Live Updates: Flash Flooding in Sarasota climes lives of 59 families and courses massive damages to major roads

‘I don’t know what to do’: Belongings pile on lawns as Sarasota tackles clean up and recovery

Yoder’s Amish Village Restaurant offers some relief with free take-out food for impacted families, first responders and volunteers from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. this week.

SARASOTA, Fla. — As some communities begin to recover, there are concerns that some rivers could continue to rise after Hurricane Debby brought heavy rainfall and storm surge. Many roads are still impassable and cars remain submerged in water. Some drivers who tried to get through had to reverse after seeing how deep the water was on Mcintosh Road in the Sarasota Springs neighborhood.

Florida Fish and Wildlife said it has helped 100 people escape floods in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Some people have been able to get back to their homes to begin assessing the damage.

A request for a Federal FEMA Disaster Declaration has been made to Washington as Gov. DeSantis toured hard-hit areas in Sarasota and Manatee counties. DeSantis made a stop at one restaurant in the area that had taken in a lot of water. He said the state has set up no-interest business loans for those impacted. In addition, about 100 National Guard members are assisting with hurricane cleanup.

DeSantis says they have set up at the Myakka Community Center with tarps, water, bleach and food. He said the Hope Florida bus and representatives from Citizen’s Insurance will be onsite Thursday.