Damage in two South Polk County areas

Both residents and pets alike were rescued from floodwaters in Holiday Lake Estates. Photo by Brian Besch

]By Brian Besch
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Over 700 homes are said to have flooded in Polk County, and two of the most impacted areas are Holiday Lake Estates and Taylor Lake Estates.

With water pouring into areas of the two neighborhoods on the south end of the county, volunteer fire departments and game wardens have made fine sweeps in boats.

Game wardens said many residents were hesitant to leave, but some have accepted help when offered.

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The Holiday Lake Estates Volunteer Fire Department had those wishing to stay write their social security number in marker on their arm, in order to be identified if the worst were to occur.

An estimate of 10 to 15 houses were strongly encouraged to evacuate that refused in Holiday Lake Estates. HLEVFD officials are still able to reach houses, but rising, fast water along with low power lines has begun to make rescues even more dangerous.

HLEVFD has rescued approximately 25 people over Thursday and Friday, while game wardens have pulled in around 40 residents in that same time period. Almost as many pets came along for the watercraft rides.

A large gap in Ridgewood Road that was washed out had officials looking for a possible alternate route out of Holiday Lake Estates.

Polk County Precinct 1 officials are concerned as water began to pour over Taylor Lake Circle at a levee. Precinct 1 officials fear the river on one side of the road flooding into George Taylor Lake on the other, filling it quickly. There are also concerns of asphalt possibly peeling that would leave a high traffic road area in need of major repairs.