As residents of Orange County, we are increasingly vulnerable to flooding due to the loss of floodplains and overburdened stormwater systems. This growing threat affects more families each year as storms become stronger and more frequent. Our neighborhoods cannot wait for further damage—this crisis demands immediate and actionable solutions.

We, the undersigned, call for a collaborative effort among Orange County, the City of Orlando, and the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) to address this urgent issue. In fact, collaboration among these parties is essential in preventing further devestation of the local population.

Specifically, we propose the following:

1) Transforming the Decommissioned OUC Naval Water Treatment Plant into a Retention Pond. This 12.87-acre site on Truman Drive, currently intended to be sold as-is, presents a unique opportunity to provide long-term relief for flood-prone areas. Repurposing this land as a retention area would significantly improve the capacity to manage stormwater, protecting homes in the surrounding neighborhoods.

2) Converting Unused Land along Truman Drive into Open Swales and Retention Areas. The land directly parallel to Cady Way Trail, owned by the City of Orlando, presents an additional, and possibly more timely, opportunity to mitigate flooding. By excavating portions of this land and installing pumps at the neighborhood’s lower elevations, stormwater management would be enhanced.

These proposals are practical, sustainable, and critical to the future of our communities. They represent a chance to protect not only our homes but also the quality of life we share as neighbors.

We urge our local leaders to take these ideas seriously and commit to meaningful action. By signing this petition, you join us in advocating for smart, community-driven solutions to prevent further flooding and damage to our neighborhoods.

Together, we can create a safer, more resilient future for Orange County.