Tarpon Woods Drainage Project Will Impact Local Roads

Construction crews have started to work on a drainage project aimed at alleviating flooding problems in East Lake's Tarpon Woods subdivision. Whenever there's a large amount of rainfall, some roads in the subdivision flood because storm water drains into the street. 

Longtime resident Bob Turnier, who has lived in Tarpon Woods for 25 years, recalls one storm when the water on Tarpon Woods Boulevard so deep, he had to leave his car and wade in the water to get to his house.

"Cars were stranded on Tarpon Woods Boulevard," he said.

The Pinellas County Department of Environment and Infrastructure recently hosted an informational session to explain the project to residents and answer questions. The info session allowed residents to view large maps showing areas where new drain pipes will be installed. 

"A lot of residents were asking about what's going to happen," said Council of North County Neighborhoods President Ron Ewing, who helped organize the event.

Turnier was one of about 80 people who showed up. He is glad that the county is doing something about the flooding problems. "We've had problems several years since I've lived in the area depending on the storm and how much rain it brings," he said.

The $1.75 million project is being paid for by the Penny for Pinellas sales tax and money from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. When the project is completed on November 1, more than 5,500 feet of new drainage pipes will funnel water into Brooker Creek.

The construction project is expected to impact the following roads in the subdivision-

• Tarpon Woods Boulevard between Brooker Creek and Patti Place
• Patti Place between Tarpon Woods Boulevard and Brian Road N.
• Brian Road N. from Patti Place to approximately 200 feet west of Tarpon Woods Boulevard
• Toniwood Lane from Tarpon Woods Boulevard to the northeast intersection with Jennifer Terrace

During some phases of construction, portions of the roads will be closed to thru traffic. The contractors intend to maintain continual access for local traffic and maintain emergency vehicle access at all times.

If crews will need to restrict local traffic access, the contractor will notify residents at least 72 hours in advance. Emergency vehicle access will be permitted. Construction could impact individual driveways, however the contractor will coordinate with property owners prior to construction.

A tentative schedule is shown below. The schedule is subject to change.

• March 7 to April 13: Shop drawing and utility investigation/relocation
• April 16 to 22: Water main adjustment at Bratti Court
• April 23 to June 3: FDEP/Health Department approval for water main (limited work can be performed)
• May 21 to Aug. 5: Storm sewer installation on Tarpon Woods Boulevard
• July 2 to Aug. 26: Storm sewer installation on Toniwood Lane
• Aug. 6 to Sept. 16: Storm sewer installation on Patti Place
• Aug. 27 to Oct. 7: Storm sewer installation on Brian Road
• Oct. 8-21: Roadway paving
• Oct. 22 to Nov. 1: Final cleanup

If you have any questions about the project, contact Iva Dorsey, Project Supervisor for Pinellas County Construction at (727) 464-8833

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