New Port Richey, Florida -- The smell is disgusting, residents say, and the damage is depressing. In fact, it's been so bad President Obama has declared Pasco County, along with four others, major disaster areas.
The flooding in Pasco was so dire during Tropical Storm Debby, that septic tanks overflowed and local lakes backed up resulting in raw sewage flowing through the streets of Pasco County.
"We feel like third class citizens over here," says resident Stan Shaver. "They have neglected to do anything except drive through here and look, they don't do nothing."
The question is, why hasn't the water receded? It's been more than a week.
Residents claim the County isn't doing enough.
"I've been calling in, my neighbors been calling in," says Dan Baird. "We'll have somebody call you. Ain't nobody call me.
"That's all we're looking for, for them to do the right thing in a respectful considerate professional manner," Shaver says. "That's all we're looking for."
So, 10 News stepped in as an advocate for the community.
"We appreciate your effort, for everything y'all have done. Your presence out here has had a little push in the correct direction," says Shaver.
"I appreciate you guys coming out here taking the time to come out here and talk with us," says Baird.
We went straight to the County with residents' concerns and within 24 hours, they held an emergency commission meeting to help solve the flooding crisis.
"This is a federal emergency, so, you've got your have's and have-not's. Some of the people are being treated like second class citizens," says Pasco County Commissioner Ann Hildebrand.
Commissioners passed a resolution to extend the state of emergency for the county for the next seven days, which could help residents get federal dollars in aid.
Also, the county is sending out portable bathrooms and showering stations to the hardest hit areas like Cameo Drive and Sunrise Lane.
"We feel it's pretty sad that if you don't have the media as a voice then you're not heard, so we appreciate everything you guys have done for us in this situation," says Shaver.
With the President's declaration Tuesday, Pasco--along with Baker, Bradford, Columbia and Wakulla counties--can receive federal assistance including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and low-cost loans to cover individuals and business owners.
FEMA is currently assessing the damage in other areas and may add more counties which could result in additional federal assistance to those who qualify.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance Wednesday by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.