Posted on February 18, 2026
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Sarasota County residents raise concerns over Philippi Creek dredging plan
Residents living along Philippi Creek are voicing strong concerns over how Sarasota County Government is managing a long-awaited dredging project aimed at reducing flooding in surrounding neighborhoods.
The project follows the devastating 2024 hurricane season, which left entire communities along the creek underwater. For many homeowners, recovery is still ongoing. Now, as hurricane season looms once again, residents say the county’s current approach may leave them vulnerable to another round of severe flooding.
The dredging initiative is designed to remove sediment buildup from the creek to improve water flow during hurricanes and heavy rainfall. County officials are currently focusing on dredging the upper section of Philippi Creek.
However, many residents argue that concentrating only on the upper creek could unintentionally worsen conditions downstream. According to neighbors and community advocates, removing sediment from the upper portion without addressing the middle section may push additional water into a narrower stretch of the creek, creating what they describe as a dangerous bottleneck.
