SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. — South Daytona residents are working to rebuild their properties after flooding brought by Hurricane Milton last week. For some residents in the area, it’s the second time their homes have flooded from hurricanes in the past two years.

Furniture, flooring and personal belongings lined the streets in South Daytona on Thursday. It’s the aftermath of flooding — and for many people living in the area, it’s the second time they've gone through this in two years. 

Resident Jennifer Kelly has lived in her South Daytona home for 26 years and said she never experienced flooding until Hurricane Ian in 2022, which brought 16 inches of water into her home. Following the storm, she and her husband spent eight months rebuilding their home.

“We moved back here in June 2023,” Kelly said. “All new furniture, all new flooring, all new paint, everything.”

Now, Kelly is having to start the recovery process for a second time. Last week, Hurricane Milton caused her home to flood again. On Oct. 10, her home received 8 inches of water. With her husband and dog, Kelly said she kayaked out of their neighborhood to safety.

“It’s just mind-boggling, you know?" she said. "When you look at the fire hydrants and the water is above the fire hydrants."

Now that the water’s receded, Kelly and her husband are starting the process of rebuilding — and possibly relocating from their home of almost three decades.

“We did immediately start talking about selling,” Kelly said. “We just can’t — you can’t live like this.”

Kelly said the silver lining is the help they’ve received from family, friends and their community. 

“You take it for granted until you’re in a crisis," she said. "And then you realize that, you know, there’s just people waiting to help you."

Through it all, Kelly said she is staying positive.

“I don’t ever want to do it again, but we’re safe,” she said. “We’re fine. It’s stuff. It’s a house. We did it before. We got it put back together before, and we’ll do it again.”