Emergency water rescues are currently in progress in Hillsborough County, as reported by the sheriff's office. The situation involves individuals who are trapped at a Holiday Inn located near Interstate 4 in Plant City, east of Tampa. Water is reportedly rushing into the bottom floor of the hotel, prompting the need for immediate rescue efforts.
The exact number of individuals stranded at the hotel remains unknown, but Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that rescue operations are essential to ensure the safety of those affected. To reach individuals inside the hotel, rescuers are utilizing amphibious vehicles to navigate the flooded area.
Additionally, the sheriff's office is responding to a distress call from an assisted living facility where numerous patients are reportedly unable to evacuate due to flooding. Despite not being situated in a flood zone or evacuation area, the facility now finds itself inundated with water, leaving both residents and staff in a precarious situation.
Sheriff Chronister expressed surprise at the severity of the flooding, highlighting the unforeseen nature of the crisis. The assisted living facility, unprepared for such a deluge, now requires immediate assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of its occupants.
