Seminole County residents navigate flood waters, cleanup process

Midway and Lincoln Heights communities plan next steps in cleanup process: ‘We lost a lot of things’

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – As the cleanup process continues, people living in Seminole County are figuring out the next steps, like how to pay for all of their damages.

Monday, News 6 was there as FEMA teams were out in the Midway and Lincoln Heights communities of Seminole County going door-to-door accessing damages to homes and letting residents know how they can register for FEMA assistance following Hurricane Ian.

“We lost a lot of things,” Midway resident Elizabeth Quenones said.

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She said she was happy to see FEMA teams in her neighborhood after she saw damage to her home last week, including flooding in her 14-year-old granddaughter’s bedroom.

The retention pond behind Quenones’ home has now receded, but she said water almost reached her back porch.

The heavy rain and wind destroyed the screens on her back patio and left debris scattered throughout her backyard. She also used metal pieces to prevent her fence from collapsing.

“We applied for the Seminole disaster for the county and now we’re going to see if FEMA will do something for us,” Quenones said.

Seminole County leaders say residents can call the county’s citizens information line to learn more about how to apply for assistance Programs. That number is 407-665-0000. To learn more about assistance from FEMA, Dial 1-800-621-FEMA or go to FEMA.gov.

“If Hurricane Ian damaged your financial whether it’s home or business or you getting a paycheck you can apply for assistance in any of those,” said Seminole County Emergency Manager Alan Harris.

Seminole County leaders said FEMA workers will have vests on that say FEMA with ID cards and they will not ask residents for money.


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About the Author

Jerry Askin is an Atlanta native who came to News 6 in March 2018 with an extensive background in breaking news.

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