CLEARWATER, Fla. — The North Beach stormwater improvement project is underway in Clearwater.
What You Need To Know
The city of Clearwater is upgrading its stormwater system with six new pump stations
The project addresses outdated infrastructure and flooding issues
Until the permanent solutions are finalized, temporary pumps are in place
PDF: North Beach Stormwater Project Details
Designed decades ago, the original system is no longer efficient for current tidal elevations and weather events.
“This is some of our elevation challenges and examples of different storm events,” said Marcus Williamson, Public Works Director for the city of Clearwater, who describes the streets as sitting in a bowl.
He says it’s just one of the challenges the city is addressing with the project that includes installing six news pump stations. The new pumps will address issues including flooding from frequent rainstorms, rising seas and higher times, and aim to bring relief to residents in low-lying areas.
One of those residents is Vevie Dimmitt, who has lived in her Clearwater home for more than 25 years.
“These culverts are literally at sea level so if we have a high tide and we have rain, even if it’s not a bad storm, we had flooding in the streets,” said Dimmitt.
A temporary pump near her home will help mitigate flooding while designs are finalized for the permanent pumps.
“So just the electrical equipment gets elevated,” explained Williamson.
“Our permanent solution for all our pump stations would be in this area; it would be below ground.”
The elevated platform says Williamson is designed on theme with the water, to look like a lifeguard tower.
“I am so happy that they are paying attention to quiet and visual,” said Dimmitt.
Williamson says each pump station will be individualized based on the property it sits.
While the project is ongoing, he urges residents and contractors to help keep underground systems clear.
He says construction materials like concrete and landscape debris are found discarded, which can cause system failure and flooding.
Improvement of the stormwater infrastructure is being done in phases. Each pump will be designed with an approach that allows for upgrades later if sea levels rise.