After the passing of Hurricane Debbie on August 5, 2024, I have noticed a significant drainage issue in my neighborhood, near the intersection of 10th Street and 21st Ave W, in Palmetto, FL.
Over the past several weeks, with the large amount of rain we’ve had, there have been several times when the rain water has overtaken the drainage infrastructure on my street and other nearby streets. It has resulted in water pushing up through the manhole covers and sewage on the road. We’ve seen many dead fish in the canal on the rear side of our house and even eels in the streets. I am concerned for the health of my family and my neighbors. I understand that we’ve had a lot of rain, but it appears the infrastructure is not sufficient for the capacity of water that needs to be drained. Additionally, the scenario is not new or unique to this week. We’ve lived here for about 1 year, and this is the 3rd time I have noticed the signs placed on manhole covers indicating sewage. It appears to be a standard operating procedure. I don’t think this is a solution to a draining problem, but rather a coping tactic.
I am creating the page to record some notes related to the events and requests I am making, with the hopes of improving this drainage issue in our neighborhood.
I have filed concerns with Manatee County, City of Palmetto and the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
I’d like to know the following, and I have requested it from the City of Palmetto:
- Over the past 2 years, how many times has the City of Palmetto placed warning signs like these on the manhole covers in my neighborhood?
- What are the dates of the sign placement?
- When did this standard procedure begin?
- Who is responsible for making the decision to place the signs?
- What is the criteria to place the signs?
- Are there any current plans or initiatives underway to eliminate the need for this standard procedure?
Videos and Photos
These videos were recorded by me, my sons and my neighbors in August 2024, in order to record locations and examples of the drainage issues in our neighborhood.