Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Irma has been gone for well over a month now but the after effects linger. Many areas of central Florida are still experiencing flooding and many parks and recreational areas are still closed.

The first shots are of High Banks Marina on the St. John's River in DeBary. The pink bench normally sits several feet above water level on a wide earthen wall that separates the marina (on the far right) from the river. Most of the green in the area now is floating duckweed and water hyacinths. The trees on the far side of the river were stripped of most of their leaves by Irma. The water is starting to recede and has already gone down a couple of inches.

The second group of shots are from Gemini Springs Park in Debary.
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High Banks Marina on the St. John's River - could now be called No Banks Marina!

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Public boat ramp at High Banks-the railings are where the dock starts on each side of the ramp.

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The floating gas dock is normally against the bank.

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This is a closer view of the bench by the boat ramp. Not a good place to sit right now.

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At Gemini Springs everything seems normal - at first. The official greeter is on duty!

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The earthen causeway doesn't change the water level but it provides access to the far side of the park. It is normally a few feet above water level.

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Another bench that really isn't for sitting at the moment!

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Even flooded, it is a very pretty park.

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If the idea of wading out to a bench appeals, it probably isn't a good idea!

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angler Loc: StHelens England

It's very sad the amount of damage done but hopefully things will return to normal soon.Excellent shots Carol and i would'nt fancy wading out to that Bench either.

Hank Radt

Good photos, and nice use of narrative (captions) to tell the story.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Wow, boated by there many times but never after a storm.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Well shot set of photos and very informational, Carol. I want to say I enjoyed viewing them, but "enjoy" seems quite insensitive to those still trying to wade out of the aftermath. Even for those of us who have suffered the destructive power of nature, it is easy to forget that just because something is no longer front-page news, it doesn't mean the story is over. Was that really more than a month ago? I hope Irma is no longer affecting your day-to-day life.

And I agree, the overflown banks can't take away the beauty of the area.

blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area

So sad to see all that, let's hope it all goes back as it was before Irma.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Right where we are the only lingering issues are the brush piled by the side of most street and the flooding. There are only a few flooded homes. It is mostly waterfront parks and wildlife areas. I'm not complaining in any way. There are other parts of the state that were hit much harder and of course places like Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands that were really devastated by the other storms.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Thank you, Hank! I enjoy putting together posts with a story to tell.

angler Loc: StHelens England

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

Old Sammy bushy tail better not get too close or Mr Gator or he will have him for lunch. And I don't mean as a guest.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

We went out on the river once last year after Matthew. The river was high but nearly this high. It did't seem safe - too much floating debris, fast currents and the landmarks don't look the same.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Thank you, Sherry. We are doing just fine and the inconveniences are minor. Except for the very hard hit areas, recovery just takes a little time. When I see what is happening in California, I feel very fortunate. Storm damage, except in severe cases, is not neverly as devastating as fire.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Mike, I'm sure things will be back to normal before long. Your fires will probably have a more lasting effect. I am glad the wildlife areas are starting to re-open. It is beginning to cool off a little and it's almost time for birding.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Old Sammy doesn't seem to be much afraid of anything! That gator was just drifting along, probably waiting for a meal to approach him.

Gary K Loc: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Carol, great photos. I can imagine being along a river with relatively flat topography, its takes a bit longer for flood water to recited. Even with the unfortunate flooding, the area within almost walking distance from your home, are exceptionally beautiful. I love your alligator shot. The best I can come up with is a turtle or possible a frog.

Great pics. Thank you for sharing.
Gary