The Florida Division of Emergency Management is currently evaluating the flooding situation in Pasco County, a persistent issue for families since Hurricane Milton struck four months ago.

State Senator Danny Burgess, R-Pasco County, informed WTVT that the Division recently visited the Hickory Hills neighborhood in Dade City, where numerous homeowners are still grappling with flooding.

“I don’t want them to feel forgotten, and I also cannot imagine what they’re going through,” Burgess stated. “The Division of Emergency Management recently reassessed the situation in Hickory Hills, so I know there is still an active conversation.”

A spokesperson for Pasco County explained that the state had been pumping water from the area until mid-December but relocated the pumps to other parts of Florida. As a result, several private roads remain submerged.

The county informed WTVT it is unable to assist, as the water is on private land. Homeowners, however, argue they cannot pump the water themselves due to the need to cross multiple private properties to reach nearby lakes and ponds.

“I wake up exhausted every morning,” said Victor Lemus, who has been unable to access the private road leading to his home since October. “There will be an emergency—whether fire or medical—and responders won’t be able to get in.”

Lemus is forced to drive through a neighbor’s yard to reach his house.

His neighbor, Paula Chacon, lives on what should be about 10.5 acres of dry land, now covered by five to six feet of water.

“We need help. Please help us, because we need access to our own homes,” Chacon pleaded.

In a text message to WTVT, Commissioner Jack Mariano stated that members of the county’s public works department plan to visit the community on Tuesday to determine possible solutions.

Several neighbors intend to attend this week’s Pasco County Commission meeting to address their concerns.

WTVT also reached out to Commissioner Ron Oakley, who represents Dade City. Oakley has not responded to multiple text messages, calls, or emails inquiring about his efforts to assist homeowners.

“It makes me very mad, because they don’t have problems taking my tax check every year,” said Lemus.

Governor Ron DeSantis’ office has also not responded to several emails requesting comment.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: WTVT)