Leaders could soon approve project to relieve flooding in south Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Neighbors living in south Tampa are urging city leaders to approve a project to alleviate constant flooding.

The South Howard Flood Relief Project involves designing and building a major stormwater conveyance system to improve drainage and reduce flooding along South Howard Avenue and adjacent neighborhoods, including Parkland Estates, according to the city of Tampa.

"Unfortunately the drains completely failed. The sewage system backed up and a lot of the neighbors around here all got stormwater that was contaminated inside our homes and resulted in us having to rip out the floors, the appliances, and all of our possessions on the first floor," said Kelsey Unsworth.

Unsworth and her family are out of their Parkland Estates home after flooding from Hurricane Milton.

"We aren't able to live in our house anymore and we have two small kids five and six, so you know, it's been really unsettling for them. Very stressful," said Unsworth.

Nearby, Keirsten Battaglia also had water in her home during Hurricane Milton.

"The waterline was basically over the mailbox. It had gone into the house. I had two cars flooded out and then also it went through the front door, and through basically through the garage door so our first floor flooded. We're in the process of essentially redoing our first floor," said Battaglia.

Those living in Parkland Estates said flooding is a regular occurrence, not just during hurricanes.

"Everyone who lives in this whole area is impacted by regular summer storms, not just a hurricane scenario," said Unsworth.

"We've been flooding all summer," said Battaglia.

Both neighbors are hopeful the city will pass the plan to help alleviate the flooding.

"We want to stay here, but we can't have our house flood every summer. So we're not gonna be able to do that unless they fix this," said Unsworth.

But not everyone supports the plan.

Some neighbors worry the plan will not alleviate the flooding.

"They're going to put in 100 culverts more than that and they can't maintain what they have," said Anneliese Meyer. "I think the answer is to study this a little more in-depth. We already know it's not coming to this neighborhood for several years so take the time to study it more in depth and study it to the north. I don't think the project is giving us enough information at this time."

Meyer also worries that construction will disrupt business and homes during the construction.

"The neighbors here on our historic street are very concerned about their homes. They're over 100 years old and we are very worried about all this machinery coming in here and these houses being damaged," said Meyer.

Plan details include:

Design and construction of a major stormwater conveyance system to alleviate frequent and dangerous flooding in Parkland Estates.

The project will improve drainage along South Howard Avenue and will be a major stormwater conduit to which other projects can connect in the future to reduce flooding in adjacent neighborhoods.

Includes upgraded water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.

Reimagined South Howard Avenue streetscape with wider sidewalks, on-street parking, enhanced landscaping, and expanded tree canopy for safer and more enjoyable walking, shopping, and dining.

City leaders are holding a public meeting regarding the project at 6 p.m. on Nov. 18 at Bayshore Baptist Church.

Tampa City Council is expected to vote on the multi-million dollar project on November 21.