Orange County residents impacted by Hurricane Ian express concerns about continued flooding

ORANGE COUNTY – Residents in one Orange County community hard hit by Hurricane Ian are fed up with flooding that’s a problem during even regular rainstorms.

County leaders met with Pinar Drive residents this week to discuss possible solutions, but some weren’t happy with what they heard.

Flooding in the area is well documented.

Orange County is now studying drainage infrastructure in the area to figure out what’s going wrong.

The study will be completed in 2025 and will determine the level of service provided by the existing drainage infrastructure.

As that study continues, a county spokesperson says crews are currently working to put in new double box culverts on Lake Underhill Drive that will improve the capacity of the entire Pinar System.

They are also evaluating whether 18 acres of conservation land nearby can be used as an overflow area for the canal. While this would not impact the area during a major storm, the county believes it could alleviate flooding during lesser rainfall events.