Edgewater, FL – As the 2026 mayoral race approaches, two issues are rising above all others: flooding and the pace of development. Residents across the city say they are tired of watching stormwater overwhelm neighborhoods while new housing projects continue to break ground.

🚧 Flooding Concerns

Edgewater’s low-lying geography has made flooding a recurring problem. Heavy rains this year left streets impassable and homes damaged, fueling frustration with the city’s stormwater infrastructure. Many voters argue that the city has been reactive rather than proactive, patching problems instead of investing in long-term resilience.

🏗️ Slow the Growth Movement

Alongside flooding, a growing chorus of residents is calling for a slowdown in development. Critics say rapid growth has outpaced infrastructure, worsening drainage problems and straining public services. The “Slow the Growth” message has become a rallying cry, with community groups pressing candidates to commit to stricter oversight of developers and impact studies before new projects are approved.

🗳️ Political Stakes

Incumbent leaders point to recent funding wins and legal settlements with developers as evidence of progress. But challengers are expected to argue that these measures fall short of the comprehensive planning Edgewater needs. With flooding and growth now intertwined in the public’s mind, candidates will be judged on whether they can balance economic opportunity with environmental and community protection.

📊 What Voters Want

• Infrastructure investment: Clear plans for stormwater upgrades and flood mitigation.
• Responsible growth: Development policies that match infrastructure capacity.
• Transparency: Open communication from City Hall on how projects and funds are managed.

🔮 Outlook

The 2026 mayoral race is shaping up to be less about personalities and more about priorities. For Edgewater voters, the question is simple: who can keep the city dry and growing at a pace that protects its future?