Dunedin city officials are implementing measures to combat recurring tidal and stormwater flooding affecting the North Douglas and Baywood Shores neighborhoods.

At a November 4 commission workshop, city staff outlined plans to address flooding that occurs even without heavy rainfall, a phenomenon known as “clear sky flooding” caused by rising sea levels and high tides pushing saltwater into streets and storm drains.

The proposed solutions include installing a berm and backflow preventers along Douglas Avenue near Buena Vista Drive, blocking some flow in tidal ditches near a pond, and adding tidal valves to drainage pipes. The berm will be elevated to 2.5 feet to help prevent tidal flooding while still allowing rainwater to drain during storms. Several manhole covers will also be replaced with sealed versions.

City officials noted that tidal flow in the area has increased significantly over the years. Staff now monitors tides regularly for affected areas and has implemented a maintenance schedule for aging drainage infrastructure in Baywood Shores.

A separate issue involves a clogged drainage pipe on adjacent Pinellas County property that sends stormwater onto neighboring properties. The city plans to request county assistance to address that problem.

Mayor Maureen Freaney acknowledged the challenges facing the coastal community, stating the city is working to protect vulnerable neighborhoods despite rising water levels. The berm project is expected to be completed by early 2026.

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