MIDDLEBURG, Fla. -- When it rains it pours, right into Black Creek in Middleburg. Dealing with flooding is a part of life here. Neighbor Josh Welch said, "It comes with it. It's part of living on the creek."
Once the creek breaches the bulkheads, neighbors like Larry Hauter know to start moving their stuff to higher ground. "My car's down there. I'm about to pull it back towards Blanding so it doesn't get flooded," he said.
Several roads along the creek have been closed. They're underwater. Emergency officials have been out constantly monitoring conditions. They ask drivers not to drive through the flood waters. And not to walk through them either. Many of the homes along Black Creek have septic tanks, and the flood water could be contaminated.
The creek is expected to crest at about 20 feet, around 2pm Tuesday.
A voluntary evacuation order has been called for the area. The American Red Cross has set up a shelter for anyone who needs it. The shelter is at Middleburg High School on County Road 220.
If you live in Clay County, and you're worried about flooding in your neighborhood, you can call the EOC Hotline at 1-877-CLAY-EOC.
You can visit
http://www.claycountygov.com/Departments/Public_Safety/Emergency_Management.htm.
