Residents worry about flooding issues at Jetta Point as it loses conservation designation

Residents told Seminole County commissioners they are concerned about flooding near the 46-acre Jetta Point property following Hurricane Ian in 2022 and more recent storms, arguing that drainage improvements should be addressed before the county considers what comes next for the property.

Howell Creek Reserve Homeowners Association President James Futch said any future plans for Jetta Point should include coordination among local, county and state agencies responsible for stormwater management.

“I caught four catfish in my front yard during Ian, and I didn’t even have a fishing pole,” Futch said. “I’m only asking that you be very cautious as you proceed forward, and please bring in as many of these entities as possible so that we don’t feel like we’re being neglected.”

A years-long effort to transfer the conservation restrictions from Jetta Point in Winter Springs to the former Rolling Hills Golf Course in Longwood was completed Tuesday in a unanimous vote by Seminole County commissioners.

Deputy County Attorney Neysa Borkert told commissioners the action doesn’t dictate how the Jetta Point property will be used in the future, it merely. She said Tuesday’s vote carries out a previous Florida Communities Trust approval after the county met the requirements.

Although the item focused on the transfer agreements, most of Tuesday’s discussion centered on flooding and what should happen to the 46-acre property going forward.

Winter Springs resident Lisa Roney said recurring flooding near Jetta Point emphasizes the need for a stormwater plan before the county considers the property’s future.

“We have been having increasing yard, roadway and home flooding due to runoff from the Cross Seminole Trail over about the past six years or so,” Roney said. “We are now sometimes having major problems even after regular thunderstorms.”

Public Works Director Tawny Olore said county crews are scheduled to inspect drainage structures near the Cross Seminole Trail during the second week of August. She said the county’s stormwater master plan includes a roughly $2 million improvement project for the area, though it isn’t currently funded.

Winter Springs leaders offer their own ideas

Some ideas for the property have been floated around, including a hotel or a park, though commissioners have not decided what will ultimately become of the site.

The discussion drew comments from Winter Springs Mayor Kevin McCann and Winter Springs mayoral candidate Jesse Phillips, who outlined different ideas for Jetta Point.

McCann said he was speaking as a resident, not on behalf of the Winter Springs Commission, as he asked county leaders to preserve the site’s wetlands and continue involving city officials in discussions about the property.

“I would ask that we all work together on a hydrological study and stormwater resiliency before anything is ever done with that property,” McCann said. “I think it would be a reasonable ask for the residents and protection of those folks that live adjoined to that piece of property.”

Phillips encouraged commissioners to explore whether Winter Springs could acquire the property.

“I think a solution to our issue here is for the city to come to the table and buy the land,” Phillips said. “The purchase of the land could be to preserve it for stormwater use, as we’re committing to some upgrades to our stormwater master plan as a city.”

Commissioners say vote doesn’t end discussions

Commissioner Bob Dallari said Tuesday’s vote should not be confused with any later decisions about the Jetta Point property and emphasized that any proposal for the site would come before the commission separately.

“What happens with Jetta Point? That’s another agenda item,” Dallari said. “Right now, the agenda is to move these restrictions over to Rolling Hills.”

Commissioner Lee Constantine suggested the property could eventually be considered through Seminole County’s Seminole Forever conservation program. He said the program allows properties to be considered for review through the county’s acquisition process and also allows municipalities to contribute funding toward acquisitions.

As reported in an OCN story on July 24, a change.org petition with about 2,000 signatures is asking the County Commission to keep Jetta Point as a greenspace. Winter Springs Resident Elliot Griffin started the petition, saying environmental preservation is the mission of local government. 

“Jetta Point Park is home to a pair of bald eagles and their only nest site,” Griffin wrote. “Instead of paving over paradise, let us come together to protect and enhance our natural spaces. There are numerous low-impact ways we can utilize Jetta Point Park that align with our shared passion for conservation. Options such as a dog park, hiking or biking trails, community gardens or a bat house can provide recreational opportunities while preserving the park’s natural beauty.”

Chairwoman Andria Herr said approving the transfer would not prevent the county from continuing to address flooding and stormwater issues raised during the meeting.

“Don’t for one minute think that if we pass this, that it means that we’re not equally as focused on the issues that you all brought to our attention today,” Herr said. “It is critical that we do both.”

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