Gulfport Senior Center Volunteer Pulled From Submerged Car

ST. PETERSBURG – A 61-year-old driver was pulled from a submerged Nissan when she tried to avoid street flooding and drove into a drainage culvert.

Iris Levy of St. Petersburg was rescued by a pair of bystanders who pulled her through the window of her vehicle, according to the St. Petersburg Fire Department. The two left the scene, after bringing her to safety.

"It just wasn't my time," Levy said later. "I'm going to say a few extra prayers this Sunday for sure."

According to the SPFD, Levy was driving to volunteer at the Gulfport Senior Center at around 11 a.m. Wednesday, as it rained heavily in St. Petersburg and much of Pinellas County.

Levy could see drivers stalling in high water in front of her, so she decided to make a U-turn on 58th Street North.

As she made the turn, she drove in a drainage culvert that runs north and south along 58th Street North.

As her 2006 Nissan started to sink, Levy said she began honking her car horn. She tried to open the car door but the water pressure prevented it.

Two bystanders saw her car sinking and waded into the water. Levy said that they advised her to stay calm, undo her safety belt and climb out the window. The bystanders helped her to safety.

They left before Levy could get their names, but Levy told the SPFD that she thanked them. She was not hurt in the incident.

At 11:20 a.m., St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue workers responded to a report of a car underwater. Fire crews found the silver 2006 Nissan
Altima completely submerged. 

The SPFD stated that Levy hopes her experience is a warning to other drivers to be safe during storms and street flooding.