Following last year’s unprecedented hurricane season, the City of Tampa has intensified its efforts to clear storm drains and regrade drainage ditches throughout the city. The heavy rainfall preceding Hurricanes Helene and Milton put significant strain on the city’s stormwater system, resulting in coastal flooding during Helene and rare street-level flooding in parts of Tampa during both storms.

This week, crews in South Tampa utilized a three-cubic-yard vacuum truck to remove sludge and debris from storm drains while also excavating a drainage ditch to boost its capacity for heavy rain. “We remove about 20 tons of material from our systems each week,” Bryan Rodger, Manager of the city’s Mobility Department, told Bay News 9.

Beyond physical cleanup, Mobility Department Director Vic Bhide shared that the city is installing backup generators at all 14 of its pumping stations, with plans to eventually transition to permanent generators. The goal is to have all pump stations equipped by June 1, the start of hurricane season. “We’re also modernizing water level indicators and sensors, and adding a more advanced communication system to monitor and control these systems remotely,” Bhide explained.

The city is further enhancing its preparedness by deploying new technology and adding an extra stormwater emergency crew. This team will remain on duty during storms, ready to address issues and accelerate recovery efforts across Tampa. To keep residents informed, the City of Tampa will hold a virtual town hall on April 16 at 6 p.m. to discuss stormwater improvements and address community concerns.

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(Image credit: Spectrum News/Chris McDonald)

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