Sarasota County leaders have initiated the establishment of a dedicated stormwater department, separating it from Public Works. This decision follows a recent investigation by Florida Trident and Suncoast Searchlight, highlighting significant failures in stormwater management during Tropical Storm Debby.
Photo by Derek Gilliam/Suncoast Searchlight
The decision, made during a budget workshop, was fueled by public outcry over years of mismanagement. Residents voiced their frustrations, demanding accountability from Public Works Director Spencer Anderson and County Administrator Jonathan Lewis. Many shared stories of their flood-damaged homes and uninhabitable neighborhoods.
The investigation exposed critical issues within the stormwater division, such as neglected infrastructure and high staff turnover, despite the county having the highest stormwater tax collection in Florida over the past 18 years.
After weeks of requests for a proposal to create a new stormwater department, Commissioner Tom Knight moved to expedite the process, garnering unanimous support. A new job posting for the department head was approved during the meeting.
Commissioners Joe Neunder and Mark Smith pushed for immediate action, suggesting hiring a temporary manager and mentioning former county stormwater manager Steve Suau as a candidate.
Photo courtesy of Sarasota County
/ Florida Trident
Suau expressed interest in the position following his independent review of the failures during Tropical Storm Debby but had not yet contacted county officials.
The pressure on Anderson and Lewis grew during the meeting, emphasizing the need for transparency and swift action to rebuild public trust.
Anderson defended past stormwater management efforts but faced accusations from residents regarding the lack of urgency and effective communication.
The need for more proactive measures was highlighted, especially after a poorly handled dredging permit issue affected recovery efforts, causing significant delays.
Neeley, a resident whose home was spared flooding, emphasized community responsibility in addressing broader issues.
Many residents are advocating for leadership shifts to bring new perspectives to long-standing problems, reinforcing the urgency for change.
The commissioners also resolved to update the public on recommendations made by Suau, stressing the necessity for accountability and enhanced stormwater management.
As discussions of potential changes in partnership with the city of Sarasota continue, the need for immediate solutions to pressing stormwater issues remains a priority for county leaders.
Michael Barfield is an investigative reporter for the Florida Trident, and Derek Gilliam is a watchdog/investigative reporter for Suncoast Searchlight, both nonprofit newsrooms serving the Sunshine State. Learn more at floridatrident.org and suncoastsearchlight.org
ABOUT THIS PROJECT: Florida Trident is partnering with Suncoast Searchlight to examine the challenges facing Florida as it grapples with hurricanes, sea level rise, and climate change. This story is part of that statewide effort.
Key Information
- Action Taken: Sarasota County leaders voted to create a separate stormwater department.
- Background: This decision follows an investigation revealing mismanagement in stormwater management during Tropical Storm Debby.
- Public Response: Residents expressed frustration over flooding and demanded accountability from county officials.
- Next Steps: A new job for the department head is being posted, with calls for swift leadership changes within county management.
- Ongoing Concerns: Community members highlighted the need for urgency in resolving stormwater management issues and restoring public trust.
Article original publish date: 2025-07-01 07:00:00
Article source: www.wgcu.org
Read the full story at the original source: www.wgcu.org
