Punta Gorda Mayor Debi Lux is urging city leaders to reconsider spending nearly three-quarters of a million dollars on a downtown flood study. Instead, she proposed that retired engineers may be willing to offer their expertise voluntarily, potentially saving the city a significant amount of money.
During a recent city council meeting, Lux voiced concern over a $744,995 proposal from Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. of Fort Myers. The firm was selected to conduct an extensive analysis of the city’s stormwater infrastructure, factoring in sea level rise and changing weather patterns to model future flooding scenarios.
Lux pointed out the city currently has $125,000 earmarked for a study and questioned whether the expensive proposal would yield actionable solutions. “We have already paid for multiple studies over the years,” she said. “Why don’t we revisit those before committing to a new one? What happens if we spend all this money and the recommendations turn out to be financially out of reach?”
She suggested the city seek help from retired engineers to assess the existing data and studies on a volunteer basis. “There may be former professionals in the area who would be willing to contribute their time to review older reports and offer new insights,” Lux added.
Public Works Director Ron Everts countered that the city needs a more in-depth assessment than what previous studies or volunteer reviews can provide. He emphasized that the scope and specifications for the study were carefully developed to meet Punta Gorda’s specific needs.
Of the 789 firms contacted, only five submitted proposals, and just two met the city’s criteria. Lux inquired whether the project could be rebid, but was told that if negotiations with the leading firm fell through, the city would move to the second bidder. “But what if the second option is just as expensive—or even more?” she asked. “We may be better off starting with a smaller, more focused study using our existing data.”
City Finance Director Kristin Simeone noted that there is $1 million available from the previous sale of Fishermen’s Village, along with other project funds, that could be used to pay for the study. Lux responded that she would prefer to direct those funds toward actual flood mitigation projects rather than more analysis.
Council Member Jeannine Polk, a lifelong Punta Gorda resident, spoke of the chronic flooding in the downtown area, particularly during high tides. She mentioned that both of her properties were severely damaged during recent hurricanes, leaving her displaced.
The council discussed postponing a decision and inviting Kimley-Horn to present their approach and justify the cost. Lux, however, remained skeptical. “I don’t want a sales pitch. I want to understand the fee structure and make sure we’re not committing to something beyond our means,” she said.
She also warned that the study is only the first step, and the real expense will come during the engineering and construction phases. “Can we afford to carry this through to completion? We’ve seen enough studies. I think the community is ready for solutions.”
Kimley-Horn’s proposed 18-month timeline would include hydrologic and hydraulic modeling using data on rainfall, tides, land cover, and existing drainage systems. The goal is to create a baseline understanding of flood conditions and develop recommendations for affordable and effective flood mitigation strategies.
The urgency stems from repeated flooding events, including Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton. During Hurricane Milton, floodwaters were so severe that boats were pushed into residential yards. Repeated high water has destroyed vehicles, personal property, and businesses throughout the historic downtown area. One of the most devastating consequences was the permanent closure of ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda, the city’s only hospital.
Council Member Janis Denton moved to delay the vote and allow time for further research. The motion passed, with Denton noting, “The study’s not going to be done for another 18 months anyway. Let’s take the time to explore other options.”