St. Pete Beach, Florida, approved $1.5 million in sewer improvements after hurricane damage left residents facing warnings not to flush toilets, shower, or wash dishes.
Here's what to know
City commissioners voted unanimously to restore three sewage lift stations damaged in the 2024 hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to the St. Pete Catalyst. The work is expected to be completed by July.
Permanent backup generators will sit on elevated platforms under Public Services Director Camden Mills' proposal, which also calls for moving electrical controls above the base flood elevation. With the generators, the structures will stand 13 to 14 feet tall.
Construction costs total about $514,000 at Belle Vista Triangle Park, $541,000 at Fisherman's Park near Corey Avenue, and $500,000 near Pass-a-Grille Marina, the Catalyst reported.
The city is drawing on wastewater utility funds for the projects, each of which directs a large share of its spending to flood protection.
More background
The risk of sewage backing up into homes prompted St. Pete Beach officials to warn against water use after Hurricane Milton. Wastewater operations had stopped because storm surge submerged electrical equipment at pumping stations, per the Catalyst.
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Residents were told that normal service might not resume for over a week. Restoration efforts focused on connecting temporary generators and bypassing the damaged equipment.
The outage also disrupted hospitality and waterfront businesses in a community reliant on tourism.
Months of discussions between Belle Vista Triangle Park residents and city staff were about the proposed structure's location and appearance. Protecting wastewater service means finding room for large equipment within established neighborhoods.
"Nobody wanted this structure in front of our neighborhood," Belle Vista resident Greg Premer told commissioners, the Catalyst noted. "The size of a large garage is being forced on the residents of Belle Vista."
What's being done?
Staff selected a design that avoided $160,000 in additional costs to relocate underground utilities. Residents sought fencing with a wood-like appearance, landscaping, and entrance upgrades, including a monument sign.
Commissioners will revisit those requests in June, per the Catalyst. St. Pete Beach officials explained that wastewater utility money cannot pay for beautification unrelated to the station, so the amenities would need separate funding.
Commissioners discussed installing decorative wraps or local artwork at Fisherman's Park without delaying the sewer improvements.
Near Pass-a-Grille Marina, staff recommended removing fencing, altering a curb, and changing a landscaped median. The changes would give the marina's mechanical boat lift more room to maneuver and reduce the risk of collisions.
Beyond the station upgrades, the city reported cleaning and inspecting 98.5% of its sewer piping and 85% of its manholes to find issues requiring maintenance or repair, according to the Catalyst.
Commissioner Jon Maldonado supported the marina access changes but noted that nearby business operations must not jeopardize wastewater service.
"We do not want to do anything that's going to impact or even put this station at risk," Maldonado said.
Where can I learn more?
Other Florida communities are also dealing with wastewater failures and the cost of infrastructure upgrades.
• Mount Dora homeowners with working septic tanks faced $20,000 sewer hookup bills.
• In Boca Raton, a wastewater spill prompted warnings against swimming and irrigation near the Intracoastal.
• In Lehigh Acres, a wastewater plant spilled 2,000 gallons of chlorine, but officials said waterways were spared.
• Manatee County is betting $125 million on drainage projects to address persistent flooding.
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