Palm Bay families salvage what they can as flood debris lines curbs

Families in Palm Bay are sorting through waterlogged belongings as Brevard County opens a new portal to connect residents with volunteer cleanup crews. The city is also holding two information sessions Friday to discuss next steps for long-term recovery.

Julie Angulo stood outside her mother’s home on Wednesday, watching workers move ruined items to the curb. Judith Vega has lived in the house for more than 30 years. Angulo said the loss is difficult to process as the debris piles up.

“She worked hard to provide us a home,” Angulo said. “It feels like it’s gone. I’m grateful she’s here, but it’s hard to see anything else right now for her.”

Vega described the moment the water rushed into the house. “The water got so strong, so heavy,” Vega said. “Anything that was on the floor was floating around inside the house.”

Three days after the flood, the damage remains visible. Floors in Vega’s home are still wet, fans run continuously, and water pools in the back of her car. Neighbors have helped each other clean up, and a local veterinarian helped board family pets. City garbage crews have begun moving through affected areas, but piles of flood-damaged debris continue to grow.

Brevard County is now accepting requests for free assistance. The program connects homeowners with volunteer organizations that help remove mud, ruined furniture, wet flooring, and damp drywall. Services are free, but assistance is not guaranteed. Residents must submit one request per household and provide their name, contact information, household details, and photos of the damage.

The City of Palm Bay is hosting two flood recovery information sessions Friday. The first runs from 9 to 11 a.m. at Palm Bay City Hall. A second session is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Tony Rosa Community Center. Officials say further discussions about long-term recovery efforts are expected in the coming weeks.