Possible Levee Break Threatens Sarasota County Neighborhood: Police

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Authorities on Saturday said a possible levee break in eastern Sarasota County is threatening as many as 70 homes in the Hidden River neighborhood.

Early Saturday morning, Sarasota County officials sent an automated alert to county residents warning them of the potential breach.

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"Possible levee break in the area of Hidden River/Myakka Valley with potential of 15 feet of flood water," the text message alert read, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. "Residents are urged to shelter in place if it is safe to do so as exit routes and roadways may be impassable."

The notification was sent to residents countywide; however, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said the possible breach only affects homes on the east side of Hidden River.

"At this time, deputies are working with Sarasota County Fire personnel to go door-to-door and advise residents of potential flooding," the sheriff's office said in a tweet. "Residents are encouraged to consider evacuation."

Residents of Myakka Valley do not need to evacuate, officials said, adding, "This situation will NOT cause additional flooding threats in south Sarasota County."

Following the release of the county notification, the National Weather Service Tampa Bay posted a contradictory message on its Facebook page, stating "There is NO imminent levee failure expected along the Myakka River."

Despite the NWS assessment, Brianne Grant, media relations officer for Sarasota County, told the Herald-Tribune the information supplied by the sheriff's office was accurate. She also told the newspaper the levee is privately owned by the Hidden Valley community.

Authorities are watching rivers and creeks as the National Hurricane Center predicts major flooding will continue into next week across parts of central Florida

Ian unleashed more than 17 inches of rain on some places in Florida, swelling lakes, ponds, and rivers beyond their banks and into homes.

In Port Charlotte, a 14-mile stretch of Interstate 75 was closed in both directions late Friday because of the massive amount of water overflowing from the Myakka River. The lanes were still closed Saturday.

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