Emergency management teams across several Florida counties are conducting damage assessments and providing assistance after last week’s heavy rains caused widespread flooding on the Treasure Coast.
Palm Beach County response
Most floodwaters have receded, but some neighborhoods remain affected. The county has extended its local emergency declaration for an additional week to support recovery efforts.
Residents such as long‑time Riviera Beach homeowner Jeffrey Simms described the devastation, noting that the rain continued long enough to destroy his home. Neighbor Denise Smith added that, despite having homeowners’ insurance, they lack flood insurance because their properties are not in a FEMA‑designated flood zone.
St. Lucie County updates
Officials have received 273 damage‑assessment survey submissions. At the peak of the flooding, more than 100 roads were closed; two remain closed as of Sunday afternoon.
Okeechobee County damage estimates
Assessment teams have surveyed roughly half the county, with preliminary loss estimates already exceeding $10 million. Two homes are reported destroyed and 59 sustained major damage. Residential losses are estimated at over $6 million, while infrastructure damage tops $4.3 million, surpassing the threshold for potential FEMA assistance.
Martin County impact
Thirty homes are classified as destroyed and another 40 have moderate damage. Unpaved road damage is estimated at $750,000. The county’s Flood Recovery Assistance webpage now lists resources, including a Multi‑Agency Resource Center (MARC) opening on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Wells Recreation Center in Riviera Beach.
The MARC will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for 14 days, staffed by state and local agencies and nonprofit groups such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida Department of Children and Families, Palm Beach County Office of Emergency Management, and the American Red Cross.
Indian River County progress
Residential damage assessments are nearing completion, according to local emergency officials.
Community members are encouraged to support neighbors in need through programs like United Way of Martin County’s Disaster Donor program.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
