Tropical Storm Emily moves away from Sarasota

All watches and warnings associated with Tropical Storm Emily in Sarasota County have been discontinued as the system dragged its heavy rain and occasionally gusty winds east toward the Atlantic Ocean. 

Maximum winds in the Sarasota area reached about 45 mph when the storm came ashore around 10:45 a.m. on Anna Maria Island.  The Sunshine Skyway was closed because of high winds around 11 a.m. but was reopened at about 2:30 p.m.

About 2-4 inches of rain was expected from the rapidly formed storm. By 5 p.m., Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport recorded just over 1.9 inches of rain.

Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for 31 counties, including Sarasota and Manatee, in response to Tropical Storm Emily. The state of emergency gives the state "the flexibility to work with local governments to ensure they have all the resources they may need," according to a release from the governor's office. 

All Sarasota County athletic fields were closed as was the city's Bobby Jones Golf Course.

A large tree off Florida Avenue near 12th Street toppled over in Sarasota. City crews quickly responded and had it cleared hours later. 

There was also some minor flooding in Longboat Key and a tree fell over along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

National Hurricane Center spokesperson Dennis Feltgen said Sarasota residents should pay close attention to Tropical Storm Emily, which in addition significant flooding could knock down trees or power lines. 

"There's no such thing as 'just' a tropical storm," Feltgen said.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.