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Hollywood Tests Panels to Block King Tide Floods
26 Sep
Summary
- Removable panels installed in a new seawall aim to prevent seawater intrusion.
- City workers tested the new barrier system on Thursday, with success in some areas.
- While king tides are addressed, stormwater system backups remain a concern for residents.
In Hollywood, Florida, city workers have installed and tested a new seawall system designed to combat persistent flooding on South Lake Drive. This area has long suffered from inundation due to king tides, rainfall, and storm drain backups.
Recently, removable panels were fitted into sections of the seawall to block seawater. During a test on Thursday, the panels effectively prevented flooding in the eastern part of the street, where water levels can rise 18 to 20 inches during peak king tides. However, flooding continued further up the street where panels are not yet installed.
The system is engineered to keep seawater out during king tides. For heavy rainfall, the panels can be removed to allow rainwater to drain into the Intracoastal Waterway. Residents acknowledge the seawall's progress but point out that it does not address issues of water backing up through the municipal storm drains, which is now a primary source of street flooding.
The city will continue to observe the panels' performance during the upcoming king tide period, which begins Saturday. Success could lead to the deployment of these panels along other parts of the seawall.
