Stormwater Construction Crews Encounter Surprise In Seminole Heights

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, FL — Crews working on the Southeast Seminole Heights Flooding Relief Project encountered a surprise.

They discovered an old pipe under North Florida Avenue that wasn't on any of the city's design plans.

Removing the pipe necessitated the closing of North Florida Avenue from Frierson to West Crest through Tuesday, May 24.

The Southeast Seminole Heights Flooding Relief Project involves designing and building a major stormwater conveyance system to improve drainage and reduce flooding of roadways, homes and businesses.

This work is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to invest in neighborhoods and upgrade essential infrastructure. Construction is expected to take about three weeks.

The cost of the project is about $39 million, including $29.1 million for stormwater improvements, $8.9 million for water improvements and $555,000 for transportation improvements.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is co-funding approximately $15.8 million for eligible stormwater design, permitting and construction costs for the project.