POLK COUNTY, Fla. — In Polk County, residents who live near Lake Bonny are still dealing with flooding almost three weeks after Hurricane Milton. Residents told Lakeland commissioners last week at a city commission meeting they’re fed up and need help.
The City of Lakeland said it’s working with several agencies to help alleviate flooding. It’s been a few days since the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dropped off two more pumps to help move water out of the area, but neighbors are still frustrated.
Things are starting to dry out at Pamela Smith’s home.
“The water is out of the house. We still have three feet of water in our backyard,” Smith said.
As things dry out, the reality of how much damage was done is sinking in.
“It’s just hard,” Smith said.
She said she feels abandoned.
“It’s like nothing is getting done. It is like watching paint dry, nothing is getting done,” Smith said.
Smith wants to know what resources are available to help get her community back on their feet.
“What part is the city, the county, Southwest Florida Water Management District — what part are they going to play in moving forward into the next phase,” Smith said.
People who live at the Bonny Shores Mobile Home Park are asking the same question.
“They’re out in a hotel or with a friend. That’s what a lot of people are doing because they have no choice,” said David Beck, who lives at Bonny Shores.
The American Red Cross said it is bringing lunch every day to this senior community. Residents are thankful, but they believe more needs to be done by local officials.
“To shower we have to go somewhere else, but to go somewhere we have the porta potties up there but it’s very difficult,” Beck said.
Neighbors said they’ve seen the water slowly rise since Hurricane Debby. Colleen Betzer said it’s not only stressful, but expensive.
“It’s like they don’t care about us at all. We’re just money and I just think it’s totally wrong that they didn’t help alleviate this before two more hurricanes came,” Betzer said.
Neighbors said local businesses and relief groups have been helping to provide resources. Here’s a list to the city resources.
They believe there should be some sort of relief fund to help get people back on their feet as they start rebuilding. Neighbors also mentioned that many people are living out of suitcases right now so more comfort stations are really needed so they can take showers or do laundry.