Because of our neighborhood's age, residents may not realize drainage easements
exist either behind or alongside their homes. They do. And they are dedicated to the
public.
Refer to your plat.
Because we are an older development, Forest Lakes was constructed without a formal
stormwater management system. Everything from our yards discharges along drainage
swales set aside in easements and makes its way into Phillippi Creek via ditches and
roadway gutters within minutes.
Each residence is responsible for keeping these easements clear to ensure flow is
unimpeded from their property. In recent months the HOA has had some success
working with Sarasota County to reconstruct the outfall of one swale that had filled in
over time. The County was willing to work with the adjacent property owners to
reconstruct this swale because it could be accessed from the street. In addition,
Sarasota County replaced a crushed culvert, a stormwater inlet box, and a crushed
drainage pipe in response to our proactive residents.
Now is the time, pre-rainy season and pre-hurricane season, to evaluate the integrity of
the drainage swale that may exist on your property. If you need professional assistance,
contact Sarasota County at 941-861-5000 and state that you have
a residential drainage issue. The County has advised that they are willing to send a staff
member in response to help residents assess their own drainage situation.
Comments