MYAKKA CITY (WSNN) – Hurricane Elsa came and went quickly, leaving minor damage in its wake. But, it did flood some parts of Myakka City.
Some roadways had flooding stopping traffic. County staff closed Wauchula Road at Long Creek. Instead, they say you should take Verna Bethany Road.
Some drivers braved the 10-inches of water. Elsa also affected some parks like the Myakka City Community Center and Crane Park.
“It’s the Myakka River, but it’s so shallow, typically it’s more like a creek, it’s usually about ankle-deep,” Myakka City resident Caitlin Bentley said. “The river is way past that pavilion. Right now, it’s flooded a lot.”
But Bentley and Aiden Cardenas weren’t worried. Instead, they were reeling, literally.
“We came here to see how high the water was, see if we can’t take the dog for a swim or anything like that,” Bentley said. “But when we got here, it was so flooded and locked up, we decided to fish instead.”
The water rising this high is not unusual for them.
“It’s normal, it happens pretty much every year around this time,” Cardenas said.
Wildlife coming out is the main concern for them.
“It’s really just being more aware of the gators because when the water is higher, the gators come out. And snakes because the snakes are trying to get away from the water.
All Manatee County offices and park facilities are open, but the libraries will stay closed until tomorrow. Damage assessment crews are out in Manatee County… If you need to report damage, call the information center at 3-1-1.
