Sarasota deals with impacts of Tropical Storm Colin

Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in advance of the storm's landfall, and local authorities and residents have encountered flooding, power outages and other issues.

By Observer Staff
| 1:46 p.m. June 6, 2016

University of North Florida junior Max Moneuse, a Longboat Key native, and his girlfriend, UNF sophomore Tabitha Bingham, kayak down a flooded Lyons Lane on the north end of Longboat Key.

Sarasota
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Although Tropical Storm Colin is currently projected to make landfall well north of Sarasota this evening, authorities throughout the area have been battling the effects of heavy rain and wind today.

Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency this morning, around the same time that the streets of Longboat Key began to flood as the storm moved through the Gulf of Mexico. According to Florida Power and Light, more than 10,000 Sarasota County residents are experiencing power outages as of 4:10 p.m.

City of Sarasota spokeswoman Jan Thornburg said officials were attempting to get drivers to slow down along the segment of U.S. 41 between Fruitville Road and Gulfstream Avenue, a portion of which was experiencing 6 to 8 inches of flooding this afternoon. City crews have focused on clearing storm drains to minimize the impact of street flooding.

The city is asking drivers to slow down along flooded portions of the roadway, particularly along U.S. 41 in downtown Sarasota.

On Siesta Key, the county closed the north end of Beach Road following flooding issues. County beaches remain open, though beachgoers are urged to use caution. All county parks and recreation athletic facilities are closed today.

The Florida Department of Transportation is monitoring for flooding on state roads during the afternoon high tide. Intersections at a higher risk for flooding include Bee Ridge Road and U.S. 41, Gulfstream and U.S. 41 and Webber Street and Osprey Avenue.

Classes at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee were canceled at 3 p.m. today.

The Sarasota Police Department dealt with at least two boats that came loose in the bay, helping tow both vessels to safety.

Our Officers working to tow sailboat that broke loose & is navigation hazard in the Intercoastal #TropicalStormColin pic.twitter.com/yAP2zv97LP
— SarasotaPD (@sarasotapd) June 6, 2016

The SPD also shared a video of high tide at Hart's Landing this afternoon.

2:30pm: A look at Hart's Landing from SPD Marine 1. Be safe. #TropicalStormColin #FLwx (CC: @CityofSarasota) pic.twitter.com/dLUnM3LqUc
— SarasotaPD (@sarasotapd) June 6, 2016

If you’re dealing with any storm-related issues, contact the proper authorities: