Longboat Key officials work with Sarasota County to prep for storm

The town of Longboat Key emergency management team is closely monitoring what is now called Potential Tropical Cyclone Four and working with Sarasota County Emergency Management. Residents are advised to prepare by monitoring the storm, preparing any property necessary and staying up to date with the town’s alerts. 

According to a briefing from the town, main impacts for Longboat Key could include rainfall of up to 7 inches, flooding in low-lying areas, power outages and storm surges as high as 4-6 feet. Residents are advised to be ready to activate evacuation plans if necessary. 

The town of Longboat Key opened a self-serve sandbag operation at the Broadway Street public beach access for Friday and Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. Residents who wish to get sandbags can pick up bags at the Public Works office located at 600 General Harris Street until 4 p.m. There is a limit of 10 bags per household, and proof of residency is required. 

Longboat Key’s briefing indicated that a tropical depression will form on Saturday in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to pass through the Longboat Key area on Sunday, Aug. 4. 

The National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. briefing stated the disturbance is expected to develop into a tropical depression on Saturday, which may intensify into a tropical storm Saturday night. The center estimated a 70% chance of the storm forming through 48 hours, and a 90% chance of forming through 7 days. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared 54 counties under a state of emergency, including Sarasota and Manatee counties.  

Longboat Key Fire Chief Paul Dezzi emailed commissioners and stated that conditions are expected to become favorable for development, and a tropical depression is likely to develop this weekend. While there is still uncertainty as to how the storm will develop, Dezzi said that heavy rainfall with localized flooding is projected to be the main threat for the area at this point. 

If the storm develops quickly, it could bring more severe impacts like wind threats, coastal flooding, marine hazards and possibly tornadoes. 

Dezzi said the town will most likely issue an Alert Longboat Key message sometime today to further inform residents of the storm. 

To register for Alert Longboat Key, visit the town’s website at LongboatKey.org. Contact Phillips at [email protected] or 941-316-1999 with any registration issues.