Residents of Port Orange expressed deep concerns during a recent government meeting regarding the devastating impact of flooding in their neighborhoods, particularly in Cambridge. Many homeowners, including those who have lived in the area for decades, shared harrowing personal accounts of their experiences with repeated flooding, inadequate insurance coverage, and the emotional toll of potential foreclosure.

One resident recounted losing their home to flooding just weeks after moving in, highlighting the lack of flood insurance due to the neighborhood's previous designation as a non-flood zone. This individual emphasized the community's resilience, noting that neighbors have banded together to support one another in the aftermath of the disaster. However, they voiced frustration over the neighborhood's reclassification and questioned why it was not reinstated as a flood zone after Hurricane Ian, which had previously caused significant damage.

Another resident, Cindy Batcher, shared her traumatic experience of being rescued from her flooded home with her infant grandson. She detailed the financial burden of repairing her home after multiple floods, including taking out loans to cover the costs. Batcher expressed disappointment in the city’s response to the flooding crisis, questioning how tax dollars are being utilized to support affected residents.

The meeting underscored a growing sense of urgency among residents for government action to address the flooding issues and provide assistance to those impacted. Many homeowners are grappling with the reality of diminished property values and the fear of losing their homes, raising critical questions about the future of their community and the effectiveness of local flood management strategies.