Edgewater Rolls Out Stormwater Master Plan, Early Projects Already Underway
Date: May 5, 2026
Written by: Courtney Sebastianelli, Public Information Officer
EDGEWATER, Fla. —
During the May 4, 2026 City Council meeting, the City of Edgewater officially rolled out its Stormwater Master Plan, a long-term strategy designed to improve drainage, reduce flooding, and strengthen infrastructure across the community.
The plan outlines 25 major improvement projects organized in phases through 2054, providing a citywide, data-driven roadmap to address flooding challenges that have developed over decades.
“This plan gives us a clear path forward,” said City Manager Joe Mahoney. “It allows us to prioritize improvements and take a strategic, phased approach to strengthening the system over time.”
A System Built for the Past, Facing Today’s Conditions
The study confirmed that much of Edgewater’s stormwater system was built decades ago—before modern design standards and before much of the city was fully developed. As the community has grown and rainfall patterns have changed, the system has been pushed beyond its original capacity.
In many areas, limited drainage capacity, undersized infrastructure, and the city’s naturally low-lying terrain contribute to water collecting faster than it can move through the system.
A Phased Plan for Long-Term Improvement
The Stormwater Master Plan is structured in four phases, with improvements planned through 2054. Each phase builds on the previous one, beginning with projects that can be implemented sooner while preparing the system for larger, more complex upgrades.
Phase One is already underway and ahead of schedule, with approximately nine priority projects focused on addressing the city’s most immediate needs.
“These early projects are critical,” Mahoney said. “They lay the groundwork for the improvements that come next.”
Visible Progress in Florida Shores
Residents are already beginning to see progress on the ground.
The G2/G11 project, located in the Florida Shores area, is part of Phase One and is one of the most visible examples of work already underway.
The project focuses on improving how water moves through the canal system, increasing capacity and reducing strain during heavy rainfall. These improvements are expected to bring more reliable drainage to surrounding neighborhoods.
“The G2/G11 project is a key part of improving how water moves through this area,” said City Engineer Mathew Creel. “By increasing capacity and improving flow, this project will help provide more reliable drainage during storm events.”
Projects like G2/G11 are early examples of the Stormwater Master Plan in action and reflect the City’s commitment to delivering meaningful improvements where they are needed most.
Strategic Investment in Infrastructure
These projects represent a significant investment in Edgewater’s infrastructure and long-term resilience.
Phase One of the City’s Stormwater Master Plan represents a focused seven-year effort within a broader long-term vision to improve how Edgewater manages stormwater and protect the community from flooding. With total investments exceeding $100 million, the City has already made significant progress in securing funding—particularly through grant-supported projects like G2-G11, as well as local stormwater revenues and general fund support.
The City continues to pursue additional funding through state and federal grants, legislative appropriations, and strategic private partnerships, including opportunities tied to projects such as Volco Road improvements. This approach is designed to maximize external funding, minimize the financial impact on residents, and advance critical infrastructure improvements.
Ultimately, Phase One is about more than immediate projects—it is laying the groundwork for long-term resilience, sustainability, and responsible growth in Edgewater.
Focused on Infrastructure, Not Disruption
While the plan evaluates a range of potential solutions, the City’s primary focus is on strengthening existing infrastructure.
Most recommendations involve comprehensive projects designed to improve drainage while maintaining established neighborhoods.
“Our priority is to improve the system in a way that works for the community,” Mahoney said. “We’re focused on solutions that increase capacity and improve performance before considering more impactful options.”
Engineers suggested home acquisition as one possible technical solution among many. However, there will be no plans to initiate any projects involving involuntary home acquisition. Additionally, phase one, which will take approximately a decade to complete, does not include projects that involve home acquisitions.
Reducing Risk Over Time
While no stormwater system can eliminate flooding entirely, the plan is designed to significantly reduce flood risk over time.
“We know flooding is a concern for our residents,” Mahoney said. “This plan is about making steady, meaningful progress and building a stronger system for the future.”
