Just when Charlotte County residents were beginning to breathe a sigh of relief as Hurricane Idalia was leaving Florida, high winds and heavy rains moved into the area around 2:20 p.m. before high tide arrived at 3 p.m.
The flood waters were unable to recede, and more flooding took place.
Shortly before 3 p.m. the U.S. 41 bridges remained closed due to flooding in Punta Gorda.
Also, motorists traveling toward Punta Gorda along U.S. 17 (Duncan Road) and exit 164 of Interstate 75 were being turned back by law enforcement as Marion Avenue, which runs along the Peace River, was flooded.
Interstate drivers could not exit at 164 and were directed to exit at either Jones Loop Road in Punta Gorda or at Harborview Road in Charlotte Harbor.
Todd Dunn, spokesman for Charlotte County Fire and Emergency Medical Services, said earlier a couple of people were rescued from their home that flooded on Wisteria Place off Aqui Esta in Punta Gorda.
He said the high-water rescue team arrived at 6:17 a.m. when about 6 inches of water were already in their home.
Other streets in the city remained flooded, and Amanda Street, which runs across Aqui Esta and Cooper Street remained flooded, as did side streets in the city’s historic district.
The Tom Adams Bridge going over to Manasota Key remains closed. The bridge is off Beach Road in Englewood.
Another access point to Manasota Key is the Manasota Key Bridge that goes over to the northern end of the Key, in Sarasota County. That bridge is closed to traffic as part of the road along the Gulf was washed out from Idalia’s high surf.
Currently there is no way on or off Manasota Key, except by boat.
Dunn said flood waters pose a danger since they contain bacteria from septic tanks and other harmful agents.
Dunn stressed that those living in areas flooded should exercise extreme caution to avoid contamination from flood waters, and he issued the following advisory:
During Flood Stage:
- Stay on higher ground.
- Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have an open wound.
- Do not drive on flooded roads. Even though you may think it is safe to drive, you may strand yourself if your vehicle stalls. Do not drive around barricades. Driving through water increases the amount of water pushed into people’s homes.
- If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. It can be replaced. Your life cannot.
- Do not attempt to wade across any moving water that is higher than your knees.
After the Flood Stage:
- Do not eat fresh food that has come into contact with flood water.
- Drink only bottled water.
- Stay away from disaster areas. You will only hamper rescue and recovery efforts.
- Do not handle live electrical equipment.
- Report downed power lines to law enforcement or to the power company.
- If you have private well water, follow CDC guidelines for safety: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wellsdisinfect.html.
Related Links:
For Hurricane Idalia information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000.
Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management important emergency information at charlottecountyfl.gov/em, facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty, and twitter.com/ccoem.
