In other parts of the country, an unexpected day off from school usually means snow. In Florida, it can mean 11 inches of rain.
Highlands County students got that kind of surprise as schools are closed today, November 3 following an extraordinary amount of rainfall. The Lake Placid area received approximately 11 inches in 48 hours, creating hazardous conditions and impassable roads. It is also Election Day and given the issues Spring Lake encountered, Precinct 20 has been moved to the Penny Ogg Operations Center in Sebring.
There may be more rain in our future. A developing El Niño is expected to influence Florida’s winter weather. El Niño affects the position of the jet stream, often steering more storm systems across Florida during the winter months. NOAA’s October outlook gives greater than an 83% chance of strong-to-very-strong El Niño conditions through January–March 2027. The National Weather Service is forecasting above-normal rainfall for west-central and southwest Florida from December through March.
All of this rain brings up an old issue: stormwater. Stormwater management has been a concern in Lake Placid for more than a decade. Town Council minutes dating back to 2012 document discussions about drainage problems affecting homes and streets, and the formation of a Stormwater Commission to explore possible solutions. The issue continued into CRA discussions, including proposed drainage improvements in Serenity Village and Hibiscus Street, as well as concerns about runoff into Lake Rachard. It is not just a Town of Lake Placid issue -stormwater projects can involve Highlands County, Southwest Florida Water Management District and Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District. Managing stormwater requires coordination among the Town, County, and regional agencies because drainage and runoff do not stop at municipal boundaries.
Meanwhile, Lake Placid businesses are left to contend with the effects of heavy rainfall on their own properties, often taking measures to divert, contain and manage water when drainage systems fail, compounding the problem in other locations. Interlake Blvd. businesses in particular suffer during heavy rains, as well as the Lake Placid Historical Society Depot Museum which typically must close during heavy rainfall.
With more rain possible this winter, the issue may finally get the resolution that has been needed for a long time.
