Volusia County is actively monitoring the St. Johns River as runoff from recent flooding in Brevard County pushes water levels higher than they have been since the Milton flood event. The river, which flows northward, now threatens low‑lying neighborhoods along Lake Monroe, part of the St. Johns system.
Residents Observe Rising Water
Long‑time Deltona resident Dru, who lives in the Stone Island neighborhood, described the river as “definitely high” and noted that it is “way higher than it’s been since Milton.” While some locals expressed concern about potential road flooding, many remain calm, saying the situation is manageable.
“It’s nothing to worry about? No. Maybe a little water in the road. That’s about it,” one neighbor remarked. Others recalled past floods that damaged homes and praised recent county upgrades.
County Upgrades Help Mitigate Risk
Volusia County has taken steps since the 2022 Ian storm to strengthen its flood response. New generators have been installed at pump stations and lift stations to prevent sewage backups that plagued residents during that disaster. “They put in generators for our pumps and lift stations so we won’t have the catastrophe we had during Ian,” Dru said, adding that he feels more secure because of these improvements.
Sandbag Distribution and Ongoing Monitoring
County spokesperson Clayton Jackson announced that the river is expected to crest early next week, likely Monday or Tuesday. As a precaution, the county has opened a self‑service sandbag site adjacent to Volusia County Fire Rescue Station 36 at 180 N. State Road 415 in Osteen. The site operates daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provides sand and bags at no cost; residents are asked to bring shovels and gloves.
“There are a number of factors that could make us start sounding an alarm,” Jackson explained. “We could get anticipated rainfall that could really bring it into effect, as well as the wind factor.” For now, officials say they are monitoring conditions and have not issued an official alert.
Community Vigilance
Beyond the practical measures, residents are keeping an eye on wildlife that moves closer as water rises. “For now, residents are keeping a close eye on the river, and the alligators that move closer as the water rises,” the county noted.
Overall, the consensus among locals is that the situation, while inconvenient, is manageable. “It may be inconvenient, but it will be doable,” Dru concluded.
What Residents Can Do
- Visit the sandbag distribution site in Osteen for free sand and bags.
- Bring personal shovels and gloves to fill and transport sandbags.
- Stay informed by checking Volusia County updates on water levels and weather forecasts.
- Report any flooding or sewage backup to county emergency services promptly.
Volusia County’s proactive approach—combining infrastructure upgrades, free sandbag resources, and transparent communication—aims to protect homes and maintain public safety as the St. Johns River rises.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
