NAPLES, Fla. — Dozens of homes in Tamarindo, a Naples gated community are vacant, because of issues with the community's storm-water drainage system.
Construction on many homes in Tamarindo began in early 2022. Since then, hundreds of families have moved into the community, developed by D.R. Horton.
In response to questions about the vacant properties, the Collier County Growth Management Community Development Department confirmed it is aware of the issue. Officials say Certificates of Occupancy (COs) will not be issued for additional homes until the stormwater problems are resolved.
According to a statement from the county, heavy rain events during the 2024 rainy season revealed flaws in the stormwater management design, leading to significant roadway flooding. Since then, the developer and their engineering team have proposed multiple solutions, but none have yet received approval from the South Florida Water Management District.
A Collier County spokesperson emphasized that flooded streets could pose a serious risk to health and safety, potentially blocking emergency vehicles from reaching residents during a crisis. They say once the issue is properly resolved, they will revisit the issuance of COs.
D.R. Horton has not responded to FOX 4's request for information.
