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Though Sarasota and Manatee counties were not in Tropical Storm Debby's direct path, the storm brought record rainfall that has left the area reeling. In the aftermath, thousands are dealing with record flooding and millions of dollars in damage to homes and cars in the area.
Stay tuned to this live blog for the latest in Tropical Storm Debby recovery efforts, closures and other news as Sarasota and Bradenton residents work to get back on their feet.
(See also our previous Tropical Storm Debby live blog.)
4:30 p.m.: Sarasota County releases water into Phillippi Creek through water control structure
Sarasota County Public Works staff began releasing water through a water control structure, or weir, at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon to adjust water levels in Phillippi Creek, a county spokesperson said. The operation of the weir around the Celery Fields "will allow for decreases in upstream water levels while controlling flows to prevent further downstream flooding," the spokesperson's statement said. "No negative effects are anticipated by the operating of the control structure around the Celery Fields. We are balancing water levels between upstream and downstream Phillippi Creek in a way to not negatively impact flooding. There is a significant amount of water moving through Phillippi Creek from Tropical Storm Debby."
Flooding in the Phillippi Creek watershed from Debby resulted in an rescue of hundreds of people stranded in neighborhoods in the Bahia Vista Street and Pinecraft area. A few dozen people took refuge in a shelter at Sarasota Technical College.
Free dinner offered for flood-stricken Pinecraft residents
Palm Grove Mennonite Church, 1087 S. Beneva Road is hosting a free dinner for everyone in Pincraft from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday night.
2:30 p.m.: Sarasota County aerial video shows extent of flooding on Bahia Vista Street and at the Celery Fields
Sarasota County published an aerial video on YouTube that shows just how much flooding had inundated Bahia Vista Street in Sarasota near Philippi Creek and the Celery Fields just east of I-75. Take a look:
2 p.m.: Some Manatee Homes were flooded due to Manatee County decision to release water from Lake Manatee
Lucy White weathered Debby nearly unscathed untilManatee County released water from Lake Manateeon Monday.
She is among many local residents whose homes were inundated by water from the release.
"You should see the water in my house," White said. "It's mud. It's brown. It's brackish water coming through the pasture. It's really disgusting. Our horses are standing out there in knee-deep water, their barns are underwater, and my whole downstairs is destroyed. All of the furniture, the cabinets, everything because when they open that dam, it comes in so fast you can't do anything to save it."
Read the complete story here.
- Jesse Mendoza
11:45 a.m.: Sarasota County unveils new map that tracks flooded roads from Tropical Storm Debby
A new interactive map from Sarasota County shows which roads in the county are currently underwater. It lists 36 roads that have been identified as flooded.
A similar map for Manatee County road closures is available here.
10:15 a.m.: Rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby has pushed Manatee and Myakka rivers above flood stage
Rainfall from Hurricane Debby has pushed both the Manatee and Myakka rivers above flood stage.
The Myakka River, which has been above flood stage since Monday afternoon, is projected to hit a high of 10.4 feet at Myakka State Park by 5 p.m. Thursday, according to a 6 a.m. update from the National Weather Service in Ruskin, with floodwaters potentially impacting State Road 72 and downstream flooding impacting the city of North Port.
North Port public work employees have been manipulating water control structures to offset the potential impact.
The river is anticipated to still be at a moderate flood stage through Sunday.
Drenched:Sarasota, Bradenton area deluged, again and again, by Tropical Storm Debby, as rainfall totals vary
The Manatee River crested at 19.16 feet – more than two feet above major flood stage – early Monday evening, with the water levels already receding.
It is anticipated to recede below 9.5 feet by 5 p.m. Friday.
The NWS does not anticipate additional rainfall to exceed typical August totals, though it cautioned that it could still impact flooding issues in vulnerable river basins.
The city of North Port is anticipating another 1 to 3 inches of rain locally, with as much as 5 inches in isolated spots.
- Earle Kimel
9:30 a.m.: How to apply for disaster relief in Sarasota, Bradenton due to damage from Tropical Storm Debby
United Way Suncoast has posted a disaster recovery resource page for residents impacted by Tropical Storm Debby.
"We're constantly updating this page," said Ernest Hooper, spokesperson for United Way Suncoast, whose five-county service area covers Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.
Residents can find links to FEMA and county resources as well as where to turn for help with flood claims, food, housing, and insurance. They can also find information on ways to volunteer. There are also links to resources for small businesses and partnering nonprofits as well as a bilingual support line.
For more information, visit: unitedwaysuncoast.org/disaster-recovery/.
7:30 a.m.: Which roads are closed in Sarasota and Manatee counties due to flooding or damage from Tropical Storm Debby?
Today is the first day that getting back on local roads is feasible, as Tropical Storm Debby flood waters slowly begin to recede in some areas. Not all roads are passable yet, however. And remember Sarasota County's advice: "Turn around, don't drown. More than 50 percent of all flood-related fatalities involve vehicles. Be cautious of flooded roadways. Do not drive through standing water."
Here is the latest on which roads are closed across Sarasota and Manatee counties, which will be updated as new information comes in.
MANATEE COUNTY
Manatee County lists 75 different road closures, mostly due to flooding. To see the entire list, as well as a helpful map, go to the emergency road closure dashboard at mymanate.or/storm.
CITY OF SARASOTA
According to the latest info from the Sarasota Police Department, only two roads are currently closed, though caution is still necessary as there is ongoing cleanup from Tropical Storm Debby. The closed roads are:
- Bahia Vista Street is closed from Kruppa Avenue (just west of Beneva Road) to S. Conrad Avenue.
- South Beneva Road is closed from Bahia Vista Street to Legacy Trail.
7 a.m.: When will your trash and recycling be picked up, after Tropical Storm Debby? Here's the info for Sarasota County, Manatee County, North Port, Venice, Bradenton
Though the area is still recovering, most trash and recycling pickup will resume today across Sarasota and Manatee counties. When will your trash be picked up? Here's a guide:
Manatee County: Garbage, recycling and yard waste will be picked up one day after your normal day this week.
Sarasota County: One-day delay for streets that are accessible to collection vehicles.
City of Venice: Resumes today on a regular schedule. Residents who were on Monday's schedule will have pickup on Thursday.
City of Bradenton: Delayed one day.
City of North Port: Continuing as scheduled.
City of Sarasota: Delayed one day.
6:45 a.m.: Manatee County, North Port, Bradenton government office reopen today; City of Sarasota and Sarasota County remain closed
6:30 a.m.: Sarasota County government offices remain closed today, information about solid waste pickup
Sarasota County's announcement for today says that government offices continue to be closed as staff works on recovery plus information about solid waste pickup and a voluntary survey to fill out so the county can get more information about Tropical Storm Debby damage.
Read the release:
Sarasota County offices will remain closed through Tuesday, Aug. 6, to allow staff to focus on recovery efforts and emergency operations.
We encourage community members to stay up to date on the storm and recovery efforts by following#SRQCountyon social media @SRQCountyGov, visitinghttps://loom.ly/oMXDlS4or subscribing to our Emergency Updates newsletter athttps://bit.ly/3Cajfjz.
·Continue to follow local news and National Weather Service for the latest weather updates.
·Damage assessment and Sarasota County Fire Department teams continue with recovery efforts and assessment.
·Do not drive through flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown!
·Do not attempt to walk near the beach. Lifeguards are NOT on duty. Coastal flood advisory, high surf advisory and a high rip current risk is in effect through Tuesday evening.
·Only call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.
In an effort to assess the damage to homes and businesses as a result of Tropical Storm Debby, we are encouraging residents to complete this voluntary survey. To fill out the survey, please visit:https://loom.ly/MpVOZsc. If you need assistance filling out the form, please contact 311.
If you need help cleaning up damage from Tropical Storm Debby, call 844-965-1386 to be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities. These groups may be able to assist with muck out, trees, tarps and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain open through Friday, Aug. 23.
Please note:This hotline cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, insurance or questions about FEMA registration. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools necessary to complete the work. For more information, visitcrisiscleanup.org.
Breeze Transit
- All standard Breeze routes will begin their normal schedules starting at 9 a.m. Service on the 77 Siesta Islander will remain suspended until further notice.
- Breeze OnDemand will start making trips at 9 a.m. in the Venice/Englewood Area and North Port Area zones. The Downtown Sarasota/Lido Key/Longboat Key zone and the Siesta Key zone remain suspended until further notice.
- Breeze Plus will prioritize medically-necessary trips, accommodating non-medical trips with remaining resources.
Solid Waste Collections
- Curbside collections will resume on Tuesday, Aug. 6, for streets that are accessible to collection vehicles. There will be a one-day shift to the regular collection schedule and will run as follows:
- Tuesday, Aug. 6 – collection for Monday customers(garbage and recycling only; no yard waste collection)
- Wednesday, Aug. 7 – collection for Tuesday customers
- Thursday, Aug. 8 – collection for Wednesday customers
- Friday, Aug. 9 – collection for Thursday customers
- Saturday, Aug. 10 – collection for Friday customers
- All items should be properly prepared for collection at the curb. View theSolid Waste How-To Guide for Residents in Sarasota Countyfor details. Items that are not properly prepared for collection will not be picked up by the hauler.
- Please double-bag spoiled food before placing in the garbage.
- Yard waste (small branches, leaves, moss, etc.) may be placed in containers, paper bags or bundled and placed at the curb for pickup.
- Items that are in bags, containers or bundles should not exceed 40 pounds or 4 feet in length. This applies to both garbage and yard waste.
Central County Landfill
- Garbage disposal will reopen to the franchise hauler and municipalitiesONLYon Tuesday, Aug. 6.
- The Construction and Demolition (C&D) disposal area will reopen to all customers on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
- The Central County Landfill will have extended hours on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- The yard waste disposal area will remain closed to all customers on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Chemical Collection Centers
- The Citizens' Convenience Center at the Central County Landfill will remain closed to customers on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
- The Bee Ridge Chemical Collection Center and The Re-Uz-It Shop will reopen on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Flood Safety Tips:
- Never walk or drive through floodwaters.It's impossible to determine the depth of water, the condition of the road beneath, or any hazards present.
- Turn around, don’t drown.More than 50% of all flood-related fatalities involve vehicles.
Residents in flooded areas should limit contact with accumulated surface waters, as these waters may be contaminated with untreated sewage, animal waste, decomposing plants and animals, and unknown chemicals from manufacturing plants, transportation activities, and agricultural or lawn applications.
Stay up-to-date by following#SRQCountyon social media @SRQCountyGov, visitinghttps://loom.ly/oMXDlS4, or subscribing to our Emergency Updates newsletter athttps://bit.ly/3Cajfjz. Reporters and outlets are welcome to use photos and videos posted to Sarasota County Government social media.
6:15 a.m.: State College of Florida remains closed due to Tropical Storm Debby effects
All State College of Florida campuses will remain closed today and all classes, business functions and events are canceled due to the impact of Tropical Storm Debby on the region. Regular hours of operations are expected to resume at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
