City outlines septic-to-sewer work and FEMA hazard-mitigation lift-station designs; projects pending federal review

City staff provided updates on two utility efforts: a state-supported septic-to-sewer project that installed water and sewer mains in the Kings Point area, and a hazard-mitigation grant package that would elevate or protect 11 critical sewer lift stations.

For the Kings Point septic-to-sewer project, speakers said the work was a state-directed initiative to remove septic systems in coastal communities; the city installed mains in phased construction and is not requiring annexation as a condition to connect. Jonathan (City Manager) said uptake — how many homeowners have signed up to hook on — was not provided at the meeting and the city offered to follow up with precise hookup counts on request.

On lift stations, Commissioner and residents asked about hazard-mitigation grants. Jonathan said 11 lift stations are 100% engineered and the grant package is under review by FEMA via the Florida Division of Emergency Management; staff are prepared to bid projects in batches once FEMA/DEM approval is received. He listed lift stations included by location examples such as one near the yacht club (LS 81) and several along St. Andrews/Beach Drive (LS 45 and LS 47) and said the city expects to hear back from state review and that bidding could follow.

Why it matters: septic-to-sewer conversions and lift-station hardening reduce health risks and emergency service costs during flooding. Residents asked for clear counts of connections, cost implications and whether homeowners are required to pay for grinder pumps or lateral connection work.

Ending: Staff invited follow-up records requests for hookup counts and said the lift-station designs are ready; FEMA/DEM review is the gating step before construction procurement.