‘It’s heartbreaking;’ Palm Bay family returns home to flood devastation
Marcus manages the day-to-day editorial workflow across all brands, coordinating coverage assignments and ensuring editorial standards are met. He previously served as city editor at the Pioneer Press and holds a degree in Political Science from Carleton College.
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Cleanup is underway in Brevard County after catastrophic and deadly flooding overtook streets, cars and homes, forcing families from their neighborhoods and leaving many unsure when they can return.In Palm Bay, piles of mattresses, couches and personal belongings lined neighborhood streets as residents spent the day pulling waterlogged items from their homes. For some families, it was the first time they were able to see the extent of the damage.Doreen Reda and her niece, Mandi Gallagher, returned to their Palm Bay home two days after leaving as floodwater began pouring inside.“Oh my God,” Reda said as she walked back into the home.The family had been staying at a Red Cross shelter in Melbourne before returning to the house, where they found soaked floors, lifting floorboards and the smell of mildew.“It’s heartbreaking,” Reda said.Gallagher said the flooding became frightening as the water rose.“You think some crazy things when something like this has happened,” Gallagher said. “This i