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TAMPA (FOX 13) - Tampa is known for being susceptible for flooding, but it appears to have weathered the storm without much damage.
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn says the city's response to the first tropical storm of the season was "seamless" and that very little damage was caused.
Mayor Buckhorn says the system was able to handle its first test of the season thanks to aggressive work in clearing ditches, and because the ground has not already been saturated, as was the case last August, when many homes and streets in Tampa were flooded.
"In the event of a major, major storm, particularly a hurricane, people (still) need to pay attention," he said. "When we say evacuate, we need you to go."
Bayshore Boulevard, which is prone to flooding and was closed for much of the day Monday, partially reopened just before 11 p.m. Monday night. Sections were still closed for Tuesday morning's commute.
Meanwhile, residents in Tampa who lost many valuables in last year's storm, barricaded their front doors and garages with sandbags.
"Might as well prepare so we didn't have to get new furniture again," said Greg McAdam, who lives near Horatio and Habana.
The mayor has gone to city council with a new proposal to beef up the city's water drainage system.
Last year, his plan was voted down 4 to 3, but this year, he has returned with a smaller bill that would cost taxpayers about $89 for the average house.
The hope is to reconstruct some of the major lagging pipes in South Tampa that are too old to handle major storms.