Debby takes Longboat by storm

Tropical Storm Debby continues to take Longboat Key by storm Monday, with flooding, heavy winds and rain continuing throughout the morning.

As of noon on Monday, the Key was experiencing tropical storm-strength winds, according to the Weather Channel’s website, weather.com.

Town officials and other workers’ efforts throughout the weekend and today continue to help the Key weather the storm.

Utility crews began working around 2 a.m. Sunday on the Key in response to power outages and restored power in all lift stations. Meanwhile, street crews have been removing debris from the roadway. Phone outages have also been reported.

Several areas of the Key remain flooded including the Longbeach Village, several side streets off of Gulf of Mexico Drive and the section of Bay Isles Road near Longboat Key Town Hall, which remains accessible through a back entrance.

Storms have also caused significant sand loss near North Shore Road.

Town officials continue to monitor the situation.

For more information, pick up a June 28 copy of the Longboat Observer.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].