EUSTIS, Fla. – A partially collapsed bridge in a Eustis neighborhood sustained further structural damage on Friday, rendering it completely impassable, officials said.
Creek Lane Run in Spring Ridge Estates will remain closed for the foreseeable future, according to city officials.
The damage comes days after record rainfall -- up to 19 inches in some areas -- flooded portions of Central Florida, especially in Lake and Brevard counties.
[WATCH BELOW: Homes evacuated after bridge partially collapses in Eustis neighborhood]
The bridge is the only way in or out for residents of 21 homes, who were told to leave and turn the power to their houses off because fire trucks were unable to get across the bridge, if needed.
“We had about 15 minutes to grab everything that we owned, whatever we can carry and, you know, leave,” Bob Hoffman said. “It’s just kind of crazy. What do you grab? What do you do? Where do you go?”
[VIDEO BELOW: Flooding washes out Lake County roads]
The bridge is privately owned and maintained by the Spring Ridge Estates HOA. City of Eustis staff have been coordinating closely with HOA representatives, Lake County Emergency Management, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Eustis Public Works to evaluate the next steps.
Earlier Friday, Eustis Fire Chief Michael Swanson said water was eroding the foundation of the bridge.
“Every hour, every day that goes on that’s not being taken care of, more of the bridge is collapsing and more is going to be needed to be repaired,” Swanson said.
Twelve of the displaced families have been temporarily relocated to hotels, and residents said the event has been shocking to live through.
“It’s quite impressive what water can do and in a matter of a couple of days, you see the results of this,” James Dillon said. “Now time is ticking. We’ve got to come up with a good action plan and be able to get this bridge restored.”
Swanson said the city tried to shore up the bridge on Thursday, but a major section collapses around 7 p.m., prompting the evacuation order.
[BELOW: Bridge to 21 homes in Eustis sustains more damage, closed for foreseeable future]
“We’ve just never seen anything like this. We’ve had hurricanes, we’ve had weather, but nothing like this,” said Theo Bobb, who lives in Spring Ridge Estates.
The city also shut off water to the neighborhood because the sidewalk collapsed on the main waterline, Swanson said.
City crews were working to shore up the remaining portions of the bridge while long-term repair plans are developed.
“We remain committed to protecting our community from ongoing erosion risks and will continue to monitor conditions throughout the city,” Swanson said.