Pasco Flooding Woes Continue

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — An estimated 2,480 Pasco County residents remained affected by evacuation orders Tuesday as officials continued to assess damage left behind by Hurricane Hermine.

A preliminary damage assessment was completed by the county on Monday. That assessment found more than 1,000 homes and properties impacted by the storm. Minor damage was witnessed at 197 properties and major damage at 297, the county wrote in an email to media. A total of nine properties were destroyed, the county said.

About “90-percent of the damage in Pasco County appears to be due to flood waters,” the email noted.

As of Tuesday, Sept. 6, evacuation orders remained in place for a few neighborhoods on the county’s west side. The Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter, 11611 Denton Ave., remained open for flood victims’ use, the county noted. As of Tuesday morning, about 20 people were staying at the shelter along with four pets.

“Citizens can receive showers, sleeping quarters and three meals a day,” the email said. “Citizens can self-evacuate directly to the shelter or call 727-847-2411 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and we will provide transportation for you.”

Residents who encounter emergency situations are asked to call 911.

Property owners with storm damage who have not yet done so are asked to report it to Pasco County Customer Service by emailing customerserice@pascocountyfl.net. That email address may also be used to arrange storm-related debris pickup. The county, however, said garbage pickup will not occur along streets that are still flooded to prevent damage to the roads.

Residents may also dispose of flood-damaged items at the West Pasco Landfill, 14606 Hays Road, Spring Hill during normal operating hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The county said all fees will be waived for dumping storm-damaged items.

The Anclote River remained at moderate flood stage on Tuesday, or 21.3 feet, the county reported.

For more information on flood recovery in Pasco County, visit the county online at www.pascocountyfl.net.

Photo courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page