New Flooding In North Port A Concern After Ian, Shelter Opens: City

NORTH PORT, FL — Though Hurricane Ian has moved on from Southwest Florida, the city of North Port faces new dangers after the storm, authorities said.

As the rainwater the hurricane dumped in northern Sarasota County flows south, the city is worried water levels will continue to rise there in the days ahead, according to a Facebook post.

Those impacted by the flooding are asked to stay with friends and families. The American Red Cross has also opened a shelter at Woodland Middle School, 2700 Panacea Blvd. Those heading to the shelter should bring necessities such as bedding, clothing, food, water and medicine. Cats and dogs are welcome, as long as they’re in crates.

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All city offices and parks and athletic fields remain closed Friday. Most city phone lines also remain down, and residents are asked to contact Sarasota County’s 311 line for post-storm information.

Those who are concerned about a loved one in the city can call the North Port Police Department’s non-emergency line at 941-429-7300 to request a wellness check. On its website, the city warns that it’s “experiencing a high volume of emergency calls.”

Friday morning, the Sumter Boulevard ramp to I-75 is closed. The highway can still be accessed from Toledo Blade Boulevard, the city said.

Many roads are still flooded and impassable. On Thursday, Price Boulevard was shutdown from Sumter to Toledo Blade. Drivers are asked to turn around and avoid standing water, the city said.

But it’s best if residents don’t drive at all, North Port police said in a Facebook post Thursday, writing, “If you’re not leaving or coming from the area, try to stay off roadways. Many cars getting stalled or stuck from water on roadways.”

As of late Thursday night, all traffic signals in North Port are out, the city shared on Facebook. The Public Works Department is assessing damage and beginning repairs. Those approaching an intersection with inoperable traffic lights should treat it like a four-way stop.

City water service was restored late Thursday night. Some areas of North Port might experience low pressures as system adjustments are made, the city said. Residents should boil water before consuming it for the next three days.

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