The Flamingo Ditch Workshop held by the Venice City Council on June 30, 2025, focused on addressing flooding issues in the area, particularly concerning rainfall and storm surge events. The workshop presented various alternatives aimed at improving drainage and reducing flood risks for local neighborhoods.

The primary discussion centered on the effectiveness of different pumping systems. It was noted that while a two-pump system could reduce flooding during a two-inch rainfall event, it struggled to manage higher rainfall volumes and surge events. The existing conditions showed that even with two pumps, flooding remained a significant issue, particularly during severe weather events. A more extensive pump system was considered but deemed nearly infeasible due to space and infrastructure requirements.

Another alternative discussed was raising the neighborhood to an elevation of nine feet, which aligns with FEMA flood zone regulations. This approach showed promise, significantly reducing flooding during rainfall events and providing some protection against storm surges, although it would not fully mitigate the impact of a 100-year surge event.

The workshop also explored increasing storage capacity in the Flamingo Ditch area. However, findings indicated that while adding storage could slightly lower peak water levels during rainfall events, it would not substantially improve conditions on its own. The analysis suggested that combining this option with other alternatives might yield better results.

Additionally, the council considered upstream improvements, including the potential for a retention pond to capture water before it reached the Flamingo Ditch. However, this option also showed minimal improvement in flood management.

Lastly, the workshop examined the feasibility of constructing a dune system to block storm surge. While this approach could reduce surge impacts, it raised concerns about trapping rainfall behind the dune, potentially exacerbating flooding issues.

Overall, the workshop highlighted the complexity of flood management in Venice, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach that combines various strategies to effectively address both rainfall and storm surge challenges. Further analysis and community engagement will be essential as the city moves forward with these proposals.