Good Samaritans help flooding victims

NEW PORT RICHEY (FOX 13) - Joe Vidalis and Eric Papapanos are spending their Labor Day weekend in a boat.  But this is no pleasure cruise; the two men are on a mission to help their Pasco County neighbors caught in the floodwaters.

"Honestly we just love helping people," said Papapanos.

Since Hurricane Hermine hit, Vidalis and Papapanos have been out navigating roads that look more like rivers and checking in on those trapped by the water.

The Anclote River rose rapidly, catching many off guard. So Vidalis and Papapanos went door to door in Elfers to rescue families and their four-legged friends. 

That includes a momma cat and her kittens, and, of course, their owner.

By the end of Saturday, the pair brought 17 people and nine of their pets to dry land.  But the men remain modest about their efforts.

"It's just pretty awesome being out there helping someone. I would hope someone would help me if I were out there and stuck," said Papapanos.

"I wouldn't say we're heroes. We're just good Samaritans out helping people."