Work begins on drainage improvement project in flood-prone Cocoa neighborhood

This browser does not support the video element.

COCOA, Fla. — Cocoa’s Broadmoor Acres neighborhood was built in the 1950s. 

WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

In recent years, some of its streets have had issues with flooding.

“Sometimes they come on my property in order to get by,” Broadmoor Acres resident Leola Dawkins said. “I have no problem with that as long as they don’t knock my mailbox down.”  

READ: Children expelled from Central Florida Christian school over ‘OnlyFans’ decal on mother’s car

The City of Cocoa said significant rainfall during Hurricane Irma in 2017 really brought some of their drainage issues to light. 

The city went after a FEMA grant and was awarded $4,000,000 to improve drainage along Fiske Boulevard and in the Broadmoor Acres subdivision.

READ: Orange County Schools Superintendent reports improved attendance rates among students

Some of the stormwater from the neighborhood is now being redirected to nearby retention ponds. 

Work on the project should be completed by this time next year.

READ: Group voices concern over proposed toll road project through protected Split Oak Forest

“We’re really excited for it,” Cocoa’s Vice Mayor Lavander Hearn added. “I’m excited for the citizens. That’s who’s going to ultimately benefit.”

In addition to the drainage improvements, the City of Cocoa has acquired some vacant lots in the Broadmoor Subdivision it hopes will be used for affordable housing.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.