Residents of the Briar Bay community in West Palm Beach say floodwater is still covering streets nearly a week after heavy rain stopped. WPTV reporter Zitlali Solache walked the neighborhood, off Jog Road west of Florida’s Turnpike, on Sunday.
Homeowners said the water has kept some families housed for days. Dwinette Feemster said some residents have been trapped at home for a full week with no school, work or groceries. Some have parked their cars outside the complex, and one vehicle that took on floodwater was later taken to a repair shop, where its owner was told it was a total loss.
Residents also reported dead animals and disrupted trash collection. Munzareen Mirza said the situation is a health hazard and that residents have been bounced between their homeowners association and other entities over who is responsible.
Phillip Hutchinson, treasurer of Tides at Briar Bay, said the HOA learned that pumps belonging to the Hamal Community Development District were not running last Sunday. He said he has lived in the community for more than 20 years and has never seen water stay this long. The HOA has contacted the city of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County while seeking funding and emergency relief.
WPTV has not independently determined why the pumps were not running or which entity is responsible. Residents want to know why lake levels were not lowered and whether the equipment now in use can clear the water fast enough.
