Ongoing issues
Utilities, Ponds & Flooding
Apopka needs a leader that will address the ongoing issues of utility, pond and flooding problems that have plagued areas of our city. Christine Moore is the right person to find the solutions for Apopka
Poor planning, debacles, and deferred maintenance
Faulty back-flow preventers and missing water meters and thousands of estimated bills, it is totally unacceptable. A new vendor or private company must be hired to immediately get this infrastructure installed.
Additionally, the city is likely to be cited in the coming year or two with an additional consent order from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for inadequate sewer capacity. The average home creates around 250 gallons of effluent per day. With all the approved new development, the city needs 7-million-gallons daily sewer capacity. The current facility on Cleveland Street only has a 5 million daily capacity. It takes at least five years to construct a sewer plant. You can see the problem.
Additionally, to date, the city has no conservation programs to incentivize the installation of low water toilets and dishwashers. The Golden Gem Reclaimed Water Facility has been bungled and leaked into the upper Floridan aquifer. Water restrictions are necessary without this capacity. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has given the city six months to comply with multiple requirements or return their $4.5 million plus interest used to build the pond.
Ponds, Storm Water Drainage and Flooding
To adequately address the pressing issues surrounding our city’s water management, we must prioritize comprehensive inspections and maintenance of private pond systems and address the deteriorating infrastructure of culverts and piping. The aftermath of Hurricane Milton has highlighted the vulnerability of our current systems, which have been left unchecked for too long. Investing in sustainable solutions and proactive maintenance will not only mitigate flooding risks but also safeguard our community’s health and environment. By ensuring these essential systems are properly serviced and upgraded, we can create a resilient framework capable of withstanding future storms and heavy rainfall, ultimately fostering a safer and healthier Apopka for all residents.
I spent four months as county commissioner advocating for flood control measures for the Wekiva Village Townhomes and Hobby Lobby Shopping Center, which were flooded by Border Lake. I utilized county staff and contracted experts to create the Border Lake Draw Down Plan. Yet today, we are still awaiting the city to secure right-of-entry for the Lumen property. Thankfully, this spring has been dry, and the lakes are evaporating. However, we have no idea what will transpire this summer and fall.
Approved by:
