Residents of Hillsborough County are still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Debby, as lingering floodwaters pose threats to safety and mobility. The National Weather Service has maintained its flood warnings for various parts of the county, including the areas around the Alafia River near Lithia Pinecrest Road, the Little Manatee River near Wimauma at U.S. 301, and sections of the Hillsborough River at Morris Bridge and Hillsborough River State Park.

Local authorities are issuing cautions, urging the community to adhere to safety protocols, particularly when navigating affected regions. As reported by Hillsborough County, "Though water is beginning to recede, please remember that when rivers rise, water tends to spread out far from riverbanks." In this scenario, seemingly shallow water can swiftly become perilous with depths reaching several feet.

The perils of driving through floodwaters are stark, with the catchphrase "Turn around; don’t drown" serving as a grim reminder of the potential consequences. The county's message stresses the deceptive nature of floodwaters and the hazards of vehicular navigation amidst storm debris. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and avoid traversing through these high-risk zones, according to Hillsborough County.

Official updates and continuous monitoring are critical for public safety during this period of gradual recovery from Hurricane Debby's impact. As recovery efforts unfold, community members are encouraged to keep informed through trusted sources.