Storm causes flooding at a Mary Esther home

By: Kirstin Kerns


(WEAR) - The wind and rain that pelted Northwest Florida Wednesday morning left one Mary Esther couple mopping up after another flood.

To most people a steady rain is usually nothing to fear. But for the Townsends of Mary Esther's Echo Lane, "every time it rains you get stressed out. Every single time it rains."

For the eighth time since they move in, in 1984, water seeped into their home Wednesday morning.

After the second flood, the tile replaced the carpet.

They have tried other remedies over the years; a french drain and underground pumps in the yard, and emergency pumps that see a lot of service.

None of it has made a difference.

They said they contacted the county, but have gotten nowhere.

They were hopeful after applying to have FEMA buy there home, only to be floored by what they were told.

"They came back and said we didn't flood enough for them."

However, they just heard from their insurance company after calling in their last claim.

"We just got a letter saying we flooded too many times, so what are we gonna do."

The county told Channel Three News that they are aware of the problem and after a 10-year study, two of three nearby drainage projects are complete.

They feel the last one will help the couple.

However, John Townsend remains unconvinced.

"Appears they are much more interested in tourist development that taking care of existing citizenry."