Drainage is one of the core responsibilities of the Indian Trail Improvement District (ITID). The District was originally established in 1957 with the mission of reclaiming land within its’ boundaries for essential purposes such as water control, water supply, and flood protection. This was to be achieved through the construction and maintenance of vital infrastructure, including canals, ditches, levees, dikes, pumping stations, and other water management systems. The District’s legislative boundaries cover over 110 square miles, comprising approximately 17,000 lots. The properties within the District have been developed primarily as agricultural and equestrian residential estates.

Today, ITID is responsible for maintaining an extensive drainage infrastructure that includes approximately 182.5 miles of canals, which provide critical drainage protection across the 38 square miles of active units within the District. This system also encompasses 983 miles of swales, fourteen (14) major canal crossings, six (6) pump stations, and twelve (12) control structures. These components work together to ensure effective water management and flood control throughout the District.

Currently, ITID holds multiple drainage permits from the South Florida Water Management District to manage the flow of water across its various basins. These include the M1 Basin, M2 Basin, and, more recently, the M3 Basin (Santa Rosa Groves). However, the drainage permit for the M1 Basin, which is the largest within the District, has historically proven inadequate to meet its needs.

A significant accomplishment in the past two years was securing state appropriations for the completion of the Corbett Levee, a project the District has been working on since 2012. This achievement was made possible through the efforts of a dedicated team, including Sluggett & Associates (our lobbyist), the District’s executive director and Board members, the South Florida Water Management District Board and staff, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay and county staff, along with the support of Representative Rick Roth and Senator Gayle Harrell. This collaborative effort was key to finally moving the project forward.

While ITID has made significant strides in improving its drainage infrastructure—such as replacing major culverts that connect canals, upgrading pump stations, restoring levees, regrading swales, and installing advanced telemetry for real-time water level monitoring—these efforts alone are insufficient. To fully address the District’s drainage challenges, ITID must prioritize additional projects that will expand its drainage and water storage capacity across all basins.

My vision for improving drainage infrastructure within the Indian Trail Improvement District (ITID) is based on the experience and knowledge I have gained while being on the Board of Supervisors. It emphasizes long-term resilience. The approach outlined below aims to address both immediate needs and future challenges, especially in light of increasing storms.

Here’s a summary of key action points:

1. Review and Evaluate Water Control Plans: Assess existing water control plans to ensure they meet current needs and reflect changes within and around the District.
2. Update Plans for Units and Basins: Ensure that water control plans for individual units and basins, such as the M1, M2, and M3 Basins, are current and effective.
3. M1 Impoundment Expansion: Use the 640 acres donated by GL Homes to expand storage capacity in the M1 Basin.
4. Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure: Continue replacing culverts, upgrading pump stations, and installing advanced telemetry for real-time water level monitoring.
5. Canal Dredging Plan: Implement a comprehensive plan for dredging canals to improve water flow and capacity.
6. M2 Impoundment Bypass: Construct the bypass to increase water control efficiency in the M2 Basin.
7. Secure Additional Lands for Water Storage: Acquire more land to enhance water storage capacity throughout the District.

By implementing these projects, ITID can strengthen its infrastructure to handle extreme weather conditions, ensuring residents can maintain their agricultural and equestrian lifestyles. This holistic approach will help secure the District’s future against water-related risks.

Now is NOT the time for a shift to an inexperienced or unqualified candidate. Instead, it is crucial to continue with the strong, experienced, and knowledgeable leadership that I offer, to guide the District toward sustainable solutions and long-term resilience.