SARASOTA, Fla. — The water has receded since Debby passed through Sarasota, but things are far from back to normal.

Tow truck after tow truck circled the Laurel Meadows neighborhood to remove cars that were flooded during the storm.

What You Need To Know

  • Tow truck after tow truck circled the Laurel Meadows neighborhood Tuesday to remove cars that were flooded during the storm

  • “Oftentimes people don’t realise they don’t have adequate insurance coverage until they need it,” said AAA Public Relations Manager Mark Jenkins

  • Jenkins strongly encourages everyone to review their insurance coverage with an agent, whether it’s comprehensive vehicle insurance or flood insurance for their homes

  • Before and after a storm, they also encourage owners to take as many photos as possible of their properties

“My son woke me up to tell me my truck was underwater,” said Luis Deulofeu.

Last Monday, Deulofeu shared that the only way they could move around was by using a boat and a jet ski. His door camera recorded the moment when he and his family evacuated their flooded home.

His Dodge Ram was one of several vehicles towed from the Laurel Meadows community Tuesday to a dealership and/or mechanic to be inspected.

“It really stinks really bad in the car, so that is one of the main concerns for us, which is safety and whether the car will be salvageable or not,” said Deulofeu.

He’s fortunate to have full insurance coverage, but others aren’t so lucky. Several neighbours in this subdivision told Spectrum News that they do not have flood insurance because this is not considered a flood zone.

“Oftentimes people don’t realise they don’t have adequate insurance coverage until they need it,” said AAA Public Relations Manager Mark Jenkins.

Jenkins strongly encourages everyone to review their insurance coverage, whether it’s comprehensive vehicle insurance or flood insurance for their homes.

“Even if you don’t believe you’re in a flood zone,” said Jenkins. “Everywhere in Florida can be a flood zone, and I think this recent storm proved just that.”

If you are uncertain about your insurance coverage plan, AAA recommends reviewing your coverage with an agent.

Before and after a storm, they also encourage owners to take as many photos as possible of their properties.

While the storm has passed — getting back into a routine has been a challenge, according to Deulofeu. He says his family is financially burdened since they just purchased and moved into the home a year ago.

“This is our dream house. We put everything into this house. Hopefully, we can make up again,” he said.

He’s optimistic about rebuilding his property and, most importantly, thankful his family is safe.