JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Residents who evacuated coastal communities in northeast Florida because of Hurricane Matthew started to return home over the weekend.
Gov. Rick Scott on Sunday visited Jacksonville Beach, where he met with residents and spoke to officials about the storm's damage and recovery efforts.
Homeowners in Summer Haven returned home to discover that Matthew’s powerful storm surge washed away a main road when it passed near the St. Augustine area.
"When we came down and turned off of Gene Johnson (Road), it looked like an earthquake more than a hurricane," George Linardois said as he assessed the damage.
Many homes in the area remained without power over the weekend.
Some homeowners in Jacksonville Beach said their homes were spared.
"I actually evacuated, but my dad stayed, and he told me flooding was minimal. Nothing really came and hit us right here," Jason Chrisman said.
Other homes suffered more damage.
"The floors lifted up. There's still water under the floor," a resident said.