Aug 6, 2025 - News

St. Pete installs Aquafence ahead of peak hurricane season

Yacob Reyes

Workers in orange and yellow safety vests assemble large blue and black barriers labeled AquaFence outside a United States Coast Guard building under a partly cloudy sky. — Photo: Courtesy of the City of St. Pete

The City of St. Petersburg installed an Aquafence flood barrier system at one of its downtown lift stations, which collects wastewater for about a quarter of the city's population.

Why it matters: The installation of the flood barrier comes as the height of hurricane season nears, and after city officials had to shut off two of its sewer treatment plants because of Hurricane Milton.

The big picture: Lift Station 85 provides wastewater services to the city's hospitals, assisted living facilities, hurricane shelters and Emergency Operations Center, according to a press release.

The flood barrier is intended to protect the lift station from storm surge and ultimately minimize service interruptions.

Flashback: AquaFence went viral last year as footage showed the flood barrier system protecting Tampa General Hospital from Hurricane Helene's storm surge.

The company opened an office in Tampa earlier this year.

What they're saying: "Especially as we continue through hurricane season, this AquaFence will be another tool to help us combat potential climate impacts we may face," said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch.

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St. Pete installs Aquafence ahead of peak hurricane season

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