PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — People in Pasco County are worried heavy rains could leave their streets under water. But county and state agencies are taking some steps to protect homes.
The mood right now from Pasco leaders is calm. It’s an expected subtropical storm, not a hurricane. They’re relying on resources like pumps to help prevent the big concern — flooding.
In the county you’ll find several of the heavy-duty pumps making sure retention ponds don’t overflow into low-lying neighborhoods. One in the Bayonet Point area, neighbors say, was just installed last year.
It's the county’s attempt at helping out areas hit hard every hurricane season.
State agencies like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are also at the ready. They have boats, swamp-buggies and jet skis on standby for any signs of flooding. At the news of incoming storm Alberto they sent one swamp buggie, essentially a big truck, to Pasco County.
Some neighbors we spoke with don’t anticipate this storm will bring a washout but nonetheless have sandbags within reach.
“I've got over 100 sandbags sitting in my driveway," said Edd Falsetti, "I've had them...this would be my 10th season having them."
Krista Eva says her family canceled Memorial weekend plans because they want to keep a close eye on their home during the heavy rainfall.
"A lot of times people don't get prepared because they're like 'Oh it's just Florida weather we won't get hit' but I think these last few storms, especially Irma, it woke a lot of people up," she said.
Manatee County opened up a sandbag site at the new transit building located at 2411 Tallevast Road. It'll be open until 7 p.m. today. The county will discuss whether to keep the site open through the weekend.
Manatee County Commissioners are expected to declare a local state of emergency today due to Subtropical Storm Alberto. Public Safety Director Bob Smith will ask Commissioners to declare a local state of emergency in an abundance of caution before heavy rains this weekend.
The declaration is the first step local officials must take to allow County staff to be prepared to make special purchases relating to storm preparation and response if necessary over the holiday weekend.
ABC Action News with Sarasota, Hillsborough and Polk leaders who say they are monitoring conditions and if they take a troubling turn this weekend they’re ready to amp up their response.
