The Venice City Council convened on June 30, 2025, for a workshop focused on the Flamingo Ditch, addressing critical preparations for the upcoming storm season and ongoing flood mitigation efforts. The engineering department reported on various activities undertaken to ensure the city's drainage systems are ready for potential emergencies.

City stormwater staff conducted thorough inspections of inlets, pipes, swales, and the Flamingo Ditch itself during February and March. These inspections aimed to clear any blockages and perform necessary maintenance. Additionally, the city has established a pre-authorized contract with a local emergency contractor, available 24/7, to promptly open the Flamingo Ditch outfall following any emergency events.

In collaboration with Coastal Protection Engineering (CPE), the city has applied for a NOAA transformational habitat restoration and coastal resilience grant to fund the Flamingo Ditch project. The City Council has also prioritized a flood mitigation project for the Flamingo Ditch area, ranking it second on the Sarasota County Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) list for FEMA hazard mitigation grant program funding related to Hurricane Milton. A grant application for $1,000,000 is set to be submitted by the July 25 deadline.

The meeting also featured a presentation by special counsel Derek Schroth, who provided insights into the legal responsibilities of local government regarding climate change and drainage issues. His expertise is expected to guide the council in making informed decisions about the Flamingo Ditch area.

Overall, the workshop highlighted the city's proactive measures in preparing for storm season and addressing flooding concerns, with a focus on securing funding and expert guidance for ongoing projects.