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Water-Related News

Damage assessments are under way in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaac

County crews are conducting damage assessments and response and relief operations today in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaac.

So far, county creeks and rivers are saturated and there are flood warnings in effect for the Myakka River at Myakka State Park. There also is active flooding along River Road at the Rambler's Rest RV Resort in Venice.

Storm tides and wave action along coastal areas is causing beach erosion and damage to adjacent roads. Manasota Beach Road in the middle of Manasota Key is flooded.

The county's four movable bridges are now open to marine traffic. They are:
• Blackburn Point Swing Bridge (Casey Key)
• Manasota Key Drawbridge (Englewood)
• Venice Avenue Drawbridge (Venice)
• Albee Road Drawbridge (Nokomis)

Due to the rough bay and inland waters, boaters should exercise caution and follow all small craft advisories.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) moved from full activation (Level 1) to partial activation (Level 2) at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, after people with special needs were returned to their homes. The EOC is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

"We are thankful for the many citizens, volunteers and staff members who helped in our response to Tropical Storm Isaac," said EOC Chief Ed McCrane "It is a great example of the partnerships we have in Sarasota County."

"We are reviewing 'lessons learned' from this storm to continue to improve procedures," he added. "All residents and visitors should remain prepared and have emergency plans in place for future storms. We have been affected by two tropical storms already this summer and hurricane season has not yet reached its peak."

For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000​