30 Evacuated From Largo Neighborhood, Shelter Opened

LARGO, FL — As floodwaters related to heavy rainfall dumped on the area courtesy of Tropical Storm Colin continued to rise Tuesday, the Largo Fire Department suspected problems might crop up at Mariner’s Cove Mobile Home Park off 58th Avenue.

They were right.

At 8 a.m. Tuesday, the fire department began a voluntary evacuation of the park to help residents escape rising waters. Hoping to expedite the process and make it easier on residents, firefighters reached out to the police department for a little help.

Police were happy to oblige, an email from the agency stated. They brought out their Police Emergency Response Vehicle, which can travel through high water levels. Together officers and firefighters went door to door to help residents who wanted to evacuate leave their homes, the email said.

“The police drove people out of the affected area as the Fire Department, using a small inflatable boat, took people from their homes to our waiting response vehicle,” the email said.

While the evacuation was voluntary, police noted it was strongly encouraged. Water in some areas was estimated to be more than 3 ½ feet deep.

A total of 30 people were evacuated with some opting to shelter in place or stay with neighbors. A shelter has also been set up at the Ross Norton Complex, 14265 Martin Luther King Ave., Clearwater, to assist those evacuated.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Duke Energy had shut off power to the affected area. Pinellas County Animal Control, Sunstar EMS and PSTA also assisted residents.

It is unclear how soon residents will be able to return to their homes.

Photo courtesy of the Largo Police Department

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