Torrential rainfall leaves Sarasota businesses flooded

SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Sarasota saw historic rainfall Tuesday evening, leaving countless streets impassible and cars stranded .

City officials say they responded to around 80 water rescue calls for stranded vehicles during and after the storm passed.

The torrential downpours also left standing water in several local businesses.

Folks at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime spent Wednesday cleaning up after the 5,000 sq. ft. property saw about two inches of water damage inside and about seven inches of standing water in its courtyard.

They also had to cancel an event planned for Wednesday evening due to flooding.

“This is the first time we have had water inside the building. We have had occasional flooding outside in the courtyard, the streets have definitely flooded out here before, but nothing like this,” said the Bazaar’s co-owner Kim Livengood. “Honestly, this was insane. Mother nature was just, she was in a bad mood last night.”

A nearby carpet-cleaning business also suffered damage due to the heavy rainfall.

By around 9 p.m. Tuesday, the business was filled with about eight inches of standing water. It was the first time in more than 15 years that water damage impacted the building.

Owner of Sarasota Carpet & Cleaning Stefanie Deaubler says they already keep rugs high and off the ground, so they were not damaged. However, the place was left a mess and had to be power-washed on Wednesday.

“I think it was a substantial event. It kind of parked itself over the area. Hopefully, this isn’t a sign of things to come this season,” said Deaubler. “I am glad we got the rain. We really needed it, we just didn’t need it all at once.”

The City of Sarasota asked residential and commercial property owners who experienced flooding Tuesday to report it to them via FloodInfo@sarasotafl.gov . The information will be collected and shared with the federal government for possible FEMA assistance.

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