LAKELAND, Fla. — Residents near Lake Bonny are appealing to Lakeland city commissioners for more support after flooding created by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Although floodwaters have receded, issues like debris and potential future flooding remain.
Nicole Ramirez expressed frustration over inadequate assistance, citing mold and sewage in her home. She and several of her neighbors, made an emotional plea to Lakeland city commissioners.
“Nobody is helping us. Nobody is getting anything,” Ramirez said. “I have mold and sewage and standing water still in my home. One dumpster for all the homes in our cul-de-sac was not enough.”
Michael Coker attended a meeting seeking city help.
“This is the first meeting I've been able to attend to see if there's any way that I can get any assistance from the city commission to help,” Coker said, asking his debris be picked up after weeks.
City Manager Shawn Sherrouse assured residents that garbage collection efforts would continue.
“They will be emptied, and they will be returned if there's still garbage that needs to go in there,” he said.
Concerns persist about more flooding due to upcoming rain.
“A lot of my neighbors their backyards are still underwater. Ours is Marshy,” neighbor Courtney Kraft said.
“And we are still pulling water out. And we will continue to keep the pumps running,” Mayor Bill Muntz said.
But Kraft told the mayor, “Nothing has gone down in over a week. Nothing.”
“What is the plan?” Ramirez asked. “We need to have a plan because I can't have my house go underwater again because of this. I can’t.”
A community recovery event is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday at the RP Funding Center, with FEMA and local organizations offering assistance.