Groveland launches new alert system following water main break concerns

City leaders unveiled a new communication platform Thursday to improve how officials share information with residents during emergencies and to rebuild public trust after a series of water-related issues last month.The initiative, called Groveland Connect, was announced during a community workshop and will allow the city to send direct alerts to residents, via texts and emails, about public safety incidents, utility disruptions, city events and other updates.The platform comes after Groveland experienced three water main breaks in September, leaving thousands of residents without usable water for several days. The incidents prompted frustration among residents, many of whom said they were dissatisfied with the city’s communication during the crisis.“It’s scary because it’s like, is it safe to take a shower? Or when we brush our teeth?” resident Jamileth Soto said. “You know what I mean … that kind of stuff.”During a presentation to the City Council, city communications staff acknowledg