August 4, 2024 Evening Update on Tropical Storm Debby
Sarasota County Government has declared a local state of emergency for Sarasota County. This authorizes the expenditure of public funds to repair damages caused by Tropical Storm Debby. Sarasota County will work with state and federal partners to coordinate opportunities for financial assistance consideration in response to Tropical Storm Debby. The document can be viewed athttps://www.scgov.net/government/emergency-services/active-emergency-ordinances
- According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Sarasota County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, Storm Surge Watch, Flood Watch, and Tornado Watch. A Flash Flood Warning is now in effect for western Sarasota County until 8 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 4. Additional information can be found at https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=27.336517&lon=-82.5385652 Heavy rainfall between 6” to 12” with isolated higher amounts up to 18” over the next several days. Additional information can be found at weather.gov/safety/flood.
- NWS says frequent gusts to tropical storm force will be possible within rain bands through Monday. Sarasota County encourages residents and visitors to stay in a safe location and off the roads until the storm passes.
- Most of the rainfall is expected on Sunday, Aug. 4, and Monday, Aug 5. Additionally, there is a potential for up to 4 feet of storm surge in low-lying areas on Sunday, August 4. High tides early morning on Monday, Aug. 5 are the most critical for potential flooding. A reminder that Sarasota County is urging residents to stay off the roads and remain in a safe location until the storm passes. Coastal areas may experience flooding caused by excessive rainfall.
County Operations:
- Residential solid waste collection for residents living in unincorporated Sarasota County will continue as scheduled on Monday, Aug. 5. There may be some commercial collection delays pending accessibility in storm-impacted areas.
- Manasota Key Road at the north end of Blind Pass Beach is underwater and closed. A significant amount of the smaller rocks used for shoreline stabilization are on the road.
- Public Works has shut down North Casey Key Road as it is unsafe for vehicle travel. There is also some road damage in this area. Residents cannot get on or off North Casey Key at this time. The county will evaluate the road once the storm passes and it is safe to do so.
- The docks at Indian Mound Park are underwater. For all #SRQCounty current parks status reports, visit SarasotaCountyParks.com
- #SRQCounty has closed the road leading into Caspersen Beach due to erosion from #TropicalStormDebby.
- All park updates are available at SarasotaCountyParks.com and this report will be updated as assessments are made. All mini camps and indoor reservations will remain unchanged and will operate as normal.
- #SRQCounty Public Works crews are reporting that most roadways are under water throughout Siesta Key. Motorists should avoid this area.
- #SRQCounty has closed the road leading into Caspersen Beach due to erosion from Tropical Storm Debby.
- North Beach Road on Siesta Key is covered with about a foot of sand. County crews plan to clear the road once the storm passes.
- Breeze services are navigating impacts from Tropical Storm Debby:
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- Routes 7 and 8 are detouring to Cocoanut Avenue due to flooding on Osprey Avenue and Central Avenue.
- Route 7 may face additional impacts from flooding on Monica Avenue.
- Route 12 is detouring to 12th Street and Tuttle Avenue, before connecting to 17th Street, due to flooding in the 17th Street/East Avenue area.
- Breeze is monitoring water levels at Gulf Gate Station, which may cause a station closure and adjustments to routes 6, 17, 19, and 25.
- The 77 Siesta Islander is suspended until further notice.
- Breeze OnDemand is suspended in the Downtown Sarasota/Lido Key/Longboat Key zone and the Siesta Key zone until further notice. Localized flooding in the Venice/Englewood zone and the North Port Area zone may restrict some trips.
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.
- Have a plan: Review your emergency plans and stay informed. For more information on how to prepare for inclement weather and disasters, visit scgov.net/beprepared.
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 #SRQCounty on social media @SRQCountyGov, visiting https://loom.ly/oMXDlS4, or subscribing to our Emergency Updates newsletter at https://bit.ly/3Cajfjz. Reporters and outlets are welcome to use photos and videos posted to Sarasota County Government social media.
Thank you,
Genevieve Judge
Public Information and Community Outreach Manager
Sarasota County Communications
1660 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
Office: 941-861-5832
Cell: 941-806-7075 (No Texting)
Media Line: 941-861-NEWS (6397)
Email: [email protected]
Media Relations Team: [email protected]
Social Media: @SRQCountyGov
Web: www.scgov.net
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