Zephyrhills property owners will pay new $85 stormwater fee as city works to prevent future flooding

Zephyrhills property owners will pay a new $85 annual stormwater fee the first of its kind in the city's history as officials work to address flooding concerns highlighted by Hurricane Milton.The city approved the stormwater fee assessment over the summer. Single-family homeowners will pay $85 a year, with the city expecting to collect more than $1.6 million annually. The money will be used for stormwater operations, maintenance and capital improvements.Watch report from Annette Gutierrez Zephyrhills property owners will pay new $85 stormwater fee as city works to prevent future floodingThe assessment will appear on November property tax bills under the non-ad valorem section, with different rates for businesses, apartments, condos and other properties.On 9th Avenue in Zephyrhills, an area that flooded during Hurricane Milton, the city bought a property, demolished it and is expanding a retention pond as part of that effort.Michelle DeLoreto, a Zephyrhills resident, explained why the