Florida Repertory Theatre tests new Tiger Dams for storm surge protection

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

The Florida Repertory Theatre’s staff practiced installing their new Tiger Dams. The inflatable dams were purchased to prevent future flooding. This is after Hurricane Ian caused nearly $3 million in damage to the historic Arcade Theater.

Jason Parrish, associate artistic director at the Florida Rep, described the flooding as “unbelievable,” comparing it to “having a loved one in the hospital” as the historic building filled with water.

The inflatable dams, which staff members learned to set up, are designed to keep 24 inches of water outside and prevent another flood.

A grant from the Community Redevelopment Agency enabled the purchase of 600 feet of Tiger Dams.

Greg Longenhagen, producing artistic director at Florida Rep, expressed gratitude for the city’s efforts, saying, “One of the things that we’re so grateful the city and the Community Redevelopment Agency are looking at what had happened during Ian and Helene and Milton in terms of the water incursion into our buildings.”

Caitlyn Collins, a costume shop assistant at the Florida Rep who lives above the theater, shared her relief at the new measures, saying, “It makes me feel safer and have a better peace of mind that we are going to be OK, the theater is going to be OK in the event of something crazy happening.”

Tiger Dam is a product that the U.S. Flood Control manufactures and sells globally.