After Hurricanes Ian and Milton, Port Orange made two neighborhoods a priority for major drainage work: Sugar Forest and Portona.
Sugar Forest
According to the City of Port Orange, more than 600 homes in and around Sugar Forest were affected by flooding during Ian and Milton. The Sugar Forest Drainage Improvements project will build a new stormwater pond and pump station on city-owned land at Madeline Avenue and Pepperhill Road, connected to about 8,000 feet of underground pipe that will carry water to an outfall in the Halifax River. The city says the project will protect more than 300 of those homes.
The estimated cost is $18.6 million. The city lists $3 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and $7 million from Volusia County’s Transform386 program, and is pursuing more funding. Phase I design is underway, with the full project scheduled for 2025 to 2028.
Portona
The Portona Area Drainage Improvements will add two stormwater ponds, one between Charles Street and Herbert Street and another between 2nd Street, Charles Street and the railroad tracks, along with a new collection system and a modernized outfall under the railroad with backflow prevention. The city says the work will reduce flood exposure for about 23 nearby homes and keep tidal water from backing up into the system. The $4.93 million project has $2.5 million secured through Transform386, with construction projected for 2026 to 2029.
Why these matter
Sugar Forest and Portona were among the neighborhoods the city named after the September 2025 storm that dropped 4.23 inches of rain in an hour. Read more in our article on Port Orange flooding.
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Questions and answers
How many homes does the Sugar Forest project protect?
More than 300, according to the City of Port Orange.
How much does the Sugar Forest project cost?
About $18.6 million, with $3 million from FDEP and $7 million from Transform386 so far.
When will the Portona project be built?
The city projects construction from 2026 to 2029.
This article is general information drawn from the sources listed below. It is not professional, legal, insurance or restoration advice. DIY-DRY is an equipment rental company.
Sources
- City of Port Orange, “Sugar Forest Drainage Improvements” – port-orange.org
- City of Port Orange, “Portona Area Drainage Improvements” – port-orange.org