Voluntary Evacuation Issued for HarborView Mobile Home Park

City officials issued a voluntary evacuation at HarborView Mobile Home Manor today, which is a mobile home community along Louisiana Avenue in New Port Richey. 

New Port Richey Police Chief James Steffens said water has intruded into the community due to rains from Tropical Storm Debby. The power was cut off at 2 p.m. today (June 26) on Louisiana and intersecting Congress Street in the HarborView area, according to city officials. The evacuation, however, was issued before that with the blessing of the Pasco Emergency Operations Center.

“It’s coming from everywhere,” Steffens said of the water.

Buses are being made available to help folks evacuate, according to the city. They will be staged at Gulf Middle School located at 6419 Louisiana Ave.

Water got to a high level in areas of the affected community, Steffens said. It washed onto patios and porches, at least, if not into homes.

Steffens said that there have been no injuries or deaths from Debby in New Port Richey. HarborView is the only area within the city limits to receive a voluntary evacuation order so far.

The police department is committing major resources to observing conditions.

”We’re doing a continual, nonstop assessment,” Steffens said

Steffens said the city and surrounding areas of the county will see continued flows of water.

“We’re going to see more water intrusion over the next couple days, and that’s a major concern,” Steffens said.

Steffens is asking residents to be wary.

“Please don’t go out and travel unless there’s a need," he said.

New Port Richeyofficials summed up damage to the city in a press release.

It says:

We can expect that the next several days may be rough with some people still experiencing some flooding within their homes.  According to Public Works we had over 15 inches of rain and it is anticipated that we will have 4 to 8 inches in the next several days. It is being said by Eric Keaton of Pasco County that “Tropical Storm Debby has caused flooding above the 100 year flood level”. The city has ramped up its resources to ensure the city is prepared to better serve the community.

According to Public Works. we had over 15 inches of rain and it is anticipated that we will have 4 to 8 inches in the next several days.

“On Sunday, June 24, 2012 there was a tornado reported in the . There were many homes damaged.  Tornado damage within city limits has been estimated at $650K.  There has not been any injuries or fatalities to date. 

We have had limited damage to city facilities.  Grey Preserve and Grand Boulevard Parks are closed due to the flooding.  The City also has two lift stations that are inoperable at this “

 Sand bags are available to city residents at 6420 Pine Hill Road (please bring identification to provide proof of living in city limits).  The city will also put information on the city website and place our two electronic message boards in strategic locations in the downtown letting residents know of the situation. 

The following are flood prone areas within the City Limits:

Streets west of U.S. 19

All areas along the river

Editor's note: On Tuesday afternoon, on the north bank of the Pithlachascotee River in the Frances Avenue Park area had some rough street flooding.

Franko Industrial Park

Pennsylvania Avenue from Van Buren to Adams

Massachusetts Avenue from Van Buren to Congress

Jasmine Acres

Jasmine Heights

Schwettman Oaks

The Wilds Subdivision (South end)

Downtown Overlay (Main St, Etc.)

Tanglewood

The Meadows

Briar Patch

Tropic Shores