Reams Road continues to be closed between Bay Court and Disney Cast Parking due to excessive flooding and the intersection at Reams, Ficquette, and Summerlake Park also remains flooded. While this intersection is passable, the right turn lane going south on Ficquette onto Summerlake Park is closed for flooding, contributing to the traffic backups by slowing the throughput of traffic. Additional, the closure of Reams Road on one side and backups at the other is causing disruption to residents, local business, and commuters.

In a response to Disctrict 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson’s office, staff stated that water levels are receding slowly in the area which is causing the issue to persist. Orange County has requested Reedy Creek Improvement District to lower their outfalls to be able to take in more water coming from the north side of Reams Rd.

Horizon West Info Staff reached out to Ready Creek for a statement on what actions they are taking to help reduce the flooding, but they declined to offer a statement.

On Monday, October 3, Commissioner Wilson and Orange County Public Works Staff toured the area to review the impacts of flooding. In a post on Facebook, Commissioner Wilson stated, “My commitment to you includes sharing as much information as possible so that we don’t repeat past mistakes. I am also committed to finding solutions that will benefit our existing residents and protect our community moving forward.”

The land currently being cleared for a new development by Dream Finders Homes has been in the process for several years, with multiple of the past District 1 Commissioners being involved in its approval. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the development in 2020 under the prior District 1 Commissioner. The development of the site directly impacts two separate wetland portions of the plot.

Both Reams Road and Ficquette Road are in the process to be expanded and upgraded. Both projects are at 90% design completion, and then will enter the acquisition phase before construction begins. Commissioner Wilson is now advocating for the Reams/Ficquette intersection to become a roundabout to help facilitate more traffic, along with ensuring flood waters can flow under the new road, instead of going over it.

Construction on Ficquette is scheduled to begin November 30, 2023 with completion on November 30, 2025. Ream Road construction is scheduled to begin January 31, 2025 and ending January 31, 2027. All dates are subject to change.