JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Residents in the Hogan's Creek and McCoys Creek areas were flooded again Thursday after a nearly all-day downpour around Jacksonville.
The low-elevation area at Market and Confederate streets was hit hard and flooding reached 12 to 13 inches. Residents in the area said they've had enough of dealing with flooding in their backyards, and they want the city to do something about it.
“McCoys Creek floods and you have to find an alternate route for where you're going, and it messes up your time and with all the construction, you have to go through all the mud and everything,” said Harriet McRay, who's lived in the area for 10 years.
The city closed off parts of Acosta Street at McCoys Creek on Thursday evening as the downpour increased, placing barricades downtown to alert drivers to avoid the area.
News4Jax asked the city about the poor drainage issues that cause persistent flooding in the area.
"Public Works has advised that the department is aware of the drainage challenges in the area and are currently evaluating options and opportunities to improve the situation,” a city spokeswoman said.
But when that situation inconveniences hundreds of drivers, bikers and pedestrians every time it rains, residents who live near the flood zones said a long-term plan should have already been in place.
“I've been here 10 years, and it's been like that ever since I've been here,” McRay said.