Wakulla County continues to wait for a federal disaster declaration in an attempt to get individual assistance to homeowners and public assistance for the county expenses involved with Tropical Storm Debby.

Woodland Drive in Crawfordville continues to have water over it. It appears that the water level is beginning to crest. There are a few homes impacted by the water on the road although the homeowners have access to the area through private property. The Crawfordville Elementary School Shelter remains on standby in the event that any of the individuals want a place to stay.

U.S. Highway 98 still has water over one lane although the flagmen controlling the one lane road have departed and cones have been set up to create a two lane road near the Fair Way subdivision. The residents of Fair Way subdivision have received electrical power after the county’s public works department worked to get water away from a transformer that had been inundated by rain. Fair Way has underground utilities.

Flood water is still an issue for Otter Lake Road and Westview and Decatur Road in Panacea. The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge opened up an alternate route for residents who use Carraway Cutoff which has flooding issues as well.

The Highway 375 bridge at Syfrette Creek remains closed. The Sopchoppy River bridges have reopened following engineering inspections. Surf Road at Buckhorn Creek and Bostic Pelt Road remain closed due to road infrastructure issues created by the storm.

Individual assistance is available to residents through non-profit organizations such as the Red Cross. Wakulla County is waiting for federal decorations and FEMA setting up a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). The DRC will be a one stop location where residents who need assistance can meet with federal agencies to begin the process.
Dangerously hot weather conditions are expected today. Those who are doing a lot of physical activity, such as flood cleanup, need to stay well hydrated and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. There is a 30 percent chance of rain this afternoon.

The floodwaters along the rivers and creeks have fallen. Areas along the Sopchoppy and upper St. Marks rivers are now accessible. The ponding of water from random sinkholes seems to have stabilized in the southern portion of the county. Water continues to rise in the Woodland Drive area; however, the rate of rise has slowed over the last 24 hours to a rate of 1.5 inches of rise per day.

Additional rainfall is anticipated over the next several days, increasing the time it will take for flood waters to recede.
Citizens needing volunteer assistance for tree removal, roof repair, muck outs, etc. may call 2-1-1 to have this assigned to the appropriate volunteer organization.