Tropical Storm Debby: Myakka River Flooding, Venice Evacuation Center

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Sarasota County is offering assistance to residents and businesses recovering from Tropical Storm Debby, which traveled parallel to the west coast of Florida Sunday into Monday before making landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in the Big Bend area.

Parts of the Myakka River, from north to south, will experience elevated flood levels between Thursday and Saturday, according to a county news release. Those living in the area should take precautions.

A flood warning is issued for the area by the National Weather Service until the water recedes. Areas immediately surrounding the river, especially low-lying areas, may experience up to two feet of flooding between Thursday and Saturday.

Related Stories:

• 18 Inches Of Rain Means Flooding Continues In FL After TS Debby
• Driver Of 18-Wheeler Dies After Driving Into I-75 Canal: FHP
• 500 People Rescued From Flooded Sarasota Homes, More Expected: Police
• Debby Washes Ashore $1M In Cocaine In FL Keys: Border Patrol

• Thursday: north of Clark Road
• Friday: near Interstate 75 during the afternoon
• Saturday: U.S. 41 during the early morning

A temporary evacuation center is available at Woodmere Park, 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice, to any citizen evacuating from at-risk areas along the river.

Those relocating to an evacuation center are asked to come prepared with what they need. A disaster supply checklist and emergency preparedness guide can be found at scgov.net/beprepared.

• George Mullen Activity Center, 1602 Kramer Way, North Port, starting Wednesday at 2 p.m., while supplies last
• Sarasota County Fleet - South, 4531 Annex Road, Venice, Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

People should bring their own shovels.

Road closures, damage reports, flooding reports and windshield damage assessments can be viewed at the Storm Debby Reports Interactive Map, which is updated in real time by the community and Sarasota County professionals in the field. To report an area of concern that should be added to the map, call 311.

Damage to homes and businesses from the storm can be submitted using the Tropical Storm Debby Damage Assessment Form. Those who need assistance filling out the form can call 311.

Those who need help cleaning up damage from Hurricane Debby, should 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, the county said. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. The hotline will remain open through Aug. 23.