PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The street of Sistina is still flooded, with a staggering 7 inches of water pooling in the wake of a fierce storm that unleashed several inches of rain within just 90 minutes on Wednesday night.
This troubling situation unfolded just days after Hurricane Helene had left its mark along the Southwest Florida coast, leaving residents grappling with the residual impacts of nature’s fury.
While most roads in Port Charlotte were dry by Thursday morning, areas of Sistina Street adjacent to Aburto Lane remained submerged, reflecting ongoing challenges faced by the community.
Deborah Nickerson, a long-standing resident of this neighborhood, expressed her frustration over the flooding that forced her to cancel essential plans. “My day moving forward, I’m not going to be able to go to the grocery store. That was my plan for today,” she lamented, her voice tinged with worry. “But I just want it fixed — I don’t want to lose my house,” she added, a haunting reminder of her past losses. “I lost my house during Hurricane Charlie,” Nickerson recounted, an echo of sorrow clinging to her words.
Watch to see how deep the water was on the street
“WE ARE DESPERATE”: Port Charlotte street still flooded after Wednesday night storms
Having lived on Sistina for over two decades, Nickerson has witnessed a troubling cycle of flooding, stating, “The rainfall on Wednesday caused more flooding than Hurricane Helene in September.” The accumulated water from even a “nuisance rain,” as she described it, impedes daily life. “You can see it was all the way up to here; that’s the water line from last night,” she gestured at her home, distressed remnants of the storm still cluttering her yard.
Fortunately, her belongings remain safe for now. Yet with a growing concern, Nickerson fears the water may soon invade her home. “I’ve been in contact with Charlotte County over the years,” she shared, recognizing their efforts but feeling a sense of urgency.
As predictions of 4 to 6 inches of additional rain loom over the weekend, despair brews within her. “I’m at my dire situation right now. I need someone to do something,” she urged, a call for action that resonates deeply. “I don’t care who, but somebody has to fix this,” her plea echoed across the troubled street.
The flooding on Sistina, she noted, stems from runoff, particularly from the nearby golf course. “We had 4 inches of rain in about 90 minutes early yesterday evening,” she explained. While much of the water has receded, lingering designations of standing water remain, especially in areas close to the golf course, further complicating her daily life and that of her neighbors.
