Is Sarasota County responsible for maintaining Phillippi Creek?

Despite multiple denials, maintaining Phillippi Creek for stormwater conveyance falls under the purview of Sarasota County. 

According to a 1999 maintenance plan, the county has the explicit responsibility to remove sediment from public canals when it impairs stormwater function. 

An ordinance amended in 2022 states the county is obligated to maintain natural and artificial waterways that function as part of its stormwater system and may authorize assessments to fund the maintenance.

Hurricane Debby was a Category 1 storm that made landfall in Florida in 2024. When the storm arrived, its surge overwhelmed the sediment-choked creek, causing damage to the Sarasota County area.

Phillippi Creek is Sarasota County’s largest watershed that carries stormwater away from property. It encompasses about 55 square miles.