Clay County Woman Fights to Stop Washouts

MIDDLEBURG, FL -- Debbie Brown is disappointed with the Clay County government.

"I am not happy," says Brown.

Brown lives on Tarragon Avenue, and a few years ago the county installed a drainage system that directs the water flow across her property.

"There are days you don't know if your driveway is going to wash out," says Brown.

Brown has demanded that the county redirect the water flow to the identified easements, but county officials say the system is on the county right of way and the water flow across her property is natural.

"I do not have a drainage easement on my property,"says Brown.

This week the heavy rains took a toll on the system and washed out the ditch near Brown's driveway.

"The hole was about 8 feet deep," says Brown.

The county sent a road crew to repair it. The crew placed a liner in the ditch and covered it with busted up concrete and dirt.

Brown says, "They said it is a temporary fix until they decide what they're going to do."

She would like it moved. County Official Chuck Iley says fixing the problem on Tarragon Avenue is a top priority.

Iley says they have completed the survey of the area and will now submit the plan to the water management district for approval.

Iley says the work should begin in a few weeks. He says it involves a concrete collection box to stop the erosion and check dams upstream to reduce the rate of the water flow.

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