Volusia County Council Moves Ahead with Six Flood Mitigation Projects Across Multiple Communities

Posted On: December 2, 2025

Earlier today, the Volusia County Council approved six flood-mitigation and stormwater initiatives representing a nearly $10.9 million investment through the County’s federally funded Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. These projects are designed to reduce neighborhood flooding, strengthen critical infrastructure, and improve long-term community resiliency through the Transform386 program.

Ormond Beach will see a major stormwater upgrade along Fleming Avenue, following the Council’s approval of a project designed to reduce repeated neighborhood flooding. The work includes installing a new pump station and constructing a force main that will move stormwater beneath the Florida East Coast Railroad, across U.S. 1, and to the Halifax River. By improving how quickly water can be carried out of the area, the project will reduce standing water on local streets and provide stronger protection for homes.

Ponce Inlet received approval for a revised stormwater project that will acquire two vacant lots on South Turn Circle to address chronic flooding in one of the town’s lowest-lying neighborhoods. Because this area sits at the bottom of a closed basin, stormwater routinely pools and impacts nearby homes. Converting these properties for stormwater use will create much-needed storage capacity, helping water drain away from homes more effectively during heavy rain.

The Spruce Creek watershed—which includes parts of New Smyrna Beach and Port Orange—will undergo a county-led study to better understand flooding patterns across the 94-square-mile drainage area. This data-driven work will identify where water is getting trapped, how drainage systems are performing, and which improvements would provide the greatest flood relief. Completing this study is a necessary step before construction projects can advance, ensuring future improvements are designed correctly and target the areas with the greatest need.

Orange City will benefit from a comprehensive flood study of the Rhode Island and Graves Avenue Basin, where residents have experienced recurring flooding across neighborhoods and roadways. The study will develop a detailed flood model and evaluate up to six potential solutions, including adding stormwater storage, improving drainage routes, installing pumps, or pursuing targeted property acquisition. This analysis will guide future construction efforts and help Orange City implement solutions that meaningfully reduce flood risk.

Daytona Beach Shores will move forward with the development of a stormwater and future resiliency master plan, aimed at preparing the community for rising water challenges. The barrier island faces unique risks from tidal flooding and heavy rainfall, which can strain the local drainage system. By evaluating these conditions and identifying priority improvements, the plan will lay the groundwork for future infrastructure upgrades and support long-term capital planning.

Lake Helen will see a flood-mitigation alternatives analysis focused on the neighborhoods around Lake Helen, Lake Harlan, and North Orange Avenue, where water often lingers long after storms. Because the lakes sit in a closed basin with no natural outlet, flooding can persist for days or even weeks. The study will collect on-the-ground data and develop stormwater models to determine which solutions—such as increased storage, enhanced drainage paths, or structural improvements—would most effectively reduce standing water and better protect nearby homes and roadways. This work will allow the county and city to pursue the right construction projects with the greatest benefit.