Big and Little Econlockhatchee Basin Study

CIP No. 01785335

BCC Districts 1, 2, and 4

Project Overview

Seminole County has initiated Basins Studies for the Big Econ and Little Econ drainage basins. Seminole County has not commissioned any previous studies for the Big Econ Basin and the last study for the Little Econ Basin was completed in 2001. The Big and Little Econ Basins encompass approximately 56 square-miles located in eastern Seminole County. Lake Mills, Horseshoe Lake, the Big Econ River and its tributaries including Mills Branch, Mills Creek, and Silcox Branch are some of the major water features within the Big Econ Basin. Cranes Strand Canal and the Little Econ River are the major water features within the Little Econ Basin. Both the Big and Little Econ basins extend further south into Orange County and included an upstream contributing area of approximately 209 square-miles. The basins ultimately drain north, eventually discharging into the St. Johns River just south of the confluence with Lake Harney. Within Seminole County, the basin areas are roughly 17% incorporated and 83% unincorporated. Approximately 7,900 acres are within State managed lands such as the Little Big Econ State Forest.

These basins have received significant growth since the last study was completed. The update will:

• Incorporate developments and infrastructure improvements built since the previous study
• Identify flood-prone areas within the basin
• Estimate flood impacts to roadways and buildings
• Update the 100-year flood maps
• Evaluate and rank up to fifteen (15) conceptual Capital Improvement Projects that will serve to alleviate flooding

Project Map

Project Presentation

A public meeting was held on June 6, 2023.

Project Documents

• Exhibit 1 - Recommended Project Area Map
• Exhibit 2A - Watershed Map
• Exhibit 2B - Watershed Map
• Exhibit 2C - Watershed Map

Send Us Your Feedback

There are several opportunities to submit questions and comments regarding this project.

Submit questions and comments via:

• E-mail: Jorge Jimenez, P.E., Seminole County Public Works Project Manager, at jjimenez@seminolecountyfl.gov, Subject line: “Big and Little Econ Basin Study – Public Feedback”.
• Telephone: Call 407-665-5753 and cite your questions and comments under the “Big and Little Econ Basin Study”.
• U.S. Mail: Seminole County Public Works – Engineering Division, Re: Big and Little Econ Basin Study, 100 East 1st Street, Sanford, FL 32771.
• Using the feeback form below on this webpage.

In all cases, please provide the following helpful information:

• Name and phone number
• Address and/or location of drainage issue
• A brief description of the issue, including when/how often it occurs

The inclusion of photos or other relevant documentation is helpful. Please note that any material submitted will become the property of Seminole County and will not be returned. 

Seminole County’s One-Cent Sales Tax for County Infrastructure, known as the Penny Sales Tax, is levied on the sale of consumer goods to visitors, residents and businesses, ensuring the cost to construct and maintain infrastructure is shared. The Penny Sales Tax funds local projects, including stormwater systems, sidewalks and roadways, capital improvements to public safety, and enhancements to Seminole County Public Schools facilities. Currently in its third generation, the Penny Sales Tax is expected to generate on average $81 million per year in non-ad valorem tax revenue.