MANATEE COUNTY—In an effort to address stormwater maintenance and canal system clearance, Manatee County is allocating nearly $2 million to complete the project ahead of the official start of the 2025 hurricane season.
On Tuesday, commissioners approved a staff request for an emergency purchase order to hire a private contractor to assist in canal clearing and debris removal. The contractor will address the maintenance clearing of four stormwater canals: Gamble Creek, Braden River, Buffalo Creek, and Cabbage Slough.
The work will include removing debris and clearing the canal landscapes and throughways, including removing trees and overgrowth, making washout repairs, and removing litter.
Areas of Manatee County experienced record flooding last hurricane season following significant rainfall and storm surges brought by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. The three storms damaged the county’s stormwater drainage canals.
County stormwater maintenance staff report that county crews have already responded to nearly 550 work order requests since Hurricane Milton, as staff works diligently to ensure the drainage systems are prepared ahead of the next storm season.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins on Jun. 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
3 comments on this item
Only paid subscribers can comment
Please log in to comment by clicking here.
mcems1986
So glad to see this moving forward. These ditches. Canal, strom water control devices have been neglected for years. The picture of Pearce drain in the story can look like any where in Manatee County.
I have sent many requests in thru 311 including photos of what looks like beaver dams obstructing the flow of water. Hopefully this will get the start of relief for those in Manatee County that have been impacted by 100 year events, multiple times. Well done BOCC!
Tuesday, March 25 Report this
graumli22
Too bad the City of Bradenton can't seem to find this contractor to clear the storm water "canal" that runs west of Braden Castle Park from Manatee Ave to the Manatee River near 27th St. E. This photo could have been the same canal! During times of heavy rains, tropical storms, or hurricane generated storm water, it takes DAYS for the water to recede from our area. The City has been aware of this problem since 2019 when engineers were going to clear the canal as part of a larger storm water project, but that never materialized. Since then, it's been one excuse after another. Come on, Bradenton! Pick up the phone and find out how Manatee County is getting this done!
Wednesday, March 26 Report this
miche
Hope a decision can be made by the city to do the same…before the next hurricane!
Wednesday, March 26 Report this