Mayor Diezel Depew, an Edgewater native and the state of Florida’s youngest mayor in history, recently released a detailed summary of major projects and policy changes from his first term in office. The comprehensive list outlines a range of accomplishments focused on infrastructure, flood prevention and community growth. Highlights include securing more than $30 million in grants and advocating for state funding to protect Edgewater’s waterways.
Storm Water & Flood Control Efforts
At the top of the list are major investments in aging stormwater infrastructure and environmental needs for the coastal city. The proposed canal armoring project in Florida Shores is included as a line item (1555, page 308) on the state budget, a first in the city’s history.
“This funding would allow us to strengthen canal embankments behind homes and increase their capacity to hold stormwater—improving safety and resilience across the city,” comments Depew. “After Hurricane Ian, I knew we had to secure state funding. I made several trips to Tallahassee, wrote the appropriation request myself, and now it’s close to reality.”
Environmental Protection & Water Quality
In addition to stormwater upgrades, Depew has pushed for broader environmental protections and infrastructure improvements. A $7 million state grant is funding a wetland park. The city is also moving forward with a new boat ramp, safety-related traffic signals, and other projects aimed at improving both water quality and public use spaces.
“The initiative I’m most proud of is the wetland park out west,” Depew said. “It will give us a dedicated place to divert our effluent wastewater, keeping it out of the beautiful Indian River Lagoon. While this council has already achieved record-low dumping levels, this project, now in its final design stages, will help solve the problem entirely. It’s fully funded through a state grant.”
City Development & Planning
Beyond environmental efforts, several updates have been made to city planning and growth management.
“Since joining the council, I haven’t supported any major subdivisions because our stormwater master plan is outdated,” Depew stated. “It’s over 10 years old, and we’ve added several subdivisions since then. The new plan will show exactly where our watershed flows, where improvements are needed, and help us present a clear case for state funding.”
City Development & Planning
Depew has launched several initiatives aimed at supporting residents and small businesses. These include the creation of a Small Business Taskforce Committee, updates to signage laws to help local shops thrive, and the launch of an “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” program. Speed radar signs have been installed on neighborhood streets to improve safety, and workshops are planned to explore ways to reduce utility costs for residents.
Looking ahead, Mayor Depew says he’s committed to maintaining momentum. “I’m grateful to serve this community and hope to do it again,” he said. Residents can expect continued focus on expanding stormwater projects, supporting small businesses, and strengthening the city’s maintenance efforts ahead of hurricane season.
Mimi McKee is a Realtor with Ocean Properties & Management Inc. and a member of the NSB Board of Realtors. She relocated from Atlanta, GA in 2005 and is “Loving Living at the Beach.”
Any information provided for this news column is based on personal research and analysis
and does not reflect the views or opinions of Ocean Properties & Management Inc.
