HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY — According to Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers, a drainage improvement project approved nearly two years ago for Progress Village will begin in January.

Myers says the decades-old drainage system in unincorporated Hillsborough County is long overdue for an upgrade.

What You Need To Know

  • Flood waters have receded in Progress Village, but the damage caused by Hurricane Milton still lingers. 

  • Residents hope a drainage improvement project will help them be better prepared for future storms. 

  • Commissioner Gwen Myers says the decades-old drainage system in unincorporated Hillsborough County is long overdue for an upgrade and that the county was focused on flood mitigation long before Hurricane Milton.

  • FEMA has opened an office at the Progress Village Senior Center to help residents apply for compensation for any damage suffered during Hurricane Milton.

Flood waters have receded in Progress Village, but the damage caused by Hurricane Milton still lingers.

Water-soaked furniture sits on the curb, along with piles of debris and cars that took on water.

“The drainage is bad. It is bad,” said Judi Jones.

Jones, known as ‘Miss Judi’, has lived in this historic community for over 50 years.

She had a close call but was spared flooding in her home.

Unfortunately, many of her neighbors can’t say the same.

“I understand Milton was a huge hurricane, but you still should have a place where this water goes,” she added.

District 3 Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers says the county was focused on flood mitigation long before Hurricane Milton.

“It was a lesson learned and a teachable moment of some things we need to put in place,” said Myers.

Myers says more than $10 million was approved a year and a half ago for the project.

“We’re going to install a new drainage system, which is called Phase 1 and Phase 2, and that would help,” Myers explained.

Progress Village Civic Council Vice President Sean Bell Senior says Milton taught us not only about infrastructure improvements but also about the need for adequate insurance.

“People pay for flood insurance when they think they need it. They know they need it now,” Bell said.

Neighbors say they welcome any help to save their properties for future generations of their family.

FEMA has opened an office at the Progress Village Senior Center to help residents apply for compensation for any damage suffered during Hurricane Milton.