Alachua County announced on Monday that sandbag distribution is resuming for residents who need help securing their property from flooding after the heavy rain brought by Elsa. People who are wanting to stock up on sandbags before the next big storm are also welcome.
Alachua County Communications Director, Mark Sexton, explains the purpose of the sandbags.
“We decided this time because the rivers are still rising that there may still be people who have to be concerned about water coming up to their home,” Sexton said.
High Springs resident, Margaret Weston, experienced flooding in her yard due to Elsa. This is her second year getting sandbags from locations like this.
“My yard is flooded, my road, and I can’t get in and out,” said Weston. “We got holes everywhere.”
Other residents like Jessica Tupack-Amorando didn't experience as much flooding as previous years but still wants to stock up on sandbags.
“Flooding does affect us, it does happen,” said Tupack-Amorando. “It’s flooding one of the campgrounds right next to camp Kulaqua, their driveway is all flooded and I think it affected their business.”
Fears of more flooding are subsiding as residents located in High Springs can expect the Santa Fe River's water level to begin decreasing as the week continues according to Senior Hydrologist, Tom Mirti, of the Suwannee River Management district.
People wanting to pick up sandbags can do so at DeSoto Park off of U.S Highway 441. Shovels are required to put sand into bags with each household getting a maximum of 10 bags.