‘You just kind of wait it out:’ Astor residents face lingering flood concerns
Nearly a week after severe weather brought heavy rain to Central Florida, the effects of flooding remain visible along the St. Johns River, leaving some Astor residents concerned about rising water, changing conditions and what could happen next.
Although water levels have been slowly receding, residents say the threat isn’t over. Flooding in other areas, including Brevard County, has also raised concerns about what changing conditions could mean for communities upstream along the river.
For Pam Russo, who lives along the St. Johns River, even small changes in weather conditions can make a difference.
Russo says wind direction can influence how water moves toward nearby homes, making an already stressful situation even more unpredictable.
“So it’ll come this way. But if the wind’s pushing back this way, then it’s, that’s what’s going to hurt us,” Russo explained.
Floodwaters Bring More Than Rising Water
Russo says she’s also keeping an eye on what’s happening upstream.
She’s concerned about flooding in other communities and whether changing water conditions could eventually affect her neighborhood.
She has already seen debris carried by the water, including grass, wood and other items floating along the river.
The floodwaters have also brought unexpected visitors into the area, including alligators and other wildlife.
Boat Wakes Create Additional Concerns
While residents wait for water levels to drop, access to several recreational areas remains limited.
Lake County officials say the Butler Street, Pearl Street and Lake George boat ramps will remain closed until water levels improve.
Russo says reopening the river to boat traffic could create another challenge for homeowners.
She worries that boat wakes could push additional water toward homes along the river.
“There are houses, and when the boats come down the river and they push wake, the water might not be in their house, but then that happens and it pushes it in the house,” Russo said.
She’s asking boaters to slow down and be mindful of the people living along the river.
Cleanup Could Be Another Challenge
For residents dealing with floodwater around their properties, waiting for conditions to improve is only part of the process.
Russo says removing water can be frustrating, especially when wind direction and changing conditions affect how quickly it recedes.
“You just kind of wait it out, and I’m just waiting till the end, and then I’ll get it out,” Russo said.
Lake County says it has been providing sandbags and monitoring conditions since October 9.
So far, the county reports it has not received any reports of water entering homes.
Still, residents like Russo say they’re not ready to let their guard down.
For now, they’re watching the river, hoping water levels continue to fall and that another round of flooding doesn’t bring the water back.