WINDERMERE, Fla. — Orange County commissioner Nicole Wilson is asking for a development moratorium along Reams Road in Windermere due to ongoing flooding problems.

What You Need To Know

  • One Orange County commissioner is asking for a development moratorium along Reams Road in Windermere due to ongoing flooding problems

  • Some believe that construction projects have failed to prevent flooding – and new flood mitigation strategies are needed

  • Orange County commissioners will meet on Tuesday at 9 a.m. to discuss the issue

In 2022, Hurricane Ian flooded three different spots along the busy road, causing headaches for residents and making it difficult for patrons to reach area businesses.

Residents in the area say recent hurricanes and storms have rekindled the problem.

In a press release on Oct. 17, Wilson stated:

“The flooding issue stems largely from the surrounding conservation wetlands and Lake Hancock, which are hydrologically connected. The northwest lane, where Reams Road turns into Summerlake Park Blvd, is directly impacted by the wetland adjacent to Lake Hancock. The elevation and constant water flow from the lake have overwhelmed the roadway, causing consistent and dangerous flooding.”

Mike Mooney lives in the Buena Vista Place apartments along Reams Road in Windermere and walks to work each day.

Mooney says he has seen construction projects that include housing developments and businesses along Reams Road grow enormously over the years.

“I have seen (the flooding) get worse since the development has increased,” said Mooney.

Mooney, who works at the New York Stuff-A-Bagel shop on Reams Road, says Hurricane Ian cut them off from their customers.

“I remember in 2022 for a solid week we were super slow,” he said. “People could not get to us. And if you did not know the area well enough, and how to bypass that, you could not get to us.”

Commissioner Wilson, who’s up for reelection, is proposing the idea of a development moratorium at Tuesday’s county commission meeting starting at 9 a.m.