In a close 4-1 vote on Tuesday evening, the Gulfport City Council approved the first reading of a resolution to initiate a preliminary engineering study focused on the drainage issues around Wood Ibis Park and adjacent areas.

Residents along 27th Avenue S. and 58th Street S. have been facing persistent flooding concerns during even moderate rainfalls.

Council Member April Thanos, herself a resident of the affected area, was instrumental in pushing for this resolution.

“During regular rain events, although our streets remain dry, water floods from the back of our properties,” Thanos explained. “An additional three inches of rain, and it would be inside our homes.”

The city is currently evaluating its overall drainage infrastructure as part of a broader watershed management plan.

According to city officials at the meeting, the study is projected to take between 8 to 10 months to complete.

Thanos emphasized the urgency of the study, stating, “We need to find solutions quickly to avoid further storm seasons without mitigations.”

The cost of the engineering report is estimated at just under $29,000, aimed at identifying viable solutions for the flooding. However, additional funding will be required to implement any proposed changes.

Local resident Glenn Hickey voiced his support, saying, “A study is definitely needed; it’s made everyone here anxious every time it rains.”

The resolution will see a second reading at the upcoming council meeting.

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(Image credit: WTSP)