JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A $5 million plan to buy out homes in one of Jacksonville’s most flood-prone areas is one step closure to becoming a reality. During Hurricane Irma three years ago, heavy rains overflowed the Ribault River, which overflowed into many homes along Ken Knight Drive, located off Moncrief Road in Northwest Jacksonville. Some of those homes and apartments in the Ribault neighborhood are still left badly damaged from severe flooding. “I stay by the river,” said Angela Bush, who lives on Ken Knight Drive. “To me, it’s not worth it to try and sell it out for what they’re trying to buy it for,” said Aaron Sumart, who lives on Ken Knight Drive.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – City officials are proposing a $5 million buyout program for one of the most flood-prone areas of Jacksonville. During Hurricane Irma three years ago, heavy rains caused the Ribault River to overflow into many homes along Ken Knight Drive, located off Moncrief Road in Northwest Jacksonville, and residents said floodwaters brought snakes into homes and alligators floating down the street. Louise Allen was born and raised on Ken Knight Drive — long before homes were built next to the Ribault River. (Louise Allen)City leaders want to put an end to this problem by offering to buy the homes along the floodplain of Ken Knight Drive. Rhode Melton, who rents a small home several doors down, asked: “What will they do with us?”For the last three years, Melton has rented the home next to the Ribault River along Ken Knight Drive.