Volusia County, FL — September 9, 2025
As heavy rains continue to batter Volusia County, residents across multiple neighborhoods are once again facing the familiar and frustrating sight of standing water in their streets, yards, and even homes. From Port Orange to DeLand, the message from locals is clear: enough is enough.
🚨 Streets Turn to Streams
Over the weekend, storms dumped several inches of rain in a matter of hours, overwhelming drainage systems and leaving entire blocks underwater. In Port Orange’s Sleepy Hollow neighborhood, residents reported water seeping into homes despite elevated foundations and installed French drains. “It’s disheartening to hear there’s going to be more rain this week after a one-hour storm did all of that damage,” said Tina Stevenson, whose home was flooded Sunday night1.
Elsewhere in Volusia, cars were partially submerged, and intersections were shut down due to impassable conditions. For many, this wasn’t a hurricane—it was just a regular storm. And that’s what has people worried.
🗣️ Residents Call on Leaders to Act
Frustration is mounting as residents question whether city and county leaders are doing enough to address the recurring flooding. “We couldn’t get out of the house, couldn’t go get food, couldn’t leave, couldn’t do nothing,” said Brandon Johnson of Port Orange, whose vehicle was soaked inside.
Some are pointing to unchecked development as a root cause, arguing that new construction is outpacing infrastructure upgrades. “The larger problem is displacing all of the rainwater when we have major rains and storms from development,” said Volusia County Council candidate Michael Poniatowski.
🛠️ What’s Being Done?
County officials say they’re working on it. Volusia has launched over 30 flood mitigation studies, including collaborations with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A new Integrated Floodplain Management Plan was released earlier this year, outlining long-term strategies to reduce risk and improve drainage5.
But for residents dealing with soaked carpets, damaged vehicles, and rising anxiety, those plans can’t come fast enough.
As the rain continues to fall, so does public patience. The water may be standing—but the community is ready to move.
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