Alligators and venomous snakes reported near homes as Florida residents remain trapped by floodwaters

Flooding spreads through Riverwalk

Residents in the Florida community of Riverwalk have been trapped at home for days after a historic rainstorm. Floodwaters rose high enough for fish, venomous snakes and alligators to swim close to homes.

Residents said every street in the gated community had significant flooding, unlike anything they had seen before. Don Gentile told WPTV, “It’s like an apocalyptic-type event.” Gentile said he hoped the water would recede from the roads, but noted that every street in the community had some flooding.

Alligator encountered near home

While Gentile was walking a WPTV reporter to his backyard, they came across an alligator. His neighbor, James Whited, was shocked by the animal’s size. The flooding has made it difficult for some families to drive through the neighborhood. Some children have also been unable to reach school, according to the report.

Residents question emergency planning

Blake Zeitz told WPTV that flooding in the main office area was the only thing keeping him from going to school. Resident Debra Zeitz said Palm Beach County is familiar with hurricanes, water and rain. She questioned why an event like this could not be predicted or met with an emergency response plan.