Neighbors Start To Return Home After Floods

TAMPA, FL --Some of the 15 people evacuated from their homes in Progress Village Wednesday are returning to survey the damage. And, according to an official from Hillsborough County, residents in the neighborhood appear to have dodged a bullet.

Near-record rains fell on East Tampa Wednesday and the downpour continued into Thursday morning. Many of the people evacuated from the area had to be rescued from their homes by boat.

Parts of 82nd St. in southeast Hillsborough County were still flooded midday Thursday as the drainage creek perpendicular to the road was still overflowing. County Commissioner Kevin White was on-scene surveying the site after residents called to complain.

He said the county may not be dredging the creek sufficiently and that he was going to make sure the issue was addressed.

White also said despite the budget crisis infrastructure was necessary to prevent the frequent flooding in areas like Progress Village and South Tampa.

Rescue crews will continue to monitor Thursday's weather, as more rain could bring further evacuations. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and sheriff's deputies say they will reestablish their command post if more flooding occurs.