A neighbourhood in Zephyrhills, Florida, is struggling with persistent flooding, leaving residents frustrated as they wait for solutions from county officials. Homeowners along Kendell Drive say that every time it rains, floodwaters cover the street, making it difficult to navigate and causing damage to their homes.
Olivia Jackson, a resident of the area, has been raising concerns about the issue since last summer, weeks before Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck. She says that her cul de sac has only one way in and out, and when heavy rains come, the street fills with muddy water, and the asphalt continues to deteriorate. To prevent water from entering her home, Jackson and her family must use pumps and sandbags regularly.
Other residents have echoed similar frustrations. Ruth Ann Foster, another homeowner, described how the flooding obscures the road, making it impossible to see potholes or potential sinkholes. She said that navigating the street during or after a storm is dangerous because residents never know what hazards may be hidden beneath the water.
The Pasco County Public Works Department acknowledged the issue in an email to residents in September, stating that recent changes to County Road 54 and 23rd Street had caused a heavier flow of stormwater into the neighbourhood. The department said its Operations and Engineering teams were working with the Transportation Engineering Department to find a solution.
| Key Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kendell Drive, Zephyrhills, Florida |
| Main Concern | Persistent flooding after rainstorms |
| Resident Actions | Using pumps and sandbags to prevent water from entering homes |
| County Response | Acknowledged issue in September, citing road changes as a cause |
| Progress So Far | No visible improvements after five months |
Despite these assurances, residents say they have seen no action from the county in the five months since the email was sent. Jackson expressed her frustration, saying officials repeatedly claim they are working on the issue but have yet to take visible steps to address it.
Residents are now demanding answers and immediate action to prevent further damage to their properties and ensure their safety. With hurricane season bringing frequent storms to the area, the community remains at risk of worsening conditions.
