Only about 40 of Clearwater's storm drains have a volunteer keeping them clear of debris. The city wants that number to hit 5,500.

The Adopt-A-Drain program, launched after Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused localized flooding across the city in 2024, is pushing for a massive expansion as summer storms pound the area. Melody Yin, a sustainability specialist with the city of Clearwater, said the hurricanes exposed how quickly clogged drains can turn heavy rain into neighborhood flooding.

"The City has identified 5,500 drains to be adopted," Yin told WFTS on July 17.

The concept is simple. Residents sign up on the city's website, get assigned a drain near their home, and commit to clearing it at least twice a year for two years. The city provides supplies to volunteers while they last.

Patricia McDaniel, who has lived in the same Clearwater neighborhood for 48 years, cleans her adopted drain once a week. She watched neighbors' homes flood during the 2024 hurricanes and said the experience made the program personal.

"The water rushed into all our drains, and sometimes there's those free papers and plastic and bottles, and they all go down and they clog the drain," McDaniel told WFTS.

The program is funded through Bay Mini Grants and the Stormwater Education & Outreach Grant, according to the city's May 2026 Sunshine Lines newsletter.

Clearwater's stormwater challenges extend well beyond clogged drains. Pinellas County has one of the highest concentrations of properties in FEMA-designated flood zones in the country, according to county floodplain records. The city is also pursuing a separate North Beach Stormwater Improvement Project estimated at $45 million to $80 million over five years.

In fiscal year 2025, the city generated more than $300,000 in additional stormwater revenue through a new monthly billing process, according to the Clearwater Annual Report.

Heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning hit the Tampa Bay area July 17, with more severe weather forecast through the weekend of July 19-20. City officials have noted that lawn clippings blown into drains by lawn care workers and construction debris are illegal under Pinellas County and city ordinances and cause significant damage to the stormwater system.

Residents can sign up to adopt a drain at myclearwater.com under the "Get Involved in City Government" section. To report illegal dumping into storm drains, residents can call 727-562-4950 weekdays between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. or the 24-hour dispatch line at 727-462-6633.