The Peace River is rising, and DeSoto County is getting ready. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the county on Monday as flood water spreads into low-lying areas. The National Weather Service expects the river to crest at about 16.4 feet in roughly 36 hours. Flooding is minor right now, but forecasters say it will reach major flood stage near the crest, putting homes and businesses along the river at risk.
DeSoto County public schools and district offices are closed Tuesday and Wednesday. At the Peace River Campground, longtime camper Susan Ryburin said most campers have already left ahead of the crest. She expects the ground to be fully saturated, though not as badly as the flood a couple years ago that forced the campground to rebuild. County emergency management director Dennis O’Hara is urging drivers to stay off flooded roads, repeating the rule emergency crews live by: turn around, don’t drown.
If your travel plans take you through DeSoto County this week, check for road closures before you leave and never drive into standing water. Six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and a foot can float a car. Have family or friends near the Peace River? Now is the time to call and check in. Are you seeing flooding in your area? Let us know in the comments.
