Residents of Kissimmee community grateful to return home despite Irma's mess

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Flood waters started to recede as hundreds of Kissimmee residents returned to their homes Monday to see what damage Hurricane Irma caused.

But many residents whose homes were in the low-lying areas still can't go home.

“We were given about 20 minutes to get out. They kept telling us, 'You might want to evacuate.' Then it came down to 'You must evacuate.' And that was about 20 minutes,” said resident Ele McLaughlin.

McLaughlin said her home was in a low-lying area of the community. She said her friend was able to see to her home.

“She said she looked over toward my way and it looks good. So I'm hoping that it will be alright,” she said.

The flood water also spilled into nearby neighborhoods.

Many apartment units were heavily damaged. A strong odor of sewage still emanates from the community.

There’s still lots of standing water, where a car remained partially submerged.

Photos: Flooding from Irma in Kissimmmee 55+ community

Officials with the Good Samaritan in Kissimmee Village said 80 percent of the apartment units in the community will need to be renovated. The complex has about 525 units.

“Have you heard anything about your area?” asked WFTV reporter Steve Barrett.

“No. None of us have. Some of us had water when we left, and some of us haven't had water when we left,” said resident Joan Murphy.

Murphy said she expects to be home by Wednesday.

The ones who have returned said they’re grateful to be back home, even with the big cleanup process ahead and the odor.

“I don’t think we’re going to be playing golf any time soon,” said resident Alan Lampela.

About 60 special needs residents have been returned to the Healthcare Center in Volusia County, and other residents who were allowed to return will be brought home by bus with police escorts.

Read: 300 evacuated from Kissimmee community hit hard by Irma flooding

However, on the community's website, a warning to residents was posted that the remaining flood water is contaminated.

Residents who were not able to return to their homes were invited to a meeting on Tuesday at the community church.

Only residents whose homes were damaged were asked to attend the meeting because of limited space in the church.

There are two other meeting Tuesday, where residents said they hope to find out when the evacuation will be lifted.

Cox Media Group