TAMPA, Fla. — Wimauma residents are sharing their concerns after flooding from Debby which they say is the worse they’ve seen in years. Some say its due to new constructions happening near their properties and they want something to be done.

What You Need To Know

  • Debby impacted several residents in the Wimauma area with heaving flooding
  • Heather Potter is a Wimauma resident and has been collecting items to help residents who were also impacted
  • Potter feels new construction nearby could bring more flooding
  • The Hillsborough County Government shared information from their website on requirements for building in an area where flooding happens

Heather Potter has lived in Wimauma all her life, but these days it’s a much different feeling as she walks around her property.

“It’s horrible when you know you’ve lost so much,” said Potter.

She was one of several people in this area that was heavily impacted by flooding due to Debby.

“I have neighbors condemned, everything lost and have nothing left. I am a little more fortunate though I lost much,” she says.

Potter lost family photos and two cars to the flooding. Now she fears she might lose even more in the future because of the new construction taking place nearby.

“We can’t dry because it is summer, but yet we are not built up enough and everything is flowing and as you can tell there’s a nice little river going down my driveway,” she said.

Potter says she’s not opposed to the growth, but she wants something to be done to mitigate the potential flooding issue.

The Hillsborough County Government said that when construction takes place in a special flood hazard area, there are several requirements that must be met before it’s approved.

Applicants must submit an elevation certificate to determine if the plan follows building codes. A FEMA elevation certificate must also be submitted by applicants, which documents the building is properly elevated and conforms to flood resistant construction requirements.

Even as she continues her own flood recovery, Potter is trying to help others by handing out necessities.

“If I can provide, if my community can provide, then I’m doing what the lord wants me to do because this has been a struggle,” Potter said.

A struggle, she says, continues as she worries about the potential impact of another storm.

If residents are still seeing damage to their property or have concerns, officials are advising people to reach out to FEMA for assistance.