Sarasota, Manatee teams assess Irma damage

Emergency Response Teams are working their way through the Sarasota-Bradenton area this morning for a damage assessment while officials urge residents to stay inside.

The center of Hurricane Irma passed north through the state overnight Sunday and early Monday after striking near Naples in the afternoon. The storm is now a classified as a tropical storm. 

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reported numerous downed trees this morning and damage to boats and structures at the Siesta Key Marina.

“Whether you’re at home or a shelter, it’s important to stay put,’’ Sarasota County emergency chief E.J. McCrane said.

Access to the barrier islands is closed to residents while damage assessments are being made. Once access is restored, proof of residency or business interests might be needed.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported bridged are closed and powerlines are down across roads in numerous locations. 

Among the most critical incidents:

• Longboat Key issued a boil-water notice for the island when the island's water service is restored. Service was shut down in advance of the storm and won't be re-established until a systemwide assessment is completed and any repairs made.
• A person was trapped in a car after a tree fell on it , in the 2500 block of Myakka Road. The sheriff’s office said the victim was rescued.
• Wires were down nearby.
• Flooding was reported at McIntosh and Bahia Vista roads.
• A tree was reported down on Fruitville Road.

Officials reported officers and deputies were back on the road. They urge 9-1-1 should be used only for emergencies. 316-1201 is the non-emergency number and 861-5000.

“We don’t want people moving,’’ McCrane said. “Stay put until we give you the all-clear.”