MELBOURNE, Fla. — Severe flooding has submerged parts of The Platt’s Patch in Melbourne, washing out internal roads and inundating animal enclosures as the owners work to keep their rescue animals safe.
The Platt family is using heavy equipment to move earth and build higher ground for the animals, including camels, horses, goats, and pigs. They have urged community members and volunteers to stay away from the property because of hazardous conditions.
“As much as we appreciate every single offer, it is simply too dangerous for anyone to come out here right now,” the family said. “With roads washing away and water continuing to flood our property, we don’t want anyone putting themselves in harm’s way.”
The family said protecting the animals and removing floodwater remained their immediate priorities.
“Right now, our biggest priority is getting this water out and keeping all of our animals safe,” they said.
The owners described the flooding as the worst they had experienced during their time on the property.
“In all our years out here, we have never seen flooding like this,” the family said, adding that “to say this flooding has been devastating is an understatement.”
While thanking neighbors and local supporters for reaching out, the family also warned residents not to travel through flooded areas.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this flooding,” they said. “Please, everyone, stay safe! Don’t attempt to drive through flooded or washed-out roads.”
Recovery efforts will begin once conditions allow, the family said.
“For now, we just need the water to go down and some time to start putting everything back together.”
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