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Taylor County drainage planning set to begin

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TAYLOR COUNTY, Fla. — Drainage improvements are a leading concern for the Taylor County community, especially Steinhatchee, where we've seen roads underwater in recent months.

Those community members took their concerns to the Taylor County Commission on Tuesday. They want to see something change.

The people we have talked to said they are very frustrated with the severe flooding that continues to appear during bad storms, and sometimes, even during regular rainfall.

The Steinhatchee community has seen a lot of flooding over the years. So bad that properties continue to get damaged, some people, even losing their homes.

For Don Stipp and his home, that doesn't mean he can overlook the issues.

"It's not fun. I had to use my little aluminum boat to get in and out and water starts running pretty quick," said Stipp.

The county hopes to someday improve the infrastructures to three roads. The plan could include a new drainage system that would allow water to flow naturally into the Gulf.

Stipp hopes this becomes a reality, sooner rather than later.

"That would be great, but it's been happening for many years. Almost every year, there's a good flood," said Stipp. "A couple years ago, there were two times that it flooded in one year. I wish they would do something about it."

Taylor County Commissioner Sean Murphy says leaders know the importance of making that change.

"We're basically in like the planning stage were we are trying to get all the numbers together and work with the department of agriculture, army corps engineers, our engineer here in Taylor County and so far it's a go project," said Murphy.

Many of the people we spoke to reiterated what Don said as well and restore the creek system to what it once was.