Dundee Property Owner Seeks Flooding Solution After Road Drain Construction

Lupe Jaramillo's ranch has experienced increased flooding since Polk County replaced a blocked pipe on Weiberg Road.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:49pm

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A property owner in Dundee, Florida, Lupe Jaramillo, is frustrated with the flooding issues on her ranch that she claims started after Polk County constructed a road drain several years ago. The stormwater flowing from Weiberg Road now drains onto Jaramillo's property, causing safety concerns for her animals. The county and the town of Dundee are working to find a potential solution, which may involve granting an easement or Jaramillo constructing her own drainage system.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges property owners can face when infrastructure changes on neighboring public land impact private property. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of local governments to address drainage issues that affect residents, especially in areas prone to flooding.

The details

In 2021, Polk County replaced an old, blocked pipe on Weiberg Road, which caused the stormwater to now flow directly onto Lupe Jaramillo's ranch. Jaramillo has tried to mitigate the flooding by building a small retention pond and digging an easement, but the issues persist. The county claims the property sits on a floodplain, while the town of Dundee says it is willing to work with Jaramillo to grant an easement or potentially take over maintenance of Weiberg Road.

  • In 2021, Polk County replaced an old, blocked pipe on Weiberg Road.
  • The flooding issues on Jaramillo's property have been ongoing since the pipe replacement.

The players

Lupe Jaramillo

A property owner in Dundee, Florida, whose ranch has experienced increased flooding since Polk County constructed a road drain.

Polk County

The county that replaced an old, blocked pipe on Weiberg Road, which caused the stormwater to now flow directly onto Jaramillo's property.

Town of Dundee

The local jurisdiction where Jaramillo's property is located, which is willing to work with Jaramillo to find a solution, such as granting an easement or potentially taking over maintenance of Weiberg Road.

Jay Jarvis

The Polk County roads and drainage director, who explained the county's actions and the options available to Jaramillo.

Johnathon Vice

The town of Dundee's public works director, who stated the town's willingness to work with Jaramillo on a solution.

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What they’re saying

“These storms that we have here in Florida, they can be a 30-minute storm and we'll have a lake out here.”

— Lupe Jaramillo

“Basically, once the rains got established and started discharging, that's when we started seeing water coming through that system because that's where it historically went across that piece of property.”

— Jay Jarvis, Polk County roads and drainage director

“In theory, they could dig a ditch across their property and try to drain their property, but it depends on how much dirt they bring in and provide that type of drainage system across the property.”

— Jay Jarvis, Polk County roads and drainage director

“Our hope is somebody repairs the damages that has been done--making it right. We can't have the water just sitting there.”

— Lupe Jaramillo

What’s next

The city and county plan to hold a meeting in the future to discuss a potential solution to the flooding issues on Jaramillo's property.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of coordination between local governments and private property owners when infrastructure changes impact drainage and flooding. It also underscores the need for proactive solutions to address such issues, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall and flooding.