Volusia County commissioners are moving forward with a storm‑water pump project designed to reduce flooding along Taylor Road, a critical east‑west corridor that often becomes impassable during hurricanes. Residents who have watched the road close under several inches of water hope the new system will keep their daily routes open and protect homes and farms that sit beside the roadway.
Why Taylor Road needs protection
During recent storms, Taylor Road has been shut down for hours, leaving families with limited evacuation options. “One hurricane shut down everything, and we didn’t have some of these other routes that we were able to take out,” said JT Kelley, a longtime resident of the area. “It caused a lot of problems.”
John Bailey, who lives directly on Taylor Road, described the damage his property sustained when floodwaters rose two feet inside his barn. “Everything in there got ruined,” he said. Nearby homes have also suffered; one house was purchased by the county and is now vacant while officials decide whether to demolish it to make way for the pump or an expanded retention pond.
How the pump will work
The county’s engineering team proposes installing a high‑capacity pump at Taylor Road Pond. A new pipeline would carry the water roughly one mile east to Lake Moore, where it can be safely discharged. The system is intended to move water before, during, and after storms, lowering flood levels and shortening the time water remains on the road.
“If they had that pump in there now, we’ve got rain coming for another week. I mean, we may get flooded,” Bailey warned. “All that water has got to go someplace, and we’re down low. So it comes down here.”
Project timeline and next steps
The pump project is still in the planning phase. County staff expect to complete environmental reviews and secure funding over the next several months before construction can begin. Once the design is finalized, the county will issue a request for proposals from qualified contractors.
Volusia County officials say the pump will not only protect Taylor Road but also improve overall drainage for the surrounding agricultural lands. By moving water more quickly to Lake Moore, the county hopes to reduce the frequency of property damage and the need for costly emergency repairs after each storm.
Community response
Local residents have voiced strong support for the project, emphasizing the importance of keeping Taylor Road open for school buses, emergency vehicles, and daily commuters. “We need this pump as soon as possible,” said Bailey. “The more rain we get, the more we need a reliable way to get the water out.”
County commissioners have pledged to keep the public informed throughout the process, holding regular public‑information meetings and providing updates on the county’s website.
What this means for Volusia County
Infrastructure improvements like the Taylor Road pump align with the county’s broader strategy to strengthen resilience against climate‑related flooding. By investing in proactive flood‑control measures, Volusia County aims to safeguard families, preserve property values, and maintain the flow of commerce along one of its most important roadways.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
