Neighbors fear Elsa will flood McCoys Creek, city works to prevent future floods

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Heavy rain brought flash flooding to the McCoys Creek area on the Fourth of July. But it didn’t come as a surprise to neighbors who said it happens often.

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“Just about every other day because it’s been raining for the past two weeks,” Minnie Brassfield, who lives on Lenox Avenue, said. “We’re going to try to get prepared for it here because we have our kids here and everything — so we have to make sure they’re good first and foremost.”

Brassfield said she was going to look into placing sandbags around her home to prevent any flooding from Hurricane Elsa.

Her house, like many on Lennox Ave., is raised up. But, she said it’s an inconvenience especially with travel in the area hampered by high water.

The McCoys Creek Restoration Project is an 18-month project that will mitigate flood risks in the area.

Parts of McCoys Creek Boulevard, which is in the flood plain, will be permanently closed. Neighbors tell Action News Jax crews started closing the road in June.

The $105.4 million project will expand the flood plain while also deepening the creek.

Councilmember Garrett Dennis said he hopes to speed up the project with funding secured through Jacksonville’s new gas tax.

His goal is for the project to be complete by the 2022 hurricane season.

It will also add connections to the Emerald Trail with walking paths, benches, and landscaping.

“It’s going to really bring some pride to an area that’s been overlooked for so long. It’s truly the gateway to downtown,” Councilmember Dennis said.

Until then, he urges neighbors to be safe ahead of Elsa.

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