Fort Pierce, Fla. – Terri Polk is facing the heartbreak of losing her childhood home once again. The house, built by her parents in the Spanish Lakes community, was severely damaged by floodwaters that surged through the property last Monday.

Family home hit by flood

Polk, who moved back into the house to care for her mother, who has Alzheimer’s disease, described the scene as “the water was up to the tops of the beds” when it entered the home in the early morning. By the time the water receded, the interior was left with soaked furniture, a pile of books, and personal items strewn across the front lawn.

Emotional ties to the house

“The heart throb of our whole family is here,” Polk said, emphasizing how central the home has been to her family’s history. She recalled her mother’s open‑door hospitality, noting, “My mother’s door has always been open to everyone in the family. This breaks your heart because I grew up in this house, I actually grew up here.”

Determined to rebuild

Despite the devastation, Polk refuses to give up. “No is not the answer; quit is not an option,” she declared. She is currently using dehumidifiers to dry the remaining structure and is exploring options to repair the damage. However, she noted that her flood insurance will not cover the full cost of the repairs, adding financial strain to the emotional toll.

Community support

Neighbors and local volunteers have begun to rally around Polk, offering assistance with cleanup and providing supplies. The Fort Pierce community, known for its strong family values and faith‑centered support networks, has responded with prayers, donations, and offers of labor to help restore the home.

Looking ahead

Polk plans to rebuild the house while continuing to care for her mother. She hopes the restored home will once again serve as a gathering place for her family and a symbol of resilience in the face of natural disasters that have increasingly affected the Treasure Coast region.

Local officials have reminded residents of the importance of flood preparedness and have urged homeowners to review insurance coverage and mitigation measures, especially as climate‑related events become more frequent.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.