News Summary
On May 12, St. Petersburg, Florida, faced significant flooding due to heavy rainfall, with local authorities warning residents about hazardous conditions. Video evidence showed vehicles struggling through deep waters on Interstate 75 and emergency responders addressing stranded cars. Many residents, especially near Lake Maggiore Park, encountered homes affected by over two feet of water, complicating recovery efforts. With some neighborhoods still without power, community support grew as organizations stepped up to assist those in need, while city crews initiated cleanup efforts as conditions are expected to improve.
St. Petersburg, Florida experienced significant flooding on May 12 due to heavy rainfall, which prompted local authorities to caution residents about dangerous conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) had previously warned that storms could deliver up to four inches of rain, leading to widespread disruptions across the area, notably on Interstate 75.
Videos captured during the flood by local resident Franklin Alves showed vehicles struggling through the deep waters on the interstate. Emergency responders were also seen managing the impacts, with a police cruiser observed next to a damaged car, while two other vehicles were left stranded. The flooding caused multiple disruptions and safety hazards for drivers.
As of Monday following the storm, many local residents near Lake Maggiore Park faced challenging situations as extensive flooding affected their homes. Reports indicated that some homes sustained damages from about two feet of water. In addition, approximately 232,000 Duke Energy customers remained without power due to the storm’s impact, complicating recovery efforts and delaying damage assessments.
The aftermath of Hurricane Milton further strained resources, with numerous residents finding themselves without basic utilities. The direct result of heavy rainfall coupled with storm surges that peaked at 6.3 feet—exceeding the previous record of 3.97 feet from Hurricane Helene—left many neighborhoods grappling with significant flooding.
Although residents faced dire circumstances, a positive community sentiment emerged amidst the chaos. Individuals expressed solidarity and support for one another, with many local organizations and nonprofits stepping in to provide essential resources to adversely affected low-income communities.
Currently, the city is in phase one of cleanup efforts, as noted by local representatives, who assured that crews are working continuously to restore safety across neighborhoods. Observations in the area highlight not only the street-level flooding but also stranded vehicles and properties severely impacted by the elevated water levels.
In the wake of these events, it is crucial for residents to remain informed about ongoing efforts and resources available to them as they navigate this challenging situation. Drier conditions are anticipated for the remainder of the week, potentially allowing for recovery and restoration activities to gain traction.
This recent flooding incident in St. Petersburg highlights the vulnerabilities that coastal cities face during extreme weather events. As residents begin to assess the damage and cope with the aftermath, the diligence of local organizations and municipal agencies will be paramount to ensuring recovery and support in the coming weeks.
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Additional Resources
- KYMA News
- Wikipedia: Flood
- FOX 13 News
- Google Search: St. Petersburg Florida flood
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Milton flood
- FOX Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding in coastal cities
- Washington Post
- Google News: Florida flood May 2025
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
