River Could Start To Recede This Weekend

    Two weeks after Hurricane Ian rolled across Central Florida, Astor is still reeling from massive amounts of water brought to the area by the storm. After having peaked at 4.72 feet above flood stage, a new recorded record, in the days following the storm, the St. Johns River in Astor has remained frustratingly high.
   On Tuesday, the river was at 4.5 feet, well above the 4.0-foot level that the US Geological Survey defines as 'major'. The river was expected to stay in the 4.4 into the weekend, when it could dip to 4.3 feet above flood stage, or possibly even a bit lower.
   Astor is facing two problems from Ian, the first being the huge amounts of water that was dropped by the storm throughout areas south of Astor that is now trying to flow north. Additionally, periodic winds that come from the north slow, or even reverse, the river’s flow, compressing water in the Astor area.
   Since last weekend, the river has remained at least 4.4 feet above flood stage, resulting in areas of Astor, and the community of Volusia on the Volusia County side of the river, remaining underwater. Area residents report continued trouble attempting to get to and from their homes, with some still struggling with water inside their residences.
   It is hoped that while things aren’t getting much better for flood victims, maybe things won’t get worse for the community.
   “We expect the river to rise this week, but not beyond the previous high,” said Michael Tart, who has overseen support of residents through Lake Support And Emergency Recovery, the area non-profit that supports community response to emergency situations. Tart said he believes LASER has been able to stabilize situations for roughly 432 families impacted by Ian.
   "We've had one come up today that we haven't taken care of yet, but I think other than that all needs have been met," Tart said on Monday. Included in LASER's response to the storm's impact in Astor was to facilitate donated food distribution to the community and supporting an estimated 200 vehicles needed by residents.
   Additionally, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has continued its presence in the community, operating a special response unit at the First Baptist Church of Astor that has sought to provide additional law enforcement oversight and support residents as needed.