Is Explosive Growth Putting North Venice and Toscana Isles at Risk of Widespread Flooding?

By Sue Perry, Director Venice Voices, Toscana Isles HOA Board member

Summary

Rapid development in North Venice is raising serious flooding and safety concerns, as essential stormwater systems and community infrastructure face increased pressure from new construction. Residents are urged to take action, attend council meetings, and advocate for responsible growth to protect their neighborhoods.

Main Points

• New development is replacing permeable land with paved surfaces, which dramatically increases runoff during storms. This means less water is absorbed into the ground, heightening the risk of flooding for current residents. As more land is developed, the city’s infrastructure becomes more vulnerable to extreme weather events.
• Stormwater from thousands of homes and businesses is funneled into a single, aging weir located on Tract 17. This overburdened system is already struggling to manage the massive volumes of water from existing communities, and further development will only add to the strain, potentially causing failures and widespread flooding.
• Recent development proposals, such as Wisdom Townhomes, have ignored critical infrastructure needs, including sidewalks for schoolchildren and the 50–60 ft setback required near the Toscana Isles North Entrance. These oversights compromise the safety and accessibility of the neighborhood, raising concerns for both residents and city planners.
• The plan to build on Tract 17 (next to Toscana Isles) could undermine flood mitigation efforts, especially since Sarasota County’s petition to preserve this parcel as wetlands remains unresolved. Wisdom’s sudden move to “find” a buyer for the parcel containing the weir adds another layer of uncertainty, as building over such a vital stormwater system with failed mitigation areas is almost certain to lead to problems.
• Given the limitations of city and county resources, officials have advised residents to obtain flood insurance and take personal precautions. This guidance signals that institutional protection may be insufficient and that community members must be proactive in safeguarding their homes.