Downtown braces for more rain

The city of Sarasota remains mostly operational Monday, in spite of Tropical Storm Debby’s severe rain and wind over the weekend. Although, some downtown roads are under water and motorists have to drive around some fallen tree limbs and palm fronds.

Some streets, such as Banana Court between Palm Avenue and North Gulfstream Avenue, are under water, and road signs have been placed to warn motorists of flooding in certain areas.

Areas of Ringling Boulevard also have major flooding, and areas along the Sarasota Bayfront, including the Marina Jack restaurant and marina area, have also reported flooding.

The city’s Public Works Department has workers out to pick up debris on downtown streets.

The entire region is under a flood watch, a tornado watch and a tropical storm watch. Showers, strong thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected to continue through tomorrow as the tropical storm sits stationary in the Gulf of Mexico and makes its slow trek north, most likely to the Florida Panhandle.

For more information, check www.yourobserver.com for updates.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].