MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Some residents previously unaffected by flooding found themselves facing significant water issues last year, even in low-risk zones.
Bradley Anderson, a resident of Parrish County, is taking proactive measures by installing pumps on his property to mitigate future flooding risks.
What You Need To Know
- Bradley Anderson and his family reside in a low-risk flood zone in Parrish.
- Their property experienced flooding for the first time during the last storm season.
- They have since invested in equipment and techniques to prevent future flooding.
Heavy lifting is now a part of Bradley Anderson’s strategy as he cultivates a new approach to flood prevention.
“Right now, we are starting the process of being proactive,” he remarked, highlighting the essential creation of a drainage path by moving dirt.
“I’m raising certain areas of the property to redirect water flow,” he added.
Bradley Anderson’s property flooded. (Courtesy: Bradley Anderson)
This new methodology follows last year’s severe flooding that affected his family’s home multiple times.
“I don’t want to become a statistic,” he expressed. “Many people believe their efforts will suffice, but I need to control what I can.”
However, the uncontrollable power of a storm remains a concern. Anderson captured footage of the flooding on his property.
Located in Flood Zone X—designated as low-risk—his property was nonetheless impacted by storms named Debby, Helene, and Milton.
“Water was sloshing around us, reaching all the way to the front of our home,” he recounted.
Bradley Anderson’s property flooded. (Courtesy: Bradley Anderson)
Weather experts dubbed the Ellenton rain gauge data revealing that during the storms, Debby produced 14.6 inches and Milton 6.2 inches of rain—both well above monthly averages—while Helene contributed nearly 2.5 inches in central Manatee County.
If future flooding occurs, Anderson is prepared to utilize a newly installed pump.
“As the water rises, the pump activates, providing me with peace of mind,” he explained.
Anderson plans to lay over 500 feet of piping to direct water runoff to the front of his land.
“We’re taking every precaution because storm impacts can be unpredictable,” he noted.
Bradley Anderson’s property flooded. (Courtesy: Bradley Anderson)
The drainage system will channel runoff into a nearby culvert.
“We hope the utilities function as intended,” he surmised.
From priming the drainage pipes to excavating for excess waste, Anderson estimates the entire process will take weeks to complete. Still, there’s anxiety over whether these efforts will suffice.
“It’s a lot of hard work—a true labor of love,” he stated.
This endeavor has also demanded a significant financial commitment from his family; he noted, “The pumps alone cost in the low thousands, not to mention the equipment rentals, which are hundreds per day.”
With each day of preparation, Anderson holds onto the hope that these modifications will protect their home from future storm seasons.
He anticipates that elevating parts of his property will take roughly a month to finish.
Article original publish date: 2025-05-28 07:58:00
Article source: www.baynews9.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.baynews9.com
