Flooding concerns linger for LaBelle resident after ditch cleanup

LABELLE, Fla. (WINK)—After Florida Department of Transportation crews cleaned part of a ditch behind a LaBelle neighborhood, one homeowner says the job still isn't finished.

What used to be an overgrown, brush-filled ditch behind homes in LaBelle Woods now looks noticeably different. FDOT crews cleared out thick weeds and trimmed the ditch after Paul Thompson brought his concerns to WINK Listens.

"I was happy with them weeding, I mean, you know, at least eliminate the fire hazard," Thompson said.

But he fears it didn't fix the bigger issue. Parts of the ditch remain uneven, creating low spots where water can collect after heavy rain.

"It still doesn't solve the problem with the water," Thompson said.

Thompson's backyard floods when heavy rain comes through. WINK News reporter Lauren Halpern observed that even after the cleanup, sections of the ditch remain clogged.

"Down there, they didn't clean that at all. They didn't. They stopped weeding by the trees," Thompson said.

FDOT told WINK News that maintenance is done about every three months, and crews reported the ditch was graded. After Halpern sent them a new video, FDOT said they're taking another look.

"I'd like to see him regrade it so that the water flows when, when there's water standing, and I mean, eventually, when it starts raining and into hurricane season, I don't want the water standing there," Thompson said.

With the rainy season approaching, Thompson and WINK News will continue monitoring the situation.