City to fix "Lake Mandalay" | News

Clearwater Beach, Florida -- Residents tired of navigating stormwater flooding on Mandalay Avenue each time there's a heavy rain will be glad to hear the city plans to fix the problem.

The city says its Engineering Department is upgrading the existing stormwater system there, and along East Shore Drive as well, adding two new treatment units designed to reduce flooding and provide better water quality treatment.

The project will take place along Mandalay Avenue, Poinsettia Avenue, East Shore Drive, and Papaya Street.

For years, Mandalay Avenue has been flooding from curb to curb - many times over the curb - as a result of slow drainage after a heavy rainfall.  Some businesses still keep sandbags handy to keep rising water out of their shops.

A public meeting will be held to get input from citizens and to explain the benefits and impacts of the project. It is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., at the beach library and recreation center on Bay Esplanade.

The city says construction is expected to take nine months, at a cost of an estimated $1.65 million.

To learn more, call the city's Engineering Department at (727) 562-4750.