The votes are tallied, and an overwhelming 75 percent of Rolling Oaks, Carlton Oaks, and Carlton Woods homeowners said yes to converting their residential septic systems to sanitary sewer. Voting ended Sept. 6, 2023.
Orange County is in the process of connecting homes to sanitary sewers in neighborhoods closest to Wekiwa Springs. The multi-year plan started in Sweetwater West and Wekiwa Highlands, where conversions are complete. The Palms 1 and 2 are currently under construction, with Palms 3 and 4 starting this Fall of 2023.
The State of Florida has identified septic tanks as the source of 29% of the nitrogen that enters Wekiwa Springs. Nitrogen and phosphorous reduce the diversity of plants and animals, and these overabundant nutrients cause fish kills.
Cindy Haynes, Rolling Oaks community leader, said, “The county presented an amazing offer. While the conversion costs $75,000 per property, each homeowner is responsible for paying $7,500 of the cost. And we have the option to finance this over 10 years. We’re saving the Springs and enhancing our property values.”
The cost of the entire Phase 4 Project is $29,700,000. Orange County Utilities is contributing $7.425 million dollars to the construction of sewers and abandonment of septic systems. Federal and state dollars are funding the rest. In total, 396 properties will be converted. Each homeowner voted. In order to proceed, 67 percent of voters had to vote yes.
“I worked since 2018 to get residents in the Wekiwa Springs area on board for this process," said District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore. "The St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board awarded us $3 million dollars, and the State Department of Environmental Protection provided $14.85 million. The federal government added $1.455 million. Together with Wekiwa Springs area property owners, we’re achieving the goal of Springs Restoration.”
Construction is set to begin in September 2024 and be done by the end of 2026 for this phase.
