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Business owners, council press city on industrial-area flooding as stormwater work continues
Summary
Property managers told the council construction and stormwater changes have caused repeated flooding at industrial properties; council and city manager said a stormwater project is underway (about 68% complete), emergency work orders and pumps have been used, and staff will review whether the stormwater master plan needs updates.
Jason Volz, who manages commercial property in Volusia County, told the Orange City Council on July 14 that repeated flooding at 1220 East Industrial Drive is causing “dangerous and financially devastating” damage to multiple tenants and estimated losses at more than $500,000.
Volz described recent floods that occurred during ordinary rainstorms — not hurricanes — and asked the city to provide contractor insurance and bond information and to clear storm drains he said were clogged with dirt from nearby construction. He told the council the property had flooded repeatedly following Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Milton and that ongoing construction at a nearby site has worsened the problem.
Council and staff responded at length: the city manager said construction is under way on stormwater improvements in the industrial area (most recently reported at about 68% complete) and that emergency work orders had been issued to address immediate needs, including pump upgrades. The manager said the city’s stormwater master plan guides prioritization and funding, but that recent high-volume storm events have exceeded historic models and that staff will revisit assumptions as appropriate.
Mayor Marks and other council members urged patience while crews complete construction, but also asked staff to deliver a follow-up report analyzing near-term mitigation options and project timelines. The manager said some pumps are online and that upgraded pumps will be brought on line when ready; she noted that drawing down large volumes of water can take days depending on event size.
Council members acknowledged the economic harm to affected businesses and asked staff to be “more reactive” where possible, while noting that some localized flooding is expected during construction activity. The council did not vote on a specific mitigation expenditure at the July 14 meeting but directed staff to evaluate options and report back.
Next steps: staff will produce a report on short-term mitigation (pumps, debris clearing) and confirm construction timelines; the city manager said the stormwater master plan and project prioritization will guide longer-term investments.
