PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — CBS12 News first reported last week on homeowners in St. Lucie County who say their backyards are flooding because required drainage systems were never built as approved.

Now, CBS12 News has learned that the problem may be more widespread.

Public records show similar flooding concerns tied to a separate development, this time involving an apartment complex currently under construction, raising broader questions about drainage oversight as development accelerates across the county.

Azalea homeowners say promised drainage was never built

Last week, CBS12 News reported on homeowners in the Azalea community, a newer neighborhood built by Meritage Homes, where residents say persistent flooding has damaged their yards and created ongoing problems.

See also: Sheriff: Roblox, Snapchat, grooming led to kidnapping of Florida sisters by Nebraska man

County officials confirmed a required drainage swale approved as part of the development plans was never constructed as designed.

“I do know my yard is flooding,” said Beverly Bostic, a resident of the Azalea community. “I got bugs. And I got mud. And that’s not what I paid for.”

Records show similar flooding tied to apartment construction

CBS12 News has since uncovered a separate case involving Prima Vista Commons, an apartment complex currently under construction near Tilton Road.

Public records show runoff from the construction site has caused flooding on a neighboring residential property. An attorney representing the affected homeowner says the project’s engineer was aware of drainage concerns and proceeded despite recommendations from district staff.

“As a result, there had been off-site adverse impacts to my client’s property, resulting in flooding,” said attorney Heidi Mehaffey.

The South Florida Water Management District later issued a Notice of Violation related to the project. According to the district’s permit portal, that violation remains open.

Expert: Failed drainage conveyance is the common thread

An independent engineer reviewing both cases says the core issue appears to be failed drainage conveyance, meaning stormwater is not being properly moved into retention or treatment areas as designed.

“I call it a no man’s land where the water doesn’t have any place to go,” said Leo Giangrande, principal engineer with Giangrande Engineering and Planning.

When water sits for extended periods, experts say it can lead to erosion, insects, and even structural or safety concerns. CBS12 News observed erosion beneath air conditioning pads in the Azalea community, along with standing water and muddy conditions.

“This is not good construction,” Giangrande said. “They shouldn’t have had the person sell the house and move in.”

County leaders say issues are emerging more often

County leaders say they are increasingly seeing cases where approved drainage plans are not being followed during construction.

“We’re finding that the as-builts or the construction plans just aren’t being followed by the contractors,” said Jamie Fowler.

In both the Azalea neighborhood and the Prima Vista Commons case, officials say corrective actions are still underway. But homeowners say they are the ones dealing with the consequences in the meantime.

“Please, please help us,” Bostic said.

What happens next

CBS12 News reached out to Prima Vista Commons LLC, Meritage Homes, and the South Florida Water Management District for comment. As of publication, responses have not yet been received.

CBS12 News will continue tracking both cases as investigations and potential fixes move forward.