By Kyle Coppola

July 31, 2025

Lake County Water Authority Earns Praise For Rapid Action In Hurricane Million Aftermath

1.3 min read| Published On: July 31st, 2025|

515436124_1163695855796185_3613574807738208532_n

By Kyle Coppola

Lake County Water Authority Earns Praise For Rapid Action In Hurricane Million Aftermath

1.3 min read| Published On: July 31st, 2025|

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Lake County’s resilience was put to the test, and the Lake County Water Authority rose to the challenge. When erosion threatened the integrity of the M-1 Dam along the Palatlakaha River, staff acted swiftly to protect downstream communities from potential flooding.

Working in close partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Lake County’s Office of Emergency Management, LCWA responded to the crisis with professionalism, precision, and an unshakable commitment to public safety.

“We reacted decisively to safeguard residents,” says Robert Hendrick, LCWA Chairman. “This was a testament to what collaboration can accomplish under pressure.”

The M-1 Dam sustained major erosion following 11 inches of rainfall over a five-day period. USACE geotechnical experts, in coordination with LCWA, inspected the structure and launched emergency repairs within a week. Their work included grouting a 4-foot-deep cavity beneath the dam and reinforcing weakened slopes using hand-placed materials, as access for heavy equipment proved to be limited.

The operation, completed in just six days, prevented further degradation and prepared the site to handle additional storms. It also demonstrated how federal, state, and local agencies can come together under crisis conditions to protect critical infrastructure.

“The quick reaction and immediate execution by the LCWA, in collaboration with federal and state agencies, is unprecedented,” says LCWA Vice Chairwoman Birdie Zenishek. “Every day, but especially in dire situations, the LCWA goes above and beyond expectations to safeguard our citizens and waterways. This was truly a momentous feat!”

Lake County officials praised LCWA for their leadership during the event. With six water control structures spanning the county, LCWA plays a vital role in maintaining water quality, mitigating floods, and ensuring emergency preparedness throughout the year.

“Lake County is safer today because of the Water Authority’s quick thinking and steady execution,” says Bobby Bonilla, Executive Director of Lake County’s Department of Parks and Water Resources. “Their work demonstrates how good planning and strong partnerships save lives.”

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

About the Author: Kyle Coppola

Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.

For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.

Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.