West Palm Beach Residents Await Flood Relief After DeSantis Vetoes Funds

Lawmakers seek state funding to fix chronic flooding on Australian Avenue, a major thoroughfare in and out of downtown West Palm Beach.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a flooded street in West Palm Beach, with towering storm clouds and heavy rain dominating the scene and dwarfing the physical structures below.A flooded West Palm Beach street serves as a sobering reminder of the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events and the need for comprehensive infrastructure investments.West Palm Beach Today

Florida lawmakers are once again asking the state to help pay for drainage improvements to Australian Avenue, a throughway to and from downtown West Palm Beach known for flooding. Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed $742,000 to fix the problem last June, along with more than $500 million in state spending. This year, about $430,000 is in the state's budget for the project, which has been tracked since October 2023. The issue leads to homes seeing water come up to their doors and leaving debris in their yards on a consistent basis.

Why it matters

Chronic flooding on Australian Avenue, a major thoroughfare in and out of downtown West Palm Beach, has been an ongoing issue for residents. The lack of state funding to address the problem has left the community frustrated and waiting for a solution to the persistent flooding that disrupts daily life and commutes.

The details

Palm Beach County has had a plan to fix the street since at least November 2023, which includes adding a sidewalk along the water treatment facility, reconstructing a larger median to county safety standards, and creating a "refuge" area for left-turning vehicles. Officials argue this would stop flooding by creating more space for pipes underground. However, some residents are concerned the plan would increase speeding because one travel lane would grow in size. The project will also remove about 60 trees, which protect properties from cars traveling off the road.

  • In June 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed $742,000 to fix the flooding problem on Australian Avenue.
  • In October 2023, WPTV began tracking the issue of flooding on Australian Avenue.
  • In November 2023, Palm Beach County officials listened to a group of about 50 people at Gaines Park Community Center criticize their plan to fix the drainage problem on Australian Avenue.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who vetoed $742,000 in state funding to fix the flooding problem on Australian Avenue in 2025.

Jervonte Edmonds

A Democratic state representative who sponsored the appropriations request for the Australian Avenue drainage project last year.

John Snyder

A Republican state representative who is sponsoring the appropriations request for the estimated $65 million Australian Avenue drainage project this year.

Marion Hawkins

A West Palm Beach resident whose home is impacted by the chronic flooding on Australian Avenue.

Mika

A West Palm Beach resident who is concerned that widening Australian Avenue will lead to increased speeding.

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What they’re saying

“These cars going southbound, they couldn't even tell where the lane was. The water, rainwater, comes all the way up to my driveway and my yard and leaves this debris.”

— Marion Hawkins, West Palm Beach Resident

“Australian Avenue is supposed to be 35 miles per hour. But they don't go 35. Usually, traffic is about 40, 50, 60. Widening the road is only going to make people go faster.”

— Mika, West Palm Beach Resident

What’s next

The Palm Beach County project to improve the drainage infrastructure on Australian Avenue is expected to go out to bid in the next few months and start construction later this year. The West Palm Beach Fire Department also continues to respond to flooding incidents in the area, and the city is investing in stormwater infrastructure and drainage improvements as part of its broader capital program.

The takeaway

The chronic flooding on Australian Avenue in West Palm Beach has been an ongoing issue for residents, with the lack of state funding to address the problem leaving the community frustrated. The proposed county project to improve drainage infrastructure offers hope, but concerns remain about the potential for increased speeding if the road is widened. This story highlights the challenges cities face in balancing infrastructure needs, public safety, and community concerns.