Roughly 75% of homes in the flooded Creekside community in St. Lucie County have been evacuated, and power remains shut off, Sheriff Richard Del Toro said Thursday. Floodwaters remain knee-deep in parts of the neighborhood, and submerged Florida Power & Light equipment must become safely accessible before crews can restore electricity.
The community has about 150 homes off State Road 70 west of Florida's Turnpike and remains under a voluntary evacuation, Del Toro said. Some trucks can now enter the neighborhood, but water levels remain high. The neighborhood has underground utilities, which Del Toro said creates an additional challenge while flooding persists.
FPL's Marshall Critchfield said crews will restore electricity as soon as the water recedes enough for them to safely access the equipment. “We continue to monitor the water level just like everybody else,” Critchfield said. “Much of our equipment is presently underwater and our priority number one, as always, is safety.”
Deputies are providing 24-hour security in Creekside while residents remain displaced and electricity is out, Del Toro said. The sheriff's office also has a high-water vehicle available to assist residents who need help. “If in fact you need help, please don't hesitate to call 911 or contact one of our deputies,” Del Toro said.