21 years old and in college. Laryssa Oquendo does not have a lot of extra cash.
"It was that torn...it was very large," said Oquendo pointing to her tire. "It was a $1,000 deductible"
The last thing she needed after hitting her tire on a pothole
"I think they are horrific, and I feel there are more and more," she said.
Her friend and fellow college student Amanda McClintock has had her fair share of troubles too.
"They just pop up everywhere and they are really inconvenient. There are so many of them. It is impossible to avoid them in Tampa," said McClintock.
Repairs are always in overdrive after heavy storms. All that water gets in the asphalt and erodes the base causing a collapse.
"We have two crews out working and we are addressing hem. By the end of the week we will have them all cleared up," said Jean Duncan Tampa's Director of Stormwater and Transportation.
Duncan also said this year a bonus.
"Without that storm water flood water sitting on the street that long that minimized the potholes this time," said Duncan.
And all the credit doesn't go to Mother Nature. Last years relentless flooding led to some five thousand potholes.
And, what added to the problem in 2015 was Tampa's largest pumping station was in desperate need of upgrades..
That's happened this year which means less water on the roads
"It makes me feel a lot more reassured," said Oquenda.
And more news that might help. City council's recent approval of a $250 million dollar plan to upgrade the storm water system. will also help with potholes. Even though that means the first bill hike in decades
"There are things that aren't worth paying for but this time our money is being used for the good problem of potholes," said McClintock.
If you have problems with potholes you can call the city at 813-274-3101. The line is open 24 hours a day.
