PALM BAY, Fla. —
City of Palm Bay officials confirmed two storm-related deaths after Monday’s flooding.
The two victims were identified as 34-year-old Joshua Bennett and 78-year-old Archie Richards, officials said during a news conference on Tuesday.
The two are not related.
>> Video above: Historic flooding across Brevard County
FLOODING COVERAGE | ROAD CLOSURES | POLLING LOCATIONS CHANGED | POWER OUTAGES | LATEST UPDATES | FULL FORECAST | RAIN TOTALS | SCHOOLS CLOSED | SHELTER IN PLACE | WATER SHUT OFF | STATE OF EMERGENCY
Historic flooding devastated the region, forcing residents to evacuate their homes and leading to school closures and road washouts.
The City of Palm Bay issued a shelter-in-place advisory from Monday through Tuesday, warning residents to stay off the roads until conditions improve.
Officials said the water levels are much higher than they may appear.
On Monday, Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina said the city saw 20 inches of rain over the previous 14 hours.
The City advises residents to stay indoors if they are able.
“We are collaborating with Palm Bay Fire Rescue and the FWC to address emergency calls as quickly as possible,” Palm Bay PD said in a statement.
>> Video below: Brevard County officials give a storm damage update
‘Remembering Joshua Bennett’
Joshua Bennett’s wife shared the following statement:
“Joshua Bennett was a loving husband, devoted father, son, brother, and friend. He was a man with a big heart who was always willing to lend a helping hand, give generously, and show up for the people he loved. He was hardworking, full of life, and happiest when surrounded by his family.
Joshua loved the simple things that made life special. He loved dancing, cooking breakfast for his family, baking, riding his jet ski, cruising around on golf carts, and taking his four-wheeler out for a ride. He had a love for adventure, but above all, he loved being home and making memories with his family. His generosity, laughter, and willingness to help anyone who needed him are things that will never be forgotten.
Tragically, Joshua’s life was taken during a severe Florida storm when his vehicle became trapped in rising river waters, leaving him submerged inside his car. What should have been an ordinary day turned into an unimaginable tragedy that has forever changed the lives of everyone who loved him.
Joshua leaves behind his wife, a son and three beautiful daughters, who have special needs and depended on their father in so many ways. His passing has left an unimaginable void in our family. We are struggling to process the loss of a husband, a father, and a brother whose presence meant so much to so many. He will be dearly missed and we know he is flying high with the angels and is watching over his family,
We want people to remember Joshua not only for the tragic circumstances of his passing, but for the man he was in life: a loving family man, a hard worker, a generous soul, and someone who loved deeply and lived life to the fullest.
His life was so much more than the way it ended. He will forever be loved, missed, and remembered by all of us.”