Description
The condition of Lake Maggiore, especially along 9th Street S is disturbing. The water level in the lake is at the same level as the street along 9th Street South. With any good rainfall the entire section of 9th Street South from 38th Avenue to 45th is most often completely under water.
The view from 9th street suggests that the lake is in dire need of dredging and on-going maintenance. My property is close to the lake, and therefore I am very concerned that storm season will bring the water level to the point of being a threat to all the properties surrounding the lake. It also seems that even when there is a dry spell the water level in the lake is most often higher than has been the case in prior years. What is the reason for it?
Before the most recent mayoral election, and after public complaints about the condition of the lake, the City took the band-aid approach of cutting back the reeds to create peepholes so that the water would be visible from 9th street, however, no additional maintenance was done so the reeds quickly grew back more and thicker.
I have been a resident in the area since the lake's glory days when the Regatta took place on the lake every year. As I ride through the downtown area of the City and see all of the development in progress, it occurs to me what a complimentary asset the Lake would be to all of the upscale residents living in the mega expensive housing in the downtown area. Perhaps if the lake was properly maintained, those who could afford to boat, ski, and race would use it in that way.
I drive by the lake everyday, morning and afternoon and wonder why an asset of this magnitude that is an integral part of the city's history is allowed to exist in its current state. Although the question comes up often, I withhold judgement on the idea that median incomes in the Lake Maggiore area suggest that use of the lake for boating, skiing and racing is not a viable option for the residents who live along the shores of the lake and therefore not a priority for city resource allocation. I am hopeful that decision makers are more evolved in their thought process and justifications for the use of public funds.
What is/being or can be done? and How soon can I anticipate seeing improvement in the condition of the lake?
8 Comments
Acknowledged Council Aide District 3 (Verified Official)
Ken (Registered User)
Several items to address:
1. Dredging or digging the lake deeper will not lower the lake level as water seeks the highest level to the lowest overflow point. The lowest point of over flow is the dam at the north east corner of the lake near MLK and 26th St So. which is Salt Creek
2. The lake level can not be lowered because at high tides Tampa bay will back flow through Salt Creek in to the lake. With Sea level raising, Lake Marggiore will continue to rise.
3. The city's hands are tied on certain maintenance items as the City is governed by the State of Florida, this limits the City in many aspects.
4. The City is not ignoring the Lake, I have had talked with several people in different departments to get my information. The biggest item to control flooding of the lake is to install an automated flood gate that lowers the lake level at low tides and raise the flood gate before high tides. this will help keep the lake level lower. but ultimately the lake level is controlled by Tampa Bay's water level.
Stormwater Administrative Secretary #C (Registered User)
Closed Stormwater Administrative Secretary #C (Registered User)
Thank you for your past submission via SeeClickFix. The City of St Petersburg periodically reviews past reports that are made from citizens within our city limits, and in an effort to clean-up old issues that were resolved some time ago, we are marking as 'closed' those issues that were submitted in the past for which the work has been completed or the issue has otherwise been resolved.
If you think for any reason that the issue you submitted in the past might still be unresolved, please feel free to submit a new report with the SeeClickFix St. Pete website and we will make sure the issue is directed to the appropriate City department to be addressed as soon as possible.
Thank you again - Sincerely,
Mayor's Action Center
Ken (Registered User)
I do wait the city's response directly with you, but i wish to add, the Lakewood Terrace Assoc has been working with Ivan Fountain with the City of St. Pete. The lake's maintenance is now regulated by Florida fish and wild life, any maintenance on dredging and cutting back of the cattails are regulated by FF&W. The city has to pull a permit to do anything to the lake. Some of the things the city has done and will continue to do:
1. They are allowed to reduce (create pockets) the cattails, but they are required to leave 30% of the vegetation as is. The city cleaned out the north east corner recently.
2. Last yr, the city closed the dam to salt creek and started to pump out the lake water at lower tides prior to and during storm season, this brought the lake water level below sea level to hold more water darning the heavy rain season. This action reduced or almost limited any flooding on MLK and 42 ave area. I believe they will be doing the same thing this yr.
3. I believe but not sure and wish to be corrected, but I heard the city is looking to dredge the opening of salt creek where it meets the bay. the drudging should allow an increase of water flow out of the lake in to Tampa Bay thus reducing the raise of the water level when there is a heavy rain.
BReynolds (Registered User)
BReynolds (Registered User)
Stormwater Administrative Secretary #C (Registered User)