ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — As city crews in St. Pete prepare for Hurricane Dorian, neighbors living near Lake Maggiore said they feel fewer resources are directed their way to address flooding.
"When that lake overflows, it goes in all of our homes. And I said, the city got to do something,’” said Mary Robinson, who’s lived in the area for more than 60 years.
“When we have like three days of rain, we have the fishes and the alligators in the street out here,” she said. "Now, if it the storm comes, ain't no telling what's gonna happen. And then when it gets too bad, the fire trucks can't come to you. you got to stay in your house.”
St. Pete’s stormwater director said the city has installed a pump to drain water from the lake, which could help minimize flooding in the area.
"We first started actually a couple of weeks ago. With all the rain that started in the beginning of August and the flooding that was being experienced, we actually rented a pump to start pumping down Lake Maggiore to create storage in the event that more rain came. So, we have that pump running continually to bring it down,” said stormwater director Dianna Rawleigh.
However, Robinson said she wants more action because she just had water in her home last week.
"Ever since they put that dividing gate down there, water don't go over there. They had to put the machine there to carry the water over. They need to take that thing down and let the water flow," she said.
Yet, until that happens, all she can do is prepare.
"If it comes again, they can have the house,” said Robinson. “That's how bad it has gotten."
Emerald Morrow is a reporter with 10News WTSP. Like her on Facebook and follow her onTwitter. You can also email her at emorrow@wtsp.com.
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