Manatee County residents, reeling from Debby, prepare for next potential storm

Tropical Storm Debby may have been weeks ago, but the emotions are still fresh.

“Electrical systems damaged and all my book collections ruined,” said 84-year-old Ron Booher.

“It’s gone. Everything I saved. I have albums. They’re gone,” said 84-year-old Josie Booher. “Everything’s gone.”

The Boohers walked ABC Action News through their home in Parrish, severely damaged from flooding after Debby with about a foot and a half of water.

They’ve lived there for 20 years and said they’ve never seen flooding like it.

“I can’t think straight. It’s just affected me so much, and but thank god we made it out,” said Josie. “They took us out by boat. Water up to here. They just said you have 15 minutes to get out.”

“Overwhelmed,” said Ron. “Just too much for us. We’re 84. At that age, it’s hard to handle.”

They, along with their neighbors and many families in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, are still rebuilding after Debby inundated some areas with flooding and rain in August.

“They had to tear the walls down and replaster, and then you have to treat them for mold,” said Josie.

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