Will the county’s $60m dredging project be enough to alter a history of catastrophic floods?
By Josh Salman/Suncoast Searchlight
Original Air Date: March 12, 2025
Host: Hundreds of homeowners along Phillippi Creek were flooded during Hurricane Debby last August. That has raised questions about deficits in stormwater management and how it could be improved. Josh Salman with the Suncoast Searchlight brings us this report.
Josh Salman: In Sarasota, the story of Phillippi Creek is both a testament to the area’s growth and a cautionary tale of nature’s power.
Over 30 years ago, residents living along Phillippi Creek faced a devastating flood. 14 inches of rain over three days submerged homes and turned Bee Ridge Road into an impassable river. In response, Sarasota County acquired the Celery Fields at the creek’s headwaters for flood protection and established Florida’s first environmental stormwater utility.
Phillippi Creek watershed. Sarasota County & USF, via Suncoast Searchlight.
Fast forward to last year. A series of tropical storms, culminating with Hurricane Debby, unleashed torrents of rain. Neighborhoods along Phillippi Creek once again found themselves battling floodwaters that swept away cars and inundated homes. Residents like David Scott witnessed firsthand the creek’s overwhelming force. Many saw their homes destroyed and neighbors flooded out—and now they want answers.
The Phillippi Creek watershed spans over 55 square miles, flowing from south of Clark Road to north of University Parkway. A network of man-made canals directs runoff into this 7.2-mile creek which eventually empties into Roberts Bay.
Phillippi Creek side canal. Photo by C. Todd Sherman via Suncoast Searchlight.
However, decades of development have altered its natural flow. The creek, once a thriving habitat for wildlife, has become choked with sediment, sandbars, and debris, impeding its capacity to manage stormwater effectively.
In response to these challenges, Sarasota County has invested over $90 million in stormwater infrastructure over the past three decades. Yet, much of this infrastructure was designed based on climate projections from 1996, anticipating no more than 10 inches of rainfall. Recent storms have far exceeded these projections, highlighting the need for updated planning and maintenance. Debby alone brought more than double that.
Community members, frustrated by the recurring floods, have voiced their concerns at community meetings. Many believe that neglecting regular maintenance of Phillippi Creek has exacerbated the flooding. Alec Jerrems, a longtime resident, shared his perspective. He said the creek is really a mess, full of muck and debris. It’s not navigable by boat, and he’s noticed that wildlife is on the decline.
Development along Phillippi Creek. Photo by C. Todd Sherman via Suncoast Searchlight.
Looking ahead, Sarasota County has proposed a $60 million project to dredge Phillippi Creek upstream to Beneva Road. However, questions about the funding and timeliness persist. Environmental experts warn that while dredging may alleviate some flooding, it could have short-term ecological impacts, disrupting aquatic habitats.
The saga of Phillippi Creek serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban development and environmental stewardship. As Sarasota continues to grow, addressing stormwater challenges requires a harmonious blend of infrastructure, maintenance, and respect for the natural world.
For more in-depth coverage, visit suncoastsearchlight.org/a-history-of-phillippi-creek-flooding-casts-shadow-over-sarasotas-current-stormwater-woes. For Suncoast Searchlight reporting, this has been Josh Salman.
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