TAMPA, Fla. — Residents in a Hillsborough County neighborhood are fed up with persistent flooding they say is caused by stormwater drainage from a new, nearby housing development.
"Every time we have a rain storm, even a sprinkle, that whole system opens up like a gutter," said Tiffany Fieldhouse. "It's been a constant creek and flood."
For the past month, neighbors on Hidden Country Court have been dealing with water rushing down from higher ground. It's completely washed out the edge of Fieldhouse's driveway.
"We're getting car damage because of the holes that are forming," said Fieldhouse. "There are so many potholes and we can't afford to fix this."
Neighbors contacted ABC Action News this week, concerned about flooding coming from Rego Palms, located on Sylvester Loop, which opened in June.
"We have a horrific situation where my neighbors can't get into their backyard, where they're sinking in the front yard trying to go back to their homes or come out to their cars," said Diane Ayers.
ABC Action News has confirmed, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is investigating and says the flooding appears to be associated with the development's stormwater system.
Pulte Group, based in Atlanta, sent ABC Action News the following response:
Prior to beginning construction, the Rego Palms development underwent all required permitting through the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Hillsborough County, including approval of the plans for the location and construction of the property’s retention pond and storm water drainage system. Since hearing about the Lehman Road neighbor concerns, Centex’s engineers have been in close contact with the County and SWFWMD. Both entities have agreed that the outfall system appears to be functioning as permitted, but would like to investigate potential options to mitigate the neighbors’ concerns.We are mindful that prior to the Rego Palms development flooding has been common in this area.-James Zeumer, Vice President, Investor and Corporate Communications
