A Sorrento homeowner says rainwater is repeatedly flooding her property — something she says never happened until recently. The viewer reached out to News 6 through the Neighborhood Network, concerned that new development in the area may be changing how stormwater flows.
Every time it rains like this on Elkridge Road in Sorrento, a local homeowner says all of that rainwater flows right into her property, devastating her yard. The homeowner says the damage has already cost thousands of dollars in repairs.
Resident Betty Jones said water rushes off the road and into her yard, leaving behind mud and erosion. “We’ve got actual clay right here where the clay came through from the road base. It’s constantly washing out with every rainfall,” Jones said. She added the runoff has created deep gullies and washout across her property.
Jones said the flooding has reached the backyard as well. She told News 6 her family has even placed bricks under their fence in an effort to slow the flow of water.
Video from Tuesday shows water pouring into the yard, leaving muddy debris behind. Jones said the damage is especially frustrating because she and her husband have invested thousands of dollars preparing the home to sell — but she says the erosion is now washing away that work.
“It’s very hard to try to show a house when you’ve got water coming down the road and flooding the property,” Jones said.
The couple says they’ve lived at the home for 17 years without issues, but problems started earlier this year after nearby development began. Lake County data shows the home sits on the edge of a flood zone, and Jones worries additional development could make the situation worse.
“With just a little bit of rain, we’re getting this much water. I know it’ll be like whitewater rapids,” she said.
Jones said she has contacted the developer, the city of Tavares and other agencies seeking help. News 6 also provided her with information on how to request a flood assessment from Lake County.
Have a concern in your neighborhood? You can contact News 6 through the Neighborhood Network.