Raw sewage spilled from manholes across Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods on Friday as the citywide sewer system worked to recover from weeks of flooding. Recent king tides and a week of record rainfall overwhelmed the system, according to the city.
Multiple warning signs went up at waterways stretching from the landings in Coral Ridge to south of Las Olas. Tanker trucks hauled sewage between neighborhoods throughout the day because of faulty pump stations. One resident said stormwater drains were carrying flow into the canals.
The problem also reached businesses. Anthony’s Clam House closed its dining room because its restrooms were not fully working. Owner Hector Cordova said the restaurant then ran a special on its chicken parmesan plate for $5.95. He said more than 700 plates sold between 2 and 9 p.m.
The city said it expects conditions to return to normal by Monday. Until then, residents should stay away from nearby waterways. Warnings will remain in place until continued testing shows bacteria levels have dropped and all clears are issued.
