Evacuation Order Issued in Elfers

As the Anclote River continues to rise toward its major flood stage, Pasco County officials have issued an evacuation order in the Elfers area.

The evacuation area is as follows:

• Main roadways – Celtic Drive and Elfers Parkway
• Northern boundary – State Road 54
• Southern boundary – Ella Lane
• Eastern boundary – Dellefiled Street and Riverbank Drive
• Western boundary – Glenside Drive

“The evacuation order is in anticipation of additional rain Sunday,” an email to media from the county to media stated. “The Anclote River is currently at 23.47 feet (and is) predicted to go to 24.5 feet at 8 p.m. Sunday night.” The river’s “major flood stage” is at 24 feet.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at First Presbyterian Church of Port Richey, 7540 Ridge Road, for affected residents. Staging for residents in need of transportation to the shelter is at the Beall’s Outlet store, 7101 State Road 54.

A flood watch remains in effect for Pasco County until 8 p.m. Sunday. A flood warning has been issued for the Anclote River area through 11:39 p.m. Monday. More rain is expected on Monday.

Patch file photo