SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla — Some neighbors and business owners in Sarasota and Manatee counties did not leave things to chance with severe storms in the Tampa Bay area on Tuesday.
This morning, heavy winds and choppy waters were signs of what was ahead for the day which raised concerns about coastal flooding.
In the city of Holmes Beach, city offices and businesses closed early and several neighbors went to available sandbag stations to fill up bags.
They hoped it would fortify their homes and offices in a bid to prevent flood waters from getting inside.
Several people even added extra layers of protection, like flood insurance and flood gates.
"Hopefully that keeps the water out and then we will grab these [sandbags]," said Angela Sobota of Holmes Beach. "If that doesn't work, [we'll] throw these in front of the doors."
"That better work. We had to replace all of our floors the last time. We hope we don't have to do that again," said Austin Reed, a business owner. "We got hit pretty bad during Hurricane Idalia so we're just trying to build up some barriers so we don't get flooded this time."
More residents in the area expressed their concerns.
"Because we are at a low level, the water rises," said Curtis Smith of Longboat Key. "The water rises above the levels where the sandbags are under the door. It comes in from under the doors, under the garage door and ends up flooding the house,"
The storm also interrupted vacation plans for several people with only a few people at local beaches to watch the waves. One family visiting the area for the first time raised concerns about not getting guidance from their rental company.
"They only sent us out a text message saying [things] inside are loose and unsecured, but other than that they haven't really reached out at all," Braeden Barbour said.
Braeden Barbour and his family were visiting from Bloomington, Illinois on a one-week vacation and had safety at the forefront.
"We've been told to kind of hunker down and don't take the golf cart out and yes, I think we'll be staying inside for the rest of the day," Keri Barbour said.
At barrier islands like St. Armand's Circle, flooding is a constant threat and after what residents and businesses experienced during Hurricane Idalia, they are hoping against a recurrence.
In the meantime, Sarasota County officials said that they have reworked and elevated the electrical panels on the island.
They have also installed coupler devices to serve as a standby pumping system in case power goes out.