JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As rains poured down on Monday, San Marco, one of Jacksonville’s low-lying areas, received its share of flooding, leaving knee-deep waters in some areas.
Residents on Rivera Street stood outside their homes after the heavy afternoon showers.
Millions of dollars were spent on makeshift water pumps to alleviate the flooding issues, but some residents said that wasn’t enough.
“It’s crazy. How is it flooding with all those pumps working there? Millions of dollars, and this is what you get,” Sharmilla Annad said.
A pump station is currently under construction. In the meantime, smaller pumps were put in place to reduce flooding.
In the heart of San Marco, on Landon Avenue, floodwaters were about 2 feet deep.
Katie McNeal lives on Landon Avenue and shared her thoughts about the city’s resolutions to address the constant flooding issues.
“This is not better. The water was up to my knees after 10 minutes of rain. Four cars have flooded out on our street in front of our homes," McNeal said.
She was also tired of drivers speeding through the water.
“We are really worried about the structural integrity of our homes, having this much water go into our foundations,” she said.
McNeal and other neighbors have talked to the city and other officials about their issues. She said their improvement efforts only made matters worse in the neighborhood.
Ethan Farris was visiting the area and was shocked to see how easily the area would become submerged.
“I can’t imagine living in this while it rains. This wasn’t that big of a thunderstorm. What happens when a real storm comes through here?” Farris said.