Sandalwood Animal Center Flooded After Heavy Rain
Heavy rain and Hurricane Isaias caused significant flooding at an animal clinic off St. Johns Bluff Road.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Emergency Response
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An animal care center in Sandalwood has faced persistent flooding across its parking lot and within its grooming salon. Employees have been forced to park along the road and wade through water to reach the facility.
Why it matters
The facility, located near local creeks and woods, suffered from a week of heavy rain followed by the arrival of Hurricane Isaias. While the exterior and grooming areas are affected, all animals in the boarding area remain safe.
Water depths at the Sandalwood facility reached ankle-deep in the parking lot and at least knee-deep behind the clinic. The flooding has persisted for several days following a week of rain and the arrival of Hurricane Isaias.
The details
Employees are currently parking their vehicles along St. Johns Bluff Road and wading through floodwater on foot to access the clinic. Interior flooding also impacted the grooming salon, though the boarding area has stayed dry.
Timeline
Tuesday: Flooding began during a nor'easter.
Wednesday and Thursday: Persistent floodwaters were captured on video.
Friday: The area experienced a brief respite from rainfall.
Seasonal Patterns
The flooding event follows the regional impact pattern set by Hurricane Isaias, which saturated the Sandalwood area. The saturation is consistent with historical regional concerns regarding flood-prone areas located near creeks and woods.
Residents in the Sandalwood area should avoid navigating through floodwaters near St. Johns Bluff Road due to potential hazards. Those attempting to reach the animal care center are advised to use caution and remain alert for official safety notices.
The takeaway
Staff continue to prioritize animal safety despite the difficult access conditions created by the storms. Owners are encouraged to confirm clinic access protocols before attempting to visit flooded areas.
Further reading
For more information on local recovery efforts, visit Emergency Response.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 4 Jax.
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