ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — St. Petersburg residents spoke up, and the Florida Legislature heard them. Lawmakers handed the “No car wake flood zone” provision, banning drivers from rushing by means of flooded streets and creating damaging wakes.
The plan is to decrease the velocity restrict within the space when vital. St. Petersburg Metropolis Council Member Brandi Gabbard helped spearhead the supply.
“Slowing the velocity right down to an idle approach so that individuals can nonetheless get to their houses or from their houses in the event that they must go to work. However that it is slowed down sufficient in order that it is not pushing that wake,” Gabbard mentioned.
She mentioned drivers might be ticketed in what will likely be thought of a minor offense. Enforcement can occur throughout jurisdictions and throughout the state.
Rivera Bay residents described how dangerous the flooding was after Hurricane Helene.
“It got here as much as proper about right here; we have by no means had flooding earlier than,” mentioned Britni Cox.
Information Channel 8 On Your Facet spoke with Cox simply as a realtor was leaving her home.
“Proper now, we’re leaning extra in direction of the promoting,” Cox mentioned.
Different residents try to stay it out and make repairs.
“(The water) was just under the doorknobs however they got here in by means of the home windows on the solar porch,” mentioned Jodi Crumbliss. “We simply completed the lavatory, that is a plus. Kitchen, nonetheless nothing, and lots to do.”
Crumbliss shared images of her flooded neighborhood. One image confirmed a truck driving by means of the flood waters.
“It comes into our houses, so stop enjoying, it is not a recreation. Our houses are necessary to us, and we do the whole lot we are able to to maintain the water out,” Crumbliss mentioned.
Information Channel 8 On Your Facet requested Crumbliss if she felt the drivers made her dwelling flooding worse. She responded by saying, “Completely.”
“You get the youngsters who love working up and down within the water. They suppose it is a recreation and so they suppose it is enjoyable simply to see the water splash,” Crumbliss mentioned.
They reside in district two, which is council member Gabbard’s district. Gabbard mentioned there’s extra to be completed.
“This isn’t the one resolution. We not solely must work on our storm water system, we additionally should be severe about how we assist individuals elevate their houses,” Gabbard mentioned. “We have to get individuals up out of hurt’s approach whereas we’re ensuring the infrastructure that’s there’s reliable and may hold them as secure as doable.”
Some residents mentioned this provision will not change something for them now.
“Too little too late, no less than for my circumstances, however I am unable to communicate for the subsequent particular person on the market,” Cox mentioned. “We nonetheless bought a bit little bit of points occurring with the flooding and drainage techniques going by means of right here so hopefully avoid floods please.”
Each Cox and Crumbliss hope this provision will assist as the town tackles bigger flooding issues.
“They should do some work on the canals and what to not assist the rising water, however that is down the street, I assume. However that may be a nice starting to no less than serving to individuals like us who reside near the water,” Crumbliss mentioned.
Gabbard mentioned the council is anticipated to get an replace from the St. Petersburg police chief on the subsequent quarterly report about implementing the supply.
If Governor DeSantis indicators the invoice, it’s going to go into impact July 1.
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