Our Goal: Protecting Homes, Property, and the Environment

The City of Tallahassee is committed to reducing flooding, erosion and future property damage while improving safety in our community. Through the Hillcrest & Lucy Streets Stormwater Improvements Project, the City is addressing long-standing stormwater challenges in the Brockswood Park, Old Town, Brookwood Drive, and Inglewood neighborhoods.

To achieve this goal, the City is proposing improvements in the Devil's Dip Ravine on Cobb Middle School property. Currently in the planning stage, the project is focused on gathering valuable data and community input, which will help shape the best solution for the community. Field survey crews have recently completed gathering topographic information, and feedback from property owners will be essential in addressing stormwater-related problems. Graphics and photographs depicting the stormwater challenges are available here.

Proposed Solution: Slowing the Flow of Stormwater in the Devil's Dip Ravine

After evaluating a wide range of potential solutions, City engineers have developed three conceptual improvement alternatives. Each alternative is designed to reduce downstream flooding, erosion and property loss while minimizing disturbance in the ravine and avoiding impacts to adjacent private property. All proposed construction would take place entirely on Leon County School Board property.

Each alternative includes the construction of a reinforced-concrete wall, rather than an earthen embankment, to reduce construction disturbance and minimize tree removal. The wall design will feature an engineered hydraulic opening that temporarily slows stormwater only during heavy rain events. This approach helps restore hydrologic conditions closer to their natural state and improves the environmental health of the ravine.

Importantly, the design incorporates a “dry detention” approach meaning stormwater will be temporarily detained only during severe rain events and will drain completely within hours. There will be no permanent ponding or long-term water storage. For safety, the project area will be fully fenced to restrict access once construction is complete.

The three concepts differ in the proposed wall’s height, length, and the distance from the school boundary. None of the alternatives would require property acquisition from neighboring parcels, nor would they affect the Cobb Middle School athletic fields. The three potential solutions are shown here. These concepts remain in the planning and public input phase. Final design and detailed engineering have not yet begun.

Community Input Needed

More than 35 properties downstream from the proposed project area have reported problems with stormwater runoff, including flooding, erosion, and property damage. If you live, work, or own property in the area and have experienced stormwater-related issues, we encourage you to share your experiences with us. Your insights - whether through photographs, videos, or specific dates of incidents - will help guide the project's design.

Public Meetings

The City of Tallahassee conducted an initial public meeting on March 25, 2025, at East Hill Baptist Church. The display boards presented at this meeting are available here.

The City has scheduled a second open-house public meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Kate Sullivan Elementary School. The meeting will take place from 6 – 8 p.m. in the school’s multi-purpose room, located near the front entrance. The open house format allows you to attend at your convenience any time during the two-hour period. No formal presentation will be made, so you may arrive whenever it is most convenient for you. City engineers will be available to meet with you individually to discuss specific drainage concerns and answer questions about the stormwater challenges and proposed alternatives. Please note that due to school regulations, attendees will not be permitted to enter before 6 p.m.

Project Timeline

The Hillcrest & Lucy Streets Stormwater Improvements Project is currently in the design development (planning) phase. Once a preferred solution alternative is selected, final design and permitting will begin. The design and permitting process is scheduled to be completed in early Fall 2026, with construction to follow. It is important to note that the Devil's Dip Ravine is mostly privately owned, and no construction activities are planned within the ravine outside of the Cobb Middle School campus.

Stay Informed

The City of Tallahassee is committed to keeping the community informed and involved throughout the design development process. Updates and opportunities for community feedback will be provided as the project progresses.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact City Stormwater Management:

Scott Lord, Jr., P.E.
Project Manager
scott.lord@talgov.com
850-891-6860