Southwest Florida Water Management District Executive Director David L. Moore this week issued an emergency order authorizing Hernando County to pump water to relieve flooding in the Lakewood subdivision.
The property of approximately 30 Lakewood residents remains flooded. The subdivision is located near the northeast corner of Hernando County, north of the Withlacoochee River and adjacent to Lakes Geneva, Elizabeth and Frances. The property was flooded after the rains associated with the recent hurricanes caused the river and lakes to overflow their banks. The river has receded but some areas remain flooded because lake levels remain high. There is no place for the water to go.
The District’s emergency order allows Hernando County staff to pump water from a canal connecting the lakes to the Withlacoochee River. The water will be discharged into the Withlacoochee River at the dam at the end of the canal.
The emergency order, which was signed November 10, shall remain in effect until December 31.
The Governing Board is expected to concur with the emergency order at its November 16 meeting.