EUSTIS, Fla. – Eustis officials provided an update on a partially collapsed bridge that was damaged when the city recently received 19.7 inches of rain in a four-to-six hour period.
The bridge, also described as a “large culvert system” by Eustis Fire Chief Michael Swanson is the only entrance to a Spring Ridge Estates, forcing residents to evacuate.
“The city of Eustis is paying a lot of attention to it because this site is also a main conduit for our utilities,” Chief Swanson said at a news conference on Monday.
Swanson said a force main for sewer and a water main that runs under the bridge as well as the main power for a nearby lift station.
“If the force main were to collapse, it would impact all of the rest of the homes in here and other areas also. So we do have a vested interest in this area,” Swanson said.
However, Swanson said they have a sewer bypass and backup that could be up and running within an eight-hour period is the force main does fail.
Swanson also noted that the homes in the affected neighborhood r are evacuated and will remain evacuated until officials can figure out how to get water back to them and get a safe way for vehicles to get back into the properties
The bridge sustained further structural damage on Friday, rendering it completely impassable, officials said.
Creek Lane Run in Spring Ridge Estates will remain closed for the foreseeable future, according to city officials.
The damage comes days after record rainfall -- up to 19 inches in some areas -- flooded portions of Central Florida, especially in Lake and Brevard counties.
[WATCH BELOW: Homes evacuated after bridge partially collapses in Eustis neighborhood]
The bridge is the only way in or out for residents of 21 homes, who were told to leave and turn the power to their houses off because fire trucks were unable to get across the bridge, if needed.
“We had about 15 minutes to grab everything that we owned, whatever we can carry and, you know, leave,” Bob Hoffman said. “It’s just kind of crazy. What do you grab? What do you do? Where do you go?”
[VIDEO BELOW: Flooding washes out Lake County roads]
The bridge is privately owned and maintained by the Spring Ridge Estates HOA. City of Eustis staff have been coordinating closely with HOA representatives, Lake County Emergency Management, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Eustis Public Works to evaluate the next steps.
Earlier Friday, Eustis Fire Chief Michael Swanson said water was eroding the foundation of the bridge.
“Every hour, every day that goes on that’s not being taken care of, more of the bridge is collapsing and more is going to be needed to be repaired,” Swanson said.
Twelve of the displaced families have been temporarily relocated to hotels, and residents said the event has been shocking to live through.
“It’s quite impressive what water can do and in a matter of a couple of days, you see the results of this,” James Dillon said. “Now time is ticking. We’ve got to come up with a good action plan and be able to get this bridge restored.”
Swanson said the city tried to shore up the bridge on Thursday, but a major section collapses around 7 p.m., prompting the evacuation order.
[BELOW: Bridge to 21 homes in Eustis sustains more damage, closed for foreseeable future]
“We’ve just never seen anything like this. We’ve had hurricanes, we’ve had weather, but nothing like this,” said Theo Bobb, who lives in Spring Ridge Estates.
The city also shut off water to the neighborhood because the sidewalk collapsed on the main waterline, Swanson said.
City crews were working to shore up the remaining portions of the bridge while long-term repair plans are developed.
“We remain committed to protecting our community from ongoing erosion risks and will continue to monitor conditions throughout the city,” Swanson said.
On Monday evening, the Spring Ridge Estates Homeowners’ Association held a meeting for residents.
Several people came out, including Devona Alwine, who was also evacuated last week as a result of a washout.
After Monday’s HOA meeting, Alwine said she had mixed emotions.
“Normally, we all don’t get together like this, but now this happened,” Alwine said. “So we’re hoping everybody can band together and get this project fixed.”
Alwine said they were given 15 minutes to evacuate. She had to leave with her grandson and two dogs.
‘We just want to get all of us, even my grandson Liam," Alwin said. “He’s ready to go home. It’s just a lot on him.”