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More rain brings more flooding to Everglades City

Posted at 7:40 PM, Jun 07, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-08 07:24:57-04

While residents in Everglades City were still dealing with flooded streets, parking lots and yards from Tuesday's heavy downpour, another round of torrential rains came through late Wednesday afternoon to replace the water that had drained.

"There's a lot more water on the streets than we expected," said Richard Barnett of Lely, who came to Everglades City to dine at the Island Cafe. "I kind of expected a little water, but not as bad as it is."

Several inches of water was still standing in many side streets of the town much of Wednesday, before a storm rolled in bringing several more inches, as well as thunder and lightning.

Ramona Lyon is trying to fix up the historic Bank of the Everglades building as a bed and breakfast. Even before the additional rain on Wednesday, the building's roof was already leaking after Tuesday's storms.

"This time, so fast and so hard that the popcorn in the ceiling started falling down...just pouring everywhere," Lyon said.

She said it's hard for the rain from the leaks to drain with the water on the ground so high.

"Last night the water started coming up through the floor again," Lyon said. "It was just running like a river through here."

Lyon had hoped to have a grand opening for the bed and breakfast on July 4th, but said it won't be ready by then. She plans to make repairs and open within the next several months.