News Summary
Residents in the Disston Heights neighborhood of St. Petersburg are facing unprecedented flooding following heavy storms. Rainfall rates surpassed one inch every 15 minutes, resulting in significant water accumulation that reached doorsteps. A nearby construction project has been blamed for exacerbating the situation, leading to clogged storm drains and increased runoff issues. Community members have raised concerns about the future risks of flooding and called on developers to take responsibility for effective water management.
St. Petersburg, FL – Residents of the Disston Heights neighborhood are grappling with severe flooding after recent storms, an unprecedented event according to locals who report that they have never experienced such conditions before. The flooding has drenched streets and reached doorsteps, creating significant concerns for homeowners and the community.
During the storms, rain gauges measured rainfall rates exceeding one inch every 15 minutes, triggering flash flood warnings from the National Weather Service. Local residents described the flooding phenomenon as resembling a “cascade,” with water levels reaching front doors and garages in some instances.
The flooding has been attributed to a nearby construction project at Palm Lake Christian Church, which commenced just over a month ago. Residents have raised alarms about runoff from the construction site, claiming it clogs storm drains and exacerbates flooding even in moderate rainfalls. Longtime neighborhood residents warned city officials about the potential for flooding before the storms occurred.
The city’s public works team has responded by inspecting the construction site for compliance with drainage regulations. This includes verifying the effectiveness of sediment barriers designed to manage water flow from the site. Meanwhile, the city’s chief building inspector has also been assessing the situation, seeking to ensure that all construction-related drainage requirements are being followed.
Newstar Development, the developer behind the affordable housing project, maintains that their drainage systems fully comply with existing regulations. They have pledged to continue monitoring the situation to mitigate further issues. However, community members are expressing frustrations regarding the transparency of the project and the perceived impact on local flooding.
Many residents have voiced concerns that the flooding could escalate during more severe storms, putting their homes at greater risk. They are urging the developers to take accountability for managing water flow and runoff from the construction activities. The church and Newstar Development are reported to be exploring additional mitigation strategies to improve drainage on-site.
Despite rising opposition among the community members, the church remains committed to the development of 86 units of attainable housing aimed at individuals earning 80% or less of the area median income. The church emphasizes the importance of providing affordable housing, even as it faces growing scrutiny from nearby residents.
Residents have been encouraged to report any flooding concerns through the city’s SeeClickFix tool, a platform intended to improve communication between the public and city officials regarding local issues. The city acknowledges the feedback from residents and is actively seeking to address and resolve flooding concerns within the community.
The combination of heavy rains and construction activities has triggered an unusual flooding situation in Disston Heights, placing pressure on local infrastructure and sparking community outcry for improved management of water runoff. As this situation evolves, residents continue to demand accountability and transparency from those responsible for the construction project nearby.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: St. Pete Residents Blame Neighboring Construction for Unprecedented Flooding
- WFLA: St. Pete Residents Say Construction Site Added to Street Flooding
- The Weather Channel: Florida Flooding Video
- WTSP: St. Pete Florida Drainage Flooding
- ABC Action News: City of St. Pete Beach Prepares for Potential Flooding
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Google Search: St Petersburg FL flooding news
- Google Scholar: Flooding in St Petersburg Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Google News: Flooding in St Petersburg FL
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
