Family recounts what it was like to get stuck on Fowler Street during downpour

A daring rescue saves the lives of an 85-year-old man and an 83-year-old woman who became stuck when their vehicle was stalled by floodwaters on Fowler Street in Fort Myers on Tuesday.

“The rain was like a lake,” said David Gonzalez, the driver. “You can’t see nothing. Every time a car pass by was  … the car was moving, shaking. I was so scared.”

David and Ana Gonzales said the two were driving down Fowler Street when in seconds the water began rising around them.

“It was scary. I was really scared because it was flooding,” Ana said.

“I was worried about her. Because what are we going to do in that situation,” David said.

The couple called their daughter Daviana, but her car got stuck, too.

“And I happen to call my boyfriend, he was at work and he left work to come help me,” Daviana said. “He noticed that I was scared and he just right away so don’t worry I got this and he did.”

Because Ana is not able to walk, Daviana’s boyfriend Robert Shaw, jumped into the water, picked her up and walked her away from the stranded vehicle.

“When he got me I was calm and safe,” Ana said.

David was able to get out of his car on his own. Four men at a nearby business were able to move the car into a parking lot when the rain calmed down.

The family said they are grateful for all of the helping hands.