Drainage improvement projects garner allocations in upcoming fiscal year

Drainage issues and flood mitigation projects continue to be a top priority for Longboat Key commissioners, and the town’s 5-year Capital Improvement Plan indicates several projects will be in the works over the coming years.  

One of Longboat Key’s lowest-lying areas, Sleepy Lagoon, is a focus of upcoming projects. 

In the town’s 5-year capital plan, $1.4 million is budgeted for “Norton Street Drainage Construction” in fiscal year 2026, and projects in other low-lying areas received some allocation as well. 

Public Works Director Charlie Mopps said the town must wait for the design grant process to close on a federal grant before it can proceed to construction grant applications.

Within the projects, Mopps said some included elements could be additional drainage structures or elevating roads and tying into properties.

These drainage improvements could be eligible for some funds Longboat Key received from Manatee County through the county’s Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Manatee County has $252,711,000 allocated from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the county decided to share $1.392 million, or about 0.6%, with Longboat Key. 

How the $1.392 million will spread out among the town’s project requests — which totaled $10.2 million — will be up to Town Manager Howard Tipton and the finance department. 

“That’s a conversation that will happen with the town manager and finance on how they want to allocate those funds,” Mopps said.

President of the Sleepy Lagoon Homeowners Association John Connolly said the community hopes to see the projects be shovel ready sooner rather than later. 

Survey work began on May 19 for another group of Sleepy Lagoon streets, including General Harris Street, Marbury Lane and Penfield Street.

The other group of Sleepy Lagoon streets are Juan Anasco Drive, De Narvaez Drive and Bayview Drive, which are also already designed.

“We’ve been pushing really hard to get this designed and constructed. It’s been a long time,” Connolly said. 

He said he’s pushed for these projects for almost seven years, and others in the community predate his efforts. 

Connolly said it’s also important to remember these projects are not a target to prevent flooding during major storm surges like Helene. In low-lying areas like Sleepy Lagoon, high tides and normal rainstorms can cause drainage issues that impact the entire neighborhood.

“Just typical tidal flooding can leave saltwater in the streets for a long time,” Connolly said. “We’re not talking about a storm surge.”