Palm Bay flood victims seek answers on insurance, cleanup costs

Palm Bay is working to connect residents with recovery resources after historic rainfall caused widespread flooding earlier this week in several neighborhoods.

The city held two flood recovery information sessions on Friday to address questions about insurance and cleanup. Insurance adjusters and several city departments were available to assist homeowners.

Hector Lorenzo was among dozens of residents who attended. He said his family woke up Monday to find water inside their home.

“We got at least got five inches of water, but even one inch, it makes the difference, you know?” Lorenzo said.

Lorenzo and several others said they have been frustrated with the recovery process so far. He described hearing about outside resources from neighbors rather than official channels.

“What I just heard here was something that our neighbors and other people from the outside already sent to us,” Lorenzo said.

With less than a week since the storm, many residents said their hope hinges on a federal disaster declaration. Lorenzo said he is focused on doing what he can in the meantime.

“Our house — blowers, humidifiers, holes in the wall, trying to dry. Trying to save what we have,” he said.

An outreach has been scheduled to provide essential supplies to families impacted by flooding at their homes.

The event is on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grace Church located at 2820 Minton Rd in Melbourne.

The City of Palm Bay said it will continue to notify residents as additional resources become available.

For details about the city’s flood response,click here.