North Port enhances stormwater system with creek clearing project

Published on May 05, 2025

The City of North Port’s Department of Public Works recently completed a large-scale debris removal project along Myakkahatchee Creek, a vital part of the city’s stormwater management system. This initiative, funded primarily through a grant from the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has significantly improved the creek’s capacity to manage stormwater and help protect local neighborhoods from flooding.

From January to March 2025, crews removed nearly 7,000 cubic yards of debris left by Hurricane Ian from 3.83 miles of waterway. An additional 3,600 cubic yards of yard waste were cleared by cutting back invasive vegetation on both sides of the creek. 

With a total cost of approximately $3.45 million, the project received about $2.76 million in grant funding from the NRCS. The City contracted an engineering firm to map and categorize 193 blockages, ranging from vital to low priority, ensuring that the most critical obstructions were addressed first.

“The Myakkahatchee Creek Debris Removal Project is a testament to our commitment to public safety and environmental stewardship,” Public Works Director Chuck Speake said. “We are grateful for the support from our federal partners and proud to enhance the resilience of our community.”

Permits and approvals for the project were secured from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The Florida Division of Historical Resources, the Florida State Archeologist, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the NRCS reviewed and approved the project. In addition, the City’s Environmental Advisory Board received a presentation on the project.

For more information about the City’s stormwater management efforts, visit NorthPortFL.gov/Stormwater.