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Crescent Lake Drainage Improvements

Construction has just started for a storm drainage improvement project concerning the Crescent Lake Neighborhood. The city Engineering Department has already notified residents of this project and has spoken with the local Neighborhood Association, but considering that Crescent Lake Park is used by many citizens who may not live near the construction area or are not active in the neighborhood association, it is expected that there will be a substantial amount of citizens who will want to be informed on the project.

A project sign was put up on July 19th, 2017 to inform the public about the project and this sign lists the 727-893-7111 action center number to call for more information. Below is a list of facts, questions, and answers to common questions that the City can expect to receive.

How long will this project take?
It is expected to finish in December of 2017.

What does this construction accomplish?
It is a stormwater improvement project that coincides with FDOT improvements that have already been completed along 4th Street N. The previous FDOT project does not convey any more water, nor does it increase the volume of water going to the lake, but transports the water faster. The City’s project falls in line with FDOT’s recommendations of allowing this faster moving water out of the road and prevent flooding in the surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, there is water quality improvement aspect to this project that will clean the stormwater before it reaches Crescent Lake, improving the water quality of the lake. Basically, this project prevents flooding and improves the water quality of Crescent Lake. It does not contribute any additional water to the lake that doesn’t already drain to the lake.

What is the route?
The project begins at Crescent Lake (currently under construction) and goes through the parking lot of the TASCO/Ball Field and down the middle of the 14th Ave N.

Why is this project partially funded by SWFWMD?
SWFWMD provides funding for municipalities if they incorporate “Best Management Practices” into their improvement projects. In this case, the stormwater will be treated before it reaches the lake by a baffle box. Previously, there was no additional treatment into the lake.

If I live along this route how will I be impacted?
14th Ave N will be the heaviest impacted as residents will not be able to park along this street when construction begins there. For residents who do not have alley access, the city is currently working with allowing on-street parking along 5th St N to be 24 hours, and for additional parking to be allocated from the TASCO parking lot in the south.

What will happen to the brick street?
All brick and granite curbing is always restored back to original or better condition as per city code.

Will there be any environmental impact to the lake?
The project will improve the water quality of the lake.

Facts:
Water quality of the lake is improved via a “Baffle box” which slows down the flow of stormwater temporarily to allow suspended particles in the water to collect (sediments) and to capture any floating debris as well as oil. The box itself will be maintained throughout the year to remove the pollution.

This project will also replace an aging potable water main, which may interrupt service, though residents will be notified.

This project will replace the aging 48” stormwater pipe and replace it with 66” concrete pipe. The project was designed around existing trees (there are a number of dedicated trees in the park), and any tree removal that is required will be mitigated for by the planting of additional trees.

The baffle box’s outlet is above the level of the lake, so if any animal gets into the storm water pipe at the outfall it is easily able to get back out.