Residents of Hyline Drive in Jensen Beach have endured a full week of flooded homes, with water levels reaching roughly three feet and mixing with sewage. The situation prompted urgent calls for county assistance.
County response
Martin County Public Works Director Jim Gorton announced that crews have set up hoses on Jensen Beach Boulevard and deployed two additional pumps to the area. “We are pumping out the receiving pond and moving the water from the Hyline area to another pond for drainage,” Gorton explained. He cautioned that the process could take at least a week, noting that the recovery rate will become clearer after the first pump cycle.
Homeowners’ concerns
Longtime Jensen Beach residents Sandra Elliott Swann and her husband, who travel to their second home on Hyline Drive each year, described the damage. “We got a phone call that our house was underwater,” Swann said. “We have storm doors and windows, but the water got in and is now mixed with sewage. Everything’s going to be ruined.” The Swanns, like many neighbors, have been unable to access their homes and fear further deterioration the longer the water remains.
Community relief efforts
In response to the ongoing crisis, Martin County officials plan to open a multi‑agency resource center at the Hoke Library in Jensen Beach. The center will provide residents with information, assistance with insurance claims, and coordination of cleanup resources.
Local officials emphasized that the pump operation is a critical step toward restoring the neighborhood. “We finally heard the residents’ pleas,” Gorton said. “Our goal is to get the water out quickly so families can return to safe, dry homes before the holiday season.”
Looking ahead
The county will continue to monitor water levels and adjust pump capacity as needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the county’s website and local news outlets for updates on the pump schedule and resource‑center hours.
As Thanksgiving approaches, many families hope the water will be removed in time to celebrate the holiday in their homes rather than in temporary shelters.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
