JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After an outpouring of complaints following flooding woes in San Marco, District 5 City Councilman Joe Carlucci provided updates about the city’s efforts to improve the issue.
San Marco residents have voiced continued frustration after heavy rains caused flooding, a persistent issue that the city has been working to address.
Recommended Videos
The city invested millions into a drainage pump project that is currently underway to fix the problem, but residents have said those efforts weren’t enough as roads continue to wash away at the sight of summer showers.
Temporary pumps were put in place to alleviate some flooding, but the city said those pumps are connected to an old drainage system that, according to Carlucci, only drains 2,200 gallons of water per hour, while the updated system would allow 20,000 gallons of water to drain per hour.
Phase 2 of the project is underway, and it will take eight weeks for the pipes to be upgraded at the LeRue Avenue and LaSalle Street intersection. After that is completed, LaRue Avenue and Riveria Street will see drainage improvements, according to Carlucci.
He also acknowledged that the temporary solutions don’t “always solve the problem” because of distance.
MORE: ‘This is worse’: San Marco residents upset with million-dollar efforts to fix persistent flooding issues|‘Was about knee deep’: San Marco neighbors sick of flooding, ready for long-term results
“The stormwater has to be pumped hundreds of feet through the old drainage pipes before it even gets to the river. It can diminish the output from other areas. So it’s a fine line. Not just, turn on the pump and it drains out.”
According to Carlucci, the new pump on LaSalle Street is working as designed and has provided recovery time improvements, stating that water drains in hours instead of days.
Carlucci said the project is set to be completed by spring 2026.
“Until then, prepare for a normal hurricane season with regards to flooding in this area but the recovery times will be much better,” Carlucci said.
Read his full statement about the issue below:
