The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is leading a critical infrastructure effort to strengthen flood defenses in the Tampa Bay region.
South of Tampa, repairs are underway on the Tampa Bypass Canal, which sustained damage during Hurricane Milton. This canal, one of several in the area, plays a key role in redirecting floodwaters around Tampa and Temple Terrace.
Crews are restoring concrete structures and installing new electrical systems designed to shield internal rebar from the corrosive effects of saltwater. As part of the upgrades, six floodgates will be replaced with stainless steel versions, offering increased durability against flood conditions.
Jerry Mallams, Operations Bureau Chief for SWFWMD, emphasized that construction will continue through hurricane season without disrupting the canal’s function.
“There are some projects that are critical to complete before hurricane season,” said Mallams. “This protection project can continue into the season. It won’t affect the operation of the structure. If we need to use it, we’ll notify the contractors to secure their site, and we’ll open the gates as needed.”
Many of the water control systems in the Four River Basins were originally built in the 1960s following devastating flooding from Hurricane Donna. Although Donna made landfall in Naples as a Category 3 storm, it caused widespread flooding across Tampa. The structures built in response have now surpassed 50 years in age, but the current renovations are expected to extend their lifespan by another 50 to 100 years.
According to SWFWMD, the system helps reroute excess water from the Hillsborough River and nearby neighborhoods into McKay Bay, reducing the risk of urban flooding.
For more details on ongoing projects, visit SWFWMD’s project page.
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