St. Augustine residents weigh in on new 'No Wake' law during tidal flooding
Share this @internewscast.com

Cordova Street has been inundated with flooding with high tides pushing several inches of water into the street.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Parts of St. Augustine have been taking on water for days, leaving neighbors with flooded streets from the high tides.

The general feeling among neighbors who spoke with a First Coast News team is that the flooding wouldn’t be too problematic if drivers didn’t insist on speeding through it and creating wakes that flood their properties.

Florida lawmakers passed a “No Wake” law this year designed to give them a little help.

“Beautiful,” said Susan Meyerson, who lives on Cordova Street near downtown St. Augustine. “I love St. Augustine.”

Meyerson landed her little slice of paradise last year when she retired to her dream spot in St. Augustine.

However, the price of paradise on Cordova Street is flooding at some high tides.

“I was aware this street flooded during hurricanes, but I wasn’t aware it happened during king tides,” Meyerson said. “I didn’t even know what a king tide was until December.”

Meyerson mentions that the flooding often recedes almost as quickly as it arrives, so she has become accustomed to staying put and watching the chaos as cars attempt to drive through it.

“Cars are driving down the street and causing rooster tails of water if they drive too fast,” Meyerson said.

Florida lawmakers implemented a new “No Wake” law, effective from July, permitting law enforcement to issue tickets to drivers who generate an excessive wake on a flooded street.

“That water is pushing into people’s yards and up close to their homes,” said Nancy Guarnieri, who also lives on Cordova Street.

The new law doesn’t specify an amount for a citation, but classifies it as a moving violation, which Florida statutes set the default at $60.

“It’s great, but I’m not sure how you enforce that,” Meyerson said. “If I were a police officer, I wouldn’t want to be on this corner when it’s flooding.”

Meyerson says she’s yet to get water in her home from the wakes, but says it’s come pretty close.

That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an impact.

“The landscaping stones here, when the tide rises, are pushed up against the house,” said Mitch Keady, who claims he must rake the stones every time it floods. “They form piles.”

Meyerson will keep trying to wave at cars to turn around when they hit Cordova during the flooded, trying to save one vacation at a time from being ruined by a stalled car.

“I mean, they’re tourists, they don’t know these roads are flooded,” Meyerson said. “This has been a nightmare.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Mundelein boy learns at Chicago Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Spider-Man exhibit he's going to Disneyland

Young Superhero’s Dream Comes True at Chicago’s Griffin Museum: Surprise Trip to Disneyland Unveiled!

CHICAGO (WLS) — A young local boy received a holiday surprise that…
Florida deputy with 25 years on force killed serving eviction notice; suspect, locksmith also shot: sheriff

Tragedy in Florida: Veteran Deputy Killed During Eviction Notice Turned Deadly Shooting

A deputy sheriff from Florida lost her life in the line of…
Jacksonville-based company tallies loss of 181 shipping containers as barge returns to Florida

Jacksonville Firm Reports Loss of 181 Shipping Containers During Barge’s Return to Florida

A mechanical failure has led to a significant cargo loss for Trailer…
Marjorie Taylor Greene Announces She Will Resign in January

Breaking: Marjorie Taylor Greene to Resign from Congress in January 2024

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) disclosed that she plans to step down…
Missouri judge who wore Elvis wigs in courtroom agrees to resign after 'integrity' concerns

Missouri Judge Steps Down Amid Concerns Over Courtroom Conduct and Professional Integrity

A Missouri judge known for his unique courtroom antics, including donning Elvis…
Beverly Hills Security Expert’s Dire Warning Ignored Before Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

Beverly Hills Security Expert’s Unheeded Warning: The Ominous Prelude to Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

Kris Herzog, one of Beverly Hills’ most respected and battle-tested security professionals,…
New Orleans not taking crime 'seriously enough,' says carjacking victim's daughter as federal operation looms

Daughter of Carjacking Victim Criticizes New Orleans’ Approach to Crime Amid Upcoming Federal Intervention

The daughter of a woman tragically killed in a 2018 carjacking in…
Shooting at North Carolina Christmas tree lighting leaves 4 people wounded

Tragic Holiday Event: North Carolina Christmas Tree Lighting Marred by Shooting, Injuring Four

A Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Concord, North Carolina, was marred by…
Freed sex offender allegedly poses as doctor, sexually assaults student at Arizona elementary school: police

Freed Sex Offender Accused of Impersonating Doctor and Assaulting Student in Arizona School, Police Report

In a deeply troubling incident that has sent shockwaves through the community,…
Judge sets bail for Curt Andersen of Whitestown, Indiana, charged with voluntary manslaughter in shooting death of house cleaner

Whitestown Resident Curt Andersen Granted Bail in Voluntary Manslaughter Case Involving House Cleaner Shooting

In Boone County, Indiana, a tragic case is unfolding as a judge…
Nets close strong to stun Celtics at TD Garden

Brooklyn Nets Pull Off Stunning Comeback Victory Against Boston Celtics at TD Garden

Revenge can be a powerful motivator, and the Brooklyn Nets proved just…
Chicago train attack suspect ordered by judge to remain in custody ahead of trial

Judge Orders Chicago Train Attack Suspect to Stay in Custody Until Trial

A man accused of setting a young woman on fire on a…