New Stormwater Pond Prevents Flooding During Debby

The newly expanded pond near the Highland Recreation Area exceeded expectations during Tropical Storm Debby.

On June 24, Debby brought ten to 12 inches of rain to Largo. Although the pond was designed to handle nine inches of rain over a 24-hour period, the pond handled the extra water from the storm without a problem, according to a city report.

"The stormwater pond at the new Highland Recreation Facility accepted and properly attenuated 10 to 25 percent more than the system was designed to handle, saving dozens of surrounding homes from flooding," wrote Stormwater Program Administrator Sean VanDerGracht.

Debby was the first tropical storm in the city since the pond was expanded.