JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city of Jacksonville said Wednesday it has brought six temporary pumps into San Marco in preparation for Hurricane Helene’s impacts.
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Residents in the area are expecting more flooding in the coming days as the large storm is predicted to bring more rain and a storm surge from the St. Johns River to the area. Among those residents is Jeff Knight, who has lived in San Marco for 5 years.
“I’m very worried,” Knight said. “I’m actually going up to Alabama this weekend. Hopefully, by Friday, the rains will be through. But I’m very worried about the rain coming this week.”
In recent weeks, San Marco saw more than its fair share of flooding after a stalled system in the Atlantic dumped inches of rain and caused widespread flooding in the streets.
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Construction of a new pump station at LaSalle Street pump station is currently underway.
RELATED | The new LaSalle Street pump station is expected to ease San Marco’s longtime flooding issues
Portable pumps were brought into LaSalle Street earlier this month to help.
Up to 3 feet of storm surge is expected in the St. Johns River when the storm hits.
The National Weather Service said areas along the river north of the Buckman Bridge should expect to be impacted, especially around high tide, which is 6:45 p.m. on Thursday. Key areas at risk include Riverside, St. Vincent’s, Hogan’s Creek, San Marco, and the Ribault River.
Mayor Donna Deegan said JTA is providing free shuttles for Ken Knight Drive residents, who live along the Ribault River and have dealt with flooding issues for years. Bus stop #3991 at Ken Knight Drive and Moncrief Road will take residents to the Legends Center, a city shelter.
Shayla Cooper lives on Ken Knight Drive and expressed concerns about the potential flooding.
“My concern is my peace garden. I have a swing and a couple of decorations, and I wanted to move them from the corner where the water is, so they are still there when the water recedes. I know the water is going to come up, but I’m moving my things as a precaution,” she said.
Deegan was asked during an afternoon briefing if pumps would be brought to the Ken Knight Drive area.
“I don’t think there is a whole lot you can do about Ken Knight Drive, I’m going to tell you. I mean, that’s a tough situation over there. It floods over there on days that we don’t have a major flood. It’s the landscape over there, and that’s going to be very, very tough, but we are going to provide a way for people to get out of there. That’s about the best we can do,” Deegan said.
Following the flooding from recent storms, Deegan said, the city has been working hard to clean out drains and ready ponds for extra rain as the storm approaches.
“I think we are in as good a position as we can be,” Deegan said.
Leroy Bradly and Anthony Powell are two Ken Knight residents who deal with flooding every time a storm hits.
“I think I’ll take the city up on their offer,” Bradley said.
“Last year I was here and I’m not taking that chance this time,” Powell said. “When I woke up, water was in the house and things were floating around.”
Knight says some of his neighbors have put out sandbags hoping that may minimize any potential flooding. He’s just hoping for the best.
“JEA put a pump down on the Landon and San Marco, so if that gets turned on, that helps,” Knight said. “And so maybe, maybe it won’t be as bad as a couple weeks ago. But obviously, concerned.”
Deegan said Duval residents can also expect to see power outages, downed trees and an increased risk of tornadoes as early as Wednesday night. If residents see issues with downed trees or downed power lines, the best thing to do is to call the city directly. The number is 630-CITY (2489).
