WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — A privately owned pond overflowed in the Highland Village neighborhood of Winter Springs this week, sending water onto MacGregor Road and prompting the city to bring in a pump to help lower water levels.
By Friday afternoon, the water had receded significantly. Neighbors said the area did not see heavy rain Friday, and the city said the pump was helping remove water from the area.
Jose Martinez, a Winter Springs resident who lives two houses down from the pond, said Thursday’s flooding raised concerns for nearby homeowners. Speaking in Spanish, Martinez said the water was not draining and nearly reached the front door of his house.
He said the flooding has residents worried about what could happen during a hurricane and the potential for damage to items inside their homes.
Matt Reeser, communications director for the city of Winter Springs, said some areas of the city have historically flooded during extensive rain events like the one seen this week.
“Historically, there are areas in the city that have flooded when we have extensive rain events like we’ve had this week,” Reeser said.
Reeser said the pond is privately owned, but the city stepped in because water spilled onto the road.
“So we proactively went out there, brought a pump, and are trying to pump those levels down so that that water will stay down, because if you have people driving through high water, even if it’s a few inches, that can cause some problems,” Reeser said.
The city said it is working with the neighborhood on pond maintenance options. Reeser said residents should report drainage concerns so crews can respond before they become larger issues.
“What we’re telling residents, too, is if you see something, please give us a call, so that we can get out there and address them immediately before it does become an issue for them,” Reeser said.
The city said the pump will remain in place until water levels go back down, and crews will continue monitoring the area.