County Says: Flooding Continues - Evacuation Assistance Available

The following is a press release from Eric Keaton, a Pasco County spokesman

A Tropical Storm warning remains in effect for Pasco County.  In addition, a Flood Warning for the Anclote River near Elfers has been issued through Tuesday morning.  Earlier today the Board of County Commissioners issued a Local State of Emergency. 

Pasco County is also still under a Tornado watch until 11 p.m. and weather officials continue to predict rainfall amounts near 5-6 inches over the next five days as Tropical Storm Debby remains in the Gulf of Mexico.

Residents along the Anclote River can expect the river to crest later tonight
and remain at flood stage through tomorrow. Residents in Fairway Springs and
along Elfers Parkway are likely to continue to experience street flooding and
flooding of low lying homes is possible.  If anyone in these areas would like
evacuation assistance, they should contact the Resident Information Center at
727-847-8959.

The communities of Thousand Oaks and Trinity Oaks are experiencing widespread flooding due to the saturation of wetlands and flooded streets.  This flooding is likely to last for several days until after the rainfall stops and the
wetlands can percolate.  Residents who would like to evacuate should contact
the Resident Information Center at 727-847-8959.  Public fafety crews will be
driving through the neighborhood between 5 and 8 pm to provide transportation out of the flood areas to either the staging area at the northwest corner of Little Road and Mitchell Boulevard (Sweetbay Shopping Center) or to the Fasano Hurricane Shelter on Denton Avenue.  Residents who wish to evacuate to friends, relatives, or hotels, should have their private transportation provider meet them at the staging area.

In addition to the sand and sandbags available at the locations listed below,
another sandbag location is being established on Torchwood Boulevard and
Trinity Boulevard.

Residents are strongly encouraged to stay at home and not venture out or into
any flood waters.  Do not wade or allow children to play in flood waters.  The
Pasco County Health Department is reminding residents that flood waters may
contain fecal material, associated bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants as
lift stations are overflowing in the flooded areas.  For more information,
please contact (727) 861-5250 or visit www.doh.state.fl.us or
www.FloridaDisaster.org.

Many major roads in Pasco County are still experiencing flooding.  Additional
areas of the County may flood depending on where rain bands occur.  If your
home is in danger of flooding and you would like to evacuate, a shelter is
open at the Fasano Hurricane Shelter at 11611 Denton Avenue, Hudson.

Sand and sandbags are available at:

*       West Pasco Government Center, 7536 State St., New Port Richey
*       7918 Rhodes Road, Hudson, Fire Station #10
*       2952 Seven Springs Road, New Port Richey, Fire Station #17
*       6907 Dairy Road, Zephyrhills, Fire Station#1

Pasco County Schools and the Courts remain open for business and PCPT Transit

Buses are running regular routes.  The Centennial Library Branch in Holiday
has been closed due to a power outage. It will remain closed until further
notice.