It's still going to be a a while before low-lying areas of Pasco County dry out after the flooding caused by the recent hard rains.
Nevertheless, the Pasco County Emergency Operations Center remains activated from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here is the latest advisory from county officials (3 p.m. Sunday):
River Flood Warning
A Flood Warning continues for the Anclote River At Elfers until Tuesday afternoon. At 2 p.m. Sunday, the stage was 21.9 feet. Minor flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast. The flood stage is 20 feet; the river will continue rising to near 22 feet by this evening. It's expected to fall below flood stage Tuesday morning.
Neighborhood street flooding
For access reasons, Pasco County cannot close residential roads. If you cannot determine how deep the water is, "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
Please do not drive fast through flooded streets. This causes a wake that could push the water into homes and/or businesses, causing additional damage.
Road closures and re-openings are constantly changing. Do not move, remove or drive beyond road barricades, which were placed to warn drivers.
"Flooded yards, roads and other areas are not playgrounds," said Mike Napier of the Florida Department of Health - Pasco County. "Flood waters may contain bacteria, viruses, rodents or snakes. Standing water may remain for a number of weeks. We hope everyone cooperates in keeping themselves safe and reminding others to take safety precautions."
County officials say they're aware the floods have damaged a number of county-maintained roads, many of which remain underwater. The county will not be able to affect repairs until the standing water has receded. The most highly-traveled roads will receive repair attention first. Secondary roads and non-county-maintained roads will be addressed over the long term.
Pasco County has provided citizens three methods to report road damage:
- Use the MyPasco App. For more information about the MyPasco App go to http://fl-pascocounty.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=2248
- Call the Resident Information Center at 727-847-2411, 352-523-2411, 813-996-2411
- Go to www.pascocountfl.net click on the Customer Service Center and then click "Submit A Request."
Pasco County will continue to provide high profile vehicles to help families in need who do not have transportation to the Community Support Stations.
CONTACTING PASCO COUNTY
Only call 911 for emergencies
For all other calls for county services, call the Resident Information Center (RIC) at 727-847-2411, 352-523-2411 or 813-996-2411. After 7 p.m. call 211.
Officials encourage the public to report any damage they feel is related to this event to the RIC. Do not report issues caused by normal wear and tear.