Eye on the Tropics

Flooding leads to voluntary evacuation in Astor

ASTOR, Fla. — Residents are under a voluntary evacuation order Tuesday in Astor after city officials said floodwater has reached levels never before seen.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the St. Johns River near Astor.

Flooding has been reported at docks and yards at condominiums on Juno Trail and docks at Astor Bridge Marina, officials said.

On a road along Lake Harney, resident Charles Henry was working hard to clear debris before water got any closer to his home.

"It almost reached up into our house," he said. "But now they're been sending out flood warnings, about three of them today."

Roads are flooded in South Moon Fish Camp and water is starting to move over the seawall at Blair’s Jungle Den.

At Jolly Gator Fish Camp, Brook Absher and Corey Miller looked over the flood waters of the property where they plan to get married in a month.

"This is crazy," Absher said. "Usually there's land all out here. You can see it's just totally underwater."

A shelter, set up by a faith based organization, has been established for Astor residents. They are working directly with residents.

Some residents, like Louis Edwards, plans to stay at his home.

"I have plenty of gas for the generator, so I'm set," Edwards said.

A curfew is also in place from 9 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. for everyone except first responders.

People can pick up sandbags at Fire Station 10 at 23023 State Road 40.