After Idalia: Region recovers quickly from winds, floods, but safety is urged

In terms of hurricanes in Southwest Florida, Hurricane Idalia caused flooding, did some damage but was nothing like Hurricane Ian a year earlier.

By Thursday, roads and bridges were mainly reopened; the South Gulf Cove boat lock was as well.

There were some boil-water notices pushed out for places that dealt with floodwaters on Wednesday.

The refuge shelter at Centennial Park closed, along with shelters in Arcadia and a variety of Sarasota County Schools that had been opened for people seeking safety as Idalia moved north through the Gulf of Mexico.

Storm surge led to flooding in downtown Punta Gorda and caused the Charlotte County Justice Center to close for Thursday, with a planned return to business as usual Friday.

Flooding occurred at Bayshore Road in Port Charlotte, near Sunseeker.

Most county offices returned to normal operations on Thursday.

Charlotte County has established a hurricane hotline for residents to call and request assistance in post-hurricane clean-up, including:

Cutting down fallen treesDrywall, flooring & appliance removalTarping roofsMold mitigation

The hotline is at 800-451-1954.

Those wishing to report storm damage can submit photos to county department by visiting:

tinyurl.com/reportingdamage

"Reporting damage in this system gets the information to county departments quickly and eliminates the need to call it in," read a county news release on Thursday. "The information will help the county compile an extensive list of the damage caused by Hurricane Idalia."

The system does replace the need to report damage to either insurance companies or FEMA.

BOIL WATER NOTICES

Wellen Park residents should boil tap water until further notice.

The city of North Port issued a precautionary boil water notice for all communities in the West Villages Improvement District/Wellen Park area Thursday.

"Due to intermittent power outages at the Southwest Water Reclamation Facility during the recent storm event on Aug. 30, water pressure fell below 20 psi within the water system that supplies the Wellen Park area," the announcement read.

City residents with additional questions can call the North Port Utilities Department at 941-240-8000.

A neighborhood in Punta Gorda had a similar situation.

Due to a water leak and loss of water pressure on Via Veneto Drive in Punta Gorda, a precautionary boil water notice is effect.

For more information, call 941-575-3339 or 941-575-5088.

Casey Key residents were also under a boil water notice.

DAMAGE AVOIDED

Aside from the water reclamation power interruption, North Port largely avoided damage from Hurricane Idalia.

High water levels were reported out of the Playmore area, as water rose out of the Myakka River, but the city did not see widespread flooding.

Authorities noted the neighborhood near the Myakka River has many homes elevated with flooding in mind.

City staff reported that most offices and parks were able to open up again Thursday, including City Hall, Warm Mineral Springs Park and the Aquatic Center.

The Public Works Department responded to a handful of reports for downed trees or road signs, according to city officials.

The North Port Police Department's headquarters on City Hall Boulevard reported a minor roof leak, which will be sealed shortly.

North Port Fire and Rescue reported on Wednesday that first responders had three calls involving downed power lines in trees. However, no structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.

The North Port Police Department sent some mutual aid to Longboat Key, using the department's Bearcat vehicle and drone operators to assist in rescues for flooded areas, according to a recent social media post.

"We're thinking of everyone impacted by the storm," the post read. "Stay safe," it stated.

THE LOCAL KEYS

Sarasota County officials are asking residents to avoid Manasota Key Road north of Blind Pass. It remains "impassable" after damage from Hurricane Idalia.

Casey Key Road is open, authorities said.

"Repairs are needed, but the road is intact," it said.

While it said water service has been restored to Casey Key residents, a boil water advisory is in effect, the county stated.

Sarasota County officials stated the county is returning to normal operations.

"County staff continues to assess county facilities for storm impacts and will notify the community if there are any interruptions to programs and services or facility closures," it said.

Libraries and schools reopened Thursday.

The Sarasota and DeSoto County courthouses reopened Thursday.

Donna Rhodes, public information officer for the 12th Judicial Circuit, said that cases and hearing scheduled during those two days would be rescheduled.

STAY SAFE

In Charlotte County, authorities are asking people to stay safe during cleanup.

Charlotte County Emergency Management encourages residents to follow recommendations.

It said people should take photos and video before cleaning and touch base with insurance companies "for other requirements needed to make your claim."

Among its recommendations, inside the home, it said:

" Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.

Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of the affected area.

Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected, such as mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products.

Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.

Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures, with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.

Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers."

Outside a residence, it said:

"Keep children and pets out of the affected area. Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup. Private wastewater systems should be professionally inspected and serviced if damaged. Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill."

It also noted to make sure to wash hands and clothes after cleaning up.

And there can be health concerns.

"Flood waters and standing waters pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, diarrheal diseases, and injuries," it stated. "Eating or drinking anything contaminated by flood water can cause diarrheal disease...Flood waters may contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection. Avoid exposure to floodwater if you have an open wound."