Flooding causes parking problems for a Punta Gorda race track
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. - "The parking is underwater," said Kevin Russell, the attorney for the Punta Gorda Speedway.
And nearly non-existent after it rains. Caution flags warn customers not to park in the front area.
"How has this impacted his business?," asked Fox 4 reporter Gabrielle Sarann to Russell. "He hasn't been able to race for three or four weeks," he replied.
Russell says owner Kevin Williams has lost revenue because he's had to cancel three of four races since last month. Recent downpours have rendered most of the parking useless.
"Even a small amount of water if it's retained on the property creates a muddy situation," said Russell. "Even if it's not standing water."
The muddy situation began in April. Russell says Charlotte County expanded adjacent Piper Road to four lanes without constructing a proper drainage system.
"Liability and those questions for that can wait until another day until we get the situation fixed," explained Russell about whether the speedway plans to take legal action.
For now the county has a solution.
"They have offered to deliver to the site 100 truck loads of dirt," added Russell.
But the owner will have to pay to lay down the gravel and level it. A cost he doesn't feel should be his but is worth it to bring back business.
"Right now we just want to race and I know Kevin wants to race," said Russell. "So, the issue is to get the fill delivered as soon as possible and to get the fans back out there."
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