PLANT CITY, Fla. — It’s been almost a month since Hurricane Milton made landfall and devastated many communities in our state.
It even impacted residents far inland in Plant City, who are still flooded and unable to enter their homes.
Debra and Michael Mellon have lived in Plant City for 30 years and say this is the longest they’ve gone without being able to enter their home after a storm.
With tears in her eyes, Debra said it is difficult to stay positive.
“We ended up with a lot more water than we planned for,” said Michael.
Since Milton, the couple hasn’t been able to enter their home, because the only way in is by canoe.
Michael says they’ve had water on their property after storms before, but never this bad.
They’ve taken measures in the past to make their home accessible after a storm.
“We actually had dirt brought in and went down that side of the yard so that we can get in no matter what and we did. It was fine. We’ve done this,” Michael said. “But, well, that side of the yard’s no longer got dirt, it’s now water.”
Last week, Hillsborough County placed a pump in the area. They say this area has had flooding issues before because of its low elevation.
The pump is on Bryan Quinn’s property. He was also affected, with water surrounding his home the morning after Hurricane Milton. He believes development in the area could be an issue.
“As far as maintaining the water on their property, they’ve done a good job, but they didn’t plan for this,” he said.
It’s something Michael says he doesn’t want to experience again.
“Keep it from happening again. The only way you do that is find another place to send the water,” he said.
Hillsborough County says the water level has dropped six inches, but that there is no timeline as to when pumping will stop.
The family is currently staying in a motel thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). but they were told it could be several more weeks before they can get in and assess the damage.