Almost 30 roads are affected by the flooding in Pasco County. Some are completely shut down.

  • Flooding affecting almost 30 roads
  • Port Richey hit particularly hard
  • Residents say permanent solution is needed 
  • Previous story: Pasco residents weary of flooding

One Port Richey neighborhood has been hit particularly hard, off Ironbark Road. Residents say the retention pond floods every year.

Rain is usually a peaceful sound, but not for Jennifer Leatham.

“Last night was kind of rough. I went to bed around midnight, and I didn't think I was going to be able to sleep hearing the rain come down," said Leatham.

Leatham’s now going on two days where water is inching towards her home in Port Richey.

“Once it wraps around the house, it comes through all of the walls."

Leatham would know, as her home has been flooded twice.

"It got into the house last year, and four years ago we had to do a complete re-model. It was about three feet high in the house," she said.

The county increased the pond size that sits in front of her home several years ago, but unfortunately it hasn’t helped much.

Natasha Ray has learned over the years when to get ready.

“You got to prepare. I got to make sure I have a safe place for my kids, a safe place to go, and put everything up in our house, make sure nothing gets damaged," said Ray.

County trucks have been pumping water out, but residents say it’s just a band aid.

“It's a temporary fix. We need a permanent solution, we can't keep dealing with this multiple times a year," said Ray.

The county has brought in additional trucks to continue pumping in the area but it says it knows this is a temporary solution and is considering buying property in the area to create additional retention ponds.