Rising waters at Orange County lake threaten docks as residents push for delayed flood project

Rising waters at Orange County lake threaten docks

Residents near Big Sand Lake near the Doctor Phillips subdivision are watching water levels rise steadily.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Residents near Big Sand Lake near the Doctor Phillips subdivision are watching water levels rise steadily.

The lake has already swallowed about half of the boat docks in its path, leaving those around it anxious about where the water might go. A project to divert the water is underway, but with the recent heavy rainfall, many in the area are concerned it won't be completed in time.

John Jennings, who has chaired the Orange County Big Sand Lake Board for nearly three decades, contacted FOX 35 News when he noticed water flowing into the lake when it should be flowing out.

"The environmental concerns are huge, the damage being done is huge," Jennings said. He pointed out one dock where a boat crashed into the roof due to high water levels. "Even the new stuff goes underwater," he added. "I'm passionate about this lake, and we've got some problems here that don't seem to be getting solved."

Jennings isn’t the only one concerned. Kurt Kotzin, an HOA president in the area, has warned residents, commissioners, the Orange County Environmental Protection Division, and county administrators.

"With the current short-term forecast for heavy rain and the potential for tropical development in the mid-Atlantic, we encourage all to be vigilant of the water elevation and take measures to protect your boats from being damaged by removing them from their shelters until the freeboard at your docks has been re-established."