The Brief
- A late-morning thunderstorm caused severe flooding at a Lakeland auto repair shop, pushing nearly a foot of water inside the business off West Memorial Boulevard.
- Business owners say persistent drainage problems began after Bonnet Springs Park was built, marking the third major flood in three years.
- Local officials found no blockages in the storm pipe system, leaving potential state road drainage projects years away from funding.
LAKELAND, Fla. – A late-morning thunderstorm submerged a Lakeland auto repair shop under nearly a foot of water last Thursday, reigniting frustration over unresolved local drainage issues.
West Memorial Boulevard flooding
What we know:
Brothers David and Daniel Goodwald experienced sudden flooding last Thursday at Twin Diesel Performance off West Memorial Boulevard. Within an hour of a late-morning thunderstorm, nearly a foot of water rushed inside the auto repair shop.
The business owners reported that water blew in instantaneously. Since opening 12 years ago, this marks the third flooding event in three years, with the first occurring during Hurricane Milton.
Lakeland drainage system issues
The backstory:…