ASTOR, Fla. — In Astor, an unincorporated community of about 1,200 people, flooding from Hurricane Ian had not subsided by the time Hurricane Nicole struck the area last week. 

During Hurricane Ian, Mark Speck, who lives in Astor, told Spectrum News that his garage flooded during the storm. He lives on the St. Johns river with his wife, and said that the water levels have not fallen significantly since the storm hit in September.

“Over here, it would’ve been down about 3 feet from the water surface,” said Speck, pointing to the water flowing past his deck. “A couple of inches really makes a difference.” 

According to the National Weather Service, the St. Johns River is experiencing a “moderate flood stage” near Astor — last week, the river hit the point of “major” flooding. And in the days following Hurricane Ian, the river hit record-breaking water levels, at 4.71 feet. 

For others, like Garan Broadway, who lives in the same flooded neighborhood as Speck, the extreme weather has started feeling almost normal. 

“After three times of doing this, I’m getting kind of used to it,” said Broadway. “The first hurricane, the water came and flooded us. And then it dissipates, and then the water comes in from Titusville and you’re back into it again.” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that standing water can present more than an inconvenience, reporting that prolonged flooding can yield higher rates of mosquito-borne illness and tetanus infections. 

For residents from the area who may be in need of assistance, FEMA is currently stationed at the First Baptist Church in Astor.