EDGEWATER, Fla. – Edgewater city leaders are expected to discuss a $14.7 million grant Monday night aimed at repairing two canals that residents say frequently flood during heavy rain.
The funding would go toward improvements to the G-2 and G-11 canals, which run through parts of the city and have long been a concern for nearby homeowners.
While the canals are owned and maintained by the county for mosquito control, they also serve as major stormwater routes within Edgewater’s designated flood hazard area.
The system drains roughly 350 acres of low-lying, urbanized land, but heavy rainfall combined with tidal backflow from the Indian River can overwhelm the canals and lead to flooding.
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Residents say the flooding can become severe.
“To stop flooding. I was like, it gets really bad. People will be on kayaks at certain points,” said Edgewater resident Joshua Jamell. “It’s not like 100% of the area, but 20, 30% of Edgewater will be underwater after certain rains and stuff.”
The proposed improvements are intended to help mitigate flooding. It’s an issue News 6 has covered extensively over the years, particularly in neighborhoods where streets can become impassable after storms.
Longtime resident Peggy Beauvais said increased development has only added to the problem.
“There’s been so much development and the infrastructure can’t support it,” Beauvais said. “So, yes, they need to fix the canals. That’s what this is. That’s what this city was based on. The canals.”
Flooding, however, is not the only item on the city council agenda. Leaders will also consider eliminating Edgewater’s pet registration fee, a requirement that has divided residents.
Jamell said he supports removing the fee altogether.
“Yeah, I fully disagree with it. There should be absolutely no fees to have an animal,” he said. “For a basic dog, no. That’s ridiculous.”
Others say they don’t mind paying a fee if the money is used for the community.
“I support that,” said resident Damon Richie. “As long as it’s going towards good, cause, I mean, everybody should be able to have a pet.”
City officials say the pet registration program is no longer necessary, noting the city has found other ways to ensure animals are properly registered.