JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – San Marco residents are frustrated as heavy rains and flooding continue to be an issue.
“What I saw in just minutes of rain yesterday was water up on the sidewalks and in yards, getting close to homes,” Katie McNeal said. “It feels like things have only gotten worse over the years.”
McNeal said Hurricane Irma caused flooding in her home back in 2017. She said this gives her similar concerns.
“Flooded detours making things harder because San Marco Boulevard is closed, traffic is being rerouted down Riviera—but that street was flooded with water about three feet deep,” she said.
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In a video she posted on Facebook, you could hear her say:
“It’s really, really bad,” McNeal said. “You can see the water is almost at their front doors.”
She said detours are not helping and may be causing more issues.
“Flagler and Belmont streets, where cars are being detoured even though the street is flooded,” she said. “Last week, me and my neighbors had to push four cars that flooded out. They probably totaled their engines.”
Another neighbor, Jacalyn Carter, said water and cars often go through her yard.
“It really hurts my feelings,” Carter said. “I get that people have to get around parked cars, but it’s tough for those of us who live here.”
Jacksonville is working on drainage improvements in the area. Online detours show a one-way route through Riviera onto LaRue Avenue.
“When it rains like that, police or JEA should close the road because people get stuck,” Carter said.
News4JAX reached out to the city about detours and flooding issues and were sent the following about progress and the drainage pump project in the neighborhood:
The project is not done but Phase I is complete and recovery time on these flooded roads is vastly reduced by the active work of the new pump station. Belmonte was clear in hours yesterday. In the past, it would have had major ponding for up to 24-48 hours. Phase II is under construction and will replace inadequate drainage pipes on some area roads. The pumps on site are temporary but hooked up to the old drainage system.
As it has for decades, flooding will continue on these roads until Phase II is complete and the entire drainage system – piping and pumps – are all connected and working together. Currently, a temporary detour is in place and traffic is directed off local roads. If you use the local detour, please maintain a safe speed and do not create any wake that may impact residents and local businesses.
City of Jacksonville
Andrew Dickson, who lives on Belmont, said flooding isn’t as bad for him, but street closures during rain cause problems.
“The side streets Riviera and Columbo fill up like a bathtub,” he said. “My street didn’t flood this week.”
Dickson is selling his 1930s home and is hopeful about the city’s drainage project.
“When they connect this project to the South Street pump station and with the big pipes they’ve put in, I think things will get a lot better,” Dickson said.
