Flooding

Flooding

By: Megan Chewning

This month, the BOW crew visited some amazing places along some of our rivers here in Florida. Each location was just as gorgeous as the next. These waterways have so much history and raw beauty. They each have their own unique characteristics that make them magnificent. However, every river we visited all had one thing in common: flooding. As you probably already read in this issue, the Suwannee River is the last remaining “wild” river in Florida. Those who have the privilege of having a house or cabin on that river are proud that it has kept its natural setting, free of marinas and big commerce. If there is anything to describe that river in my mind, it would be serene. You are simply surrounded by nature everywhere you look. The Suwannee River also has a major variance in flood levels. We were able to see just how high those waters go. Many of the homes sit far back on their properties away from the bank and some, we were told, are just waiting, preparing for the day when the lower level of their home floods. St. Johns does not have the same history however it was much higher than normal when we visited due to the after effects of Hurricane Ian. Many parts of Astor were still under water and some businesses were completely shut down because of it. We often saw homes where sandbags did no justice and people walking in rain boots just to get to and from their mailbox. If you live in Florida, near a waterway of any kind, you usually have to have flood insurance on your home. You get it, never really assuming you would have to deal with flooding in your lifetime but you always know the threat is there. Many people don’t really understand how dangerous flooding can be. After Hurricane Ian, the flooding in many areas is really what caused the most damage and is still wreaking havoc today. With the rising water levels comes bacteria, diseases, loss of electricity, lack of clean water, and the list goes on. So what keeps us from drowning when the water levels get so high? You can only tread water so long before your body starts to grow weary and give up. Thankfully, God sent us a boat to save us… that boat came in the form of a baby, Jesus Christ. This Christmas season, remember to celebrate knowing that you never have to worry about the flooding in life. Jesus is our boat and he came to save the world! (The colored bands on the pole in this image show the Suwannee River’s high water marks at the Branford Boat Ramp during times of flooding.)

58 BETTER OFF WET | OCTOBER 2022