Gov. DeSantis tours Sarasota County as residents recover from flood damage after Tropical Storm Debby

SARASOTA, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis visited Sarasota County for the first time since Tropical Storm Debby caused major flooding.

On Wednesday, DeSantis visited several businesses in Sarasota County that flooded during the storm.

"They’ve poured their heart and souls into these endeavors," DeSantis said.

The Sherwood Forest Community became more like a swamp after Debby.

The governor says at least hundreds of people in Sarasota County area faced significant flooding.

"Probably going to be a need for some temporary housing," DeSantis said. "Probably going to be a need for some business support."

Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar has been closed since the storm, after dealing with significant flooding inside the restaurant.

"We didn’t expect to go this high," General Manager Ricky Orduna said. "It went about a foot and a half, and normally it gets about an inch. Maybe two inches at the most."

Sarasota County says it received a total of more than 300 storm-related calls on Monday and Tuesday.

The Florida Department of Emergency Management says crews around the county have been out doing damage assessments.

"As of yesterday, Sandra reported that the county was already over 50% one day after the disaster, so they’re doing a remarkable job," FDEM Exec. Director Kevin Guthrie said.

The state says it’s working to get approval from the federal government for FEMA disaster relief. DeSantis says they’re also looking at relief efforts like bringing in temporary trailers and other support for residents and businesses.

The staff at Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar says they’ve spent the last two days cleaning up and trying to restore power to reopen as soon as possible.

"We’re going to finish cleaning the driveway, the parking lot," Orduna said. "Get all that done. Get it nice and cleaned up as much as we can, and hopefully we don’t have another storm soon."

Restaurant staff hope to reopen Friday night.

"This is like our house, so we do our best we can with it," Orduna said. "We try to take care of it. But when something like this comes, you just have to work 10 times as hard, but it’s okay. It’s worth it."

FDOT is still monitoring water levels on the rivers throughout the region, and crews have pumps ready in anticipation of potential flooding over the next few days.

Gov. DeSantis has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $10 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby.

Small businesses that are in need of assistance can apply here through Sept. 30, or until all funds are used.

State officials say they’re working to get a list of resources for relief and recovery assistance on the state’s website.

To view Sarasota County's active map of areas to avoid, click here.

The county also has a Crisis Cleanup Hotline for anyone who needs help. Residents can call (844) 965-1386.

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