Crystal River is moving forward with a long-term effort to upgrade its stormwater infrastructure following severe flooding during the 2024 hurricane season.

The city has received a $2 million state grant to improve stormwater drainage throughout Crystal River, marking the first step in a broader initiative to reduce flooding after major weather events.

The push was driven in large part by the damage left by Hurricane Helene. In the storm’s aftermath, Citrus Avenue — a main commercial corridor — was submerged under several feet of stormwater, and at least one business took more than a year to complete repairs and reopen.

City Public Works Director Troy Slattery said the existing system is entirely gravity-fed, with no mechanical collection in place. Stormwater flows naturally into open canals and waterways, a system that has become increasingly strained due to development in recent years. The planned project would identify low-lying areas and find ways to better move water away from homes, businesses, and roadways.

The city is currently about halfway through an engineering study for the project, which is expected to be completed by early fall.

Local business owners say they are encouraged by the effort. Kris Murin, who owns the Lemon Tree Gift House on Citrus Avenue, said she doesn’t expect any project to make the city completely flood-proof, but believes incremental improvements matter for keeping businesses viable after storms.

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