SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Residents in Phillippi Creek are one step closer to getting flood relief.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has given Sarasota County a permit to dredge Phillippi Creek, a request that was originally denied three months ago.

Residents said they are relieved because Phillippi Creek is the most populated watershed in Sarasota County, spanning more than 55 square miles of neighborhoods, with floodwaters impacting dozens of homes.

“We’re extremely happy that the dredging is going to start. This has been a work in progress since the hurricanes last year,” said Phillippi Creek resident Ed Mackenzie.

The county’s stormwater director said during an Oct. 8 County Commission meeting there is not a start date yet, but he hopes in 4-6 weeks, they can begin the first step

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