Oh, Florida. Never change.
In a tale as old as time (or at least as old as HOAs and questionable home improvement choices), a Seminole County woman decided to take drainage matters into her own hands—by pouring concrete into a stormwater pipe. Because nothing says “I’m solving a problem” like creating a neighborhood swimming pool every time it rains.
The Great Flood of Shadow Bay Boulevard
Neighbors were thrilled (read: absolutely furious) when their street started resembling the Everglades after every rainstorm. Turns out, Diane Goglas, the homeowner in question, had plugged the drainpipe with concrete, claiming it was to prevent sinkholes and washouts on her property.
Spoiler alert: It did not prevent washouts. It just redirected them onto everyone else’s property.
The Neighbors’ Nightmare
- Maggie Cintron couldn’t even leave her house when it rained. “I get trapped in my house. I can’t pull my car out.” (And let’s be real—Florida rain is basically a daily occurrence. Girl was stuck.)
- Barbara Billiot Stage, the HOA attorney, described the situation as “a lot of anxiety, a lot of sleepless nights.” (Because nothing says peaceful suburban living like fearing your street will turn into a canal.)
- Doctor’s appointments? Forget it. “They charge you $75 if you miss an appointment,” Cintron lamented. (Priorities: 1. Don’t drown. 2. Don’t get fined.)
The Court Steps In (Because Of Course It Did)
After months of soggy suffering, a judge finally said, “Ma’am, you must unclog the pipe.” (Shocking, we know.)
Diane, now in full damage control mode, submitted a permit to remove the concrete and even installed a pump to redirect water to a pond behind her house. (Better late than never, we guess.)
The Moral of the Story?
If your home improvement plan involves permanently sealing a storm drain with concrete, maybe—just maybe—run it by the HOA first. Or, you know, basic common sense.
Neighbors are cautiously optimistic. “I hope so. I’m praying for it,” Cintron said.
And Florida? Well, Florida remains undefeated in delivering peak homeowner drama. 🌊🏡