VENICE, Fla. — Just days after Hurricane Debby, now a tropical storm, moved out of Florida, the threat of flooding is growing in its wake.
Drone 10 flew over a neighborhood in Valrico now underwater as the Alafia River rises. That's not the only neighborhood seeing the impact; Tuesday night we took you to Pasco County, where the Anclote River was threatening homes.
The same is happening along the Myakka River in Sarasota County, which is under a flood warning right now through Saturday.
Some areas could experience up to two feet of flooding as the river will keep rising overnight and for the next three days, likely cresting right at major flood stage, or about 10 feet, according to the National Weather Service.
But the owners of the Snook Haven Restaurant, right on the water, say they’re open for business.
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“Come on out, we're open!” Manager Carolyn Oliver said with a smile. “We have great smoked barbecue.”
The Snook Haven restaurant is known for its brisket and for being underwater after Hurricane Ian.
Oliver thinks the water will come up another foot by tomorrow night, putting water underneath the picnic tables. All low-lying areas are at risk for flooding through Saturday. The county told residents to be prepared to evacuate.
"We are sending targeted messages and alerts to people in the community,” Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief said. “So that you will have more specific information about the timing for when we anticipate that occurring in your area.”
Most of the county, except the coast, is in the Myakka River basin, so when Debby’s relentless bands of rain caused flooding farther north, the water flowed south. Thursday’s risk is for homes near Clark Road; Friday is the area around Florida State Route 72 and Interstate 75.
“We would like for you, if you’re in those areas, to be prepared,” she said.
Oliver and her staff will stay vigilant this week but with Ian as their measuring stick, they’re taking the threat in stride.
“Well we've just been keeping an eye on it,” she said. “We'll be fine. We're from Florida.”
The county has opened an emergency shelter for anyone who decides to evacuate. It’s at Woodmere Park in Venice. People going there should bring their own personal items like pillows, blankets, and phone chargers.
Leaders in Sarasota moved the evacuation center to keep it open for neighbors with homes affected by flooding. The previous shelter this week was at Sarasota Technical College, which is preparing for classes to start next week. Leaders encourage you to call 311 if you need a ride to the shelter.