To Whom It May Concern:

We, the undersigned residents, petition for an independent investigation into the mismanagement of the Lake Manatee dam and local wastewater treatment facilities following the severe flooding during Storm Debby on August 5, 2024. The release of the dam, coupled with the failure of multiple wastewater treatment facilities, significantly exacerbated the extent of the damage to homes and infrastructure across Manatee and Sarasota counties. We call for a comprehensive review by impartial experts to examine the dam’s management, maintenance practices, and emergency responses, as well as the operational failures of wastewater treatment plants. Additionally, we request an assessment of how overdevelopment in East Manatee has contributed to the flooding. We demand transparency through public disclosure of findings and accountability through financial, emotional and health assistance for affected residents. We the undersigned residents demand immediate resignation of key officials, including Deputy County Administrator Courtney DePol, Commissioner Mike Rahn, and Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske, due to their lack of action and poor communication. The following statements have been taken directly from the Florida Trident news article dated August 15, 2024.

* "Deputy County Administrator Courtney DePol, who is in charge of public safety, departed for a European vacation the day before the storm struck. County officials declined to explain why she departed despite the known threat."

* "Commissioner Mike Rahn and Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske held social media briefings from the Emergency Operations Center earlier Monday morning, including an update by Rahn just 32 minutes before the emergency spillway release. Neither mentioned the dam nor warned residents of the impending water surge."

* Emergency alerts were sent after the emergency spillway had already been released putting lives in jeopardy. "Eight minutes after the emergency spillway release county officials sent a confusing emergency alert to some residents via the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS). As reported first by the Bradenton Times, the alert said: 

“Manatee Dam doing strategic release to cause dangerous swift moving water and flooding. Leave area NOW. Shelters available. Highwater vehicles being staged in area. Call 311 for information. Use 911 for emergencies ONLY.” 

The lack of clear and precise directions through alerts or no communication at all to residents in the path of the release through the Manatee County emergency alert system put many lives in danger and were not sent in a timely manner to allow residents an opportunity to safely evacuate. The above statements clearly show the county and the dam has no precise or comprehensive plan in place to protect the residents of Manatee and Sarasota counties. Accountability and transparency are essential for rebuilding trust and ensuring effective future management. 

Sincerely,
The Affected and Distraught Residents of Manatee and Sarasota Counties