VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla — Flooding has been a major issue in a number of Volusia County communities following Hurricane Milton. In DeBary, residents are stepping out of their homes and inspecting their communities for the first time since the storm has passed, and they’re surprised at the damage they’ve seen.

A recreational area in one community that is equipped with a park, children’s play area and a basketball court is now underwwater following Hurricane Milton. Now, only the basketball stanchion can be seen where the court is located.

Resident Vanessa Olivera said her daughter plays at the park from time to time, so seeing that area underwater was unbelievable. 

“In 2022 with Hurricane Ian, we had flooding in that area. But it was not that bad,” Olivera said.

“The school bus would come that way and the kids would play in that area, so it’s sad to see. But at the same time, we’re grateful that that’s the only thing that happened to our community. Only bad thing that happened in our community.”

Another resident of the community said other homes were built in the area where the park is now located, but a hurricane in the early 2000s flooded the area then. The flooding ruined those houses, so they were torn down, he said.

The repeated flooding is a clear sign that the community needs better flood management, he said.

According to Volusia County Emergency Services Director Clint Mecham, the National Weather Service said the county received about 15.6 inches of rain during Hurricane Milton, less than during Ian.