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Ike Again Pushes Tidal Waters Into Bay Area's Low Spots

Tribune photo by ANDY JONES

Navigating Sunset Boulevard in Port Richey was a tricky proposition today.

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By NEIL JOHNSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 11, 2008

TAMPA - Water pushed by Hurricane Ike again washed over low areas along much of the west coast today, covering some roads but staying away from homes and businesses.

Today, however, should see the last of the minor coastal flooding from Ike.

The morning high tide that peaked between 11 a.m. and noon from Sarasota County to Cedar Key brought storm tides one to two feet above normal.

It was enough to cover streets in Pinellas County's Shore Acres community and reach close to the top of sea walls along the Hillsborough River in Tampa.

Water also covered Sunset Boulevard in Port Richey. City workers closed side streets and kept most traffic from the street. It didn't reach any structures along the street.

Bay and Gulf waters in Sarasota and Manatee counties pushed into roads and neighborhoods for a second day. On Lido Key, a stretch of South Ben Franklin Drive near South Lido Park was blanketed by 2 to 3 feet of water. Drivers who doubted the depth found themselves stuck, their cars stalled in saltwater.

On Siesta Key, lifeguards found a sea turtle nest destroyed by waves. They gathered the handful of eggs that appeared viable, and a crew from Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota picked up the eggs this morning.

Emergency officials in both counties say there have been no reports of water in homes or any extensive damage.

In Crystal River and Citrus County, officials opened three sites where sandbags are available.

The city site is at the Crystal River Fire station, 650 N.W. Third Ave., and will be open until 5 p.m. Residents will need to fill the bags themselves.

The county sandbag sites are at South Grandmarch Avenue off West Grover Cleveland Boulevard in Homosassa and 7490 W. Gulf to Lake Highway in Crystal River. Both will be open until 6 p.m., and assistance will be provided to fill the bags.

The National Weather Service expects to discontinue the coastal flooding alert tonight and end the advisory for high surf Friday.

Winds from Ike on Wednesday caused similar flooding, pushing high tides two to three feet above normal.

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