Clay County Sizing Up Flood Damage

MIDDLEBURG, FL -- Roads and drainage ditches appear to have taken the biggest hit from last week's heavy rains, but homeowners who experienced flooding are encouraged to report their damage.

Clay County Emergency Management is taking calls to set up inspections of property to determine what state help might be available.

Sonny Caraway, who lives near Black Creek, which frequently floods, says $200 is the extent of his damage. Caraway's home, like many others along the creek, is built on pillars, so it is above flood waters.

In nearby Clay Hill, Steven Wright doesn't live near a creek, but his home was within feet of having flood water in the living room.

"I cannot even flush my toilet," said Wright, making reference to his home's septic system that is still under water.

Jim Corbin, who heads up Clay County's Emergency Management, believes the county's roads and drainage ditches likely took the brunt of the storm.

"A lot of dirt roads in Clay County, that is the biggest we've been hit with," said Corbin.

Corbin says it's important for homeowners who experienced flooding to report any damage. The amount of damage reported will determine what assistance Clay County can expect to defray the cost of repairing roads and homes.

Homeowners have 90 days to make a damage report. The phone number to call is (904) 284-8735.

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