The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is partnering with the City of St. Petersburg to study long-standing flooding problems in Riviera Bay, marking a step toward potential dredging and other mitigation projects.
Why it matters: Residents say routine high tides and heavy rain now flood streets, making some homes and driveways difficult to access.
What's happening:
- The city requested assistance from the Army Corps, which approved a study to determine which canals should be dredged and what flood reduction measures are needed.
- Residents say years of sand and sediment buildup have reduced canal capacity, increasing flooding during high tides and rain.
- Homeowners also point to aging seawalls with cracks and holes that allow water to seep into the neighborhood.
What residents are saying: Neighbors say flooding has worsened over the past decade, with some canals becoming so shallow that boats can no longer navigate areas that were once much deeper.
What's next: The Army Corps study will guide future flood mitigation projects, though residents say they hope improvements begin before the next major storm season.
