with the city clerk including a support letter from Stetson University.
