2 Hurricane Ian-related deaths confirmed in Sarasota County
SARASOTA, Fla. - Hurricane Ian killed at least two people in Sarasota County.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said it could not release information about the specific circumstances of the deaths, including the identities of the deceased or the locations where the deaths happened.
Sarasota County was hard-hit by the powerful storm, which made landfall over Lee County, Florida – two counties south.
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 28: Palm trees blow in the wind from Hurricane Ian on September 28, 2022 in Sarasota, Florida. Ian is hitting the area as a likely Category 4 hurricane. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The town of North Port saw significant flooding from the storm. The city's emergency manager said the devastation was far worse than during hurricanes Charley and Irma.
In Venice, residents in several mobile home communities were scared for their lives as Ian passed over.
MORE: Historic Venice Theatre gutted from Hurricane Ian's winds
"We hunkered down and there were times when we really thought this was it. We thought we were going. We really did," recalled Kathy Gardner, who lives in the Bay Indies community. "Everything is in our house is gone."
Sarasota International Airport sustains roof, water damage due to Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian's winds ripped off a flexible membrane of the Sarasota airport's roof, causing water damage inside the building. Airport officials say cleanup is already underway and they are hoping to reopen by Saturday at the latest.
READ: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport aims to reopen by weekend after roof, water damage
The human toll of Hurricane Ian was only beginning to be known 24 hours after landfall, with the death toll expected to be, at least, dozens.
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