I-75 Reopens After Myakka River Flood Waters Recede
UPDATE: 4pm 10/1 The Myakka River flooding under I-75 has caused I-75 to close in both directions. The main flooding goes from mile marker 179 (North Port / Toledo Blade…
NORTH PORT, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 01: John Keegan (R) and Phil Tolovic return to their home in a boat in a neighborhood flooded by the rising Myakka River in the wake of Hurricane Ian on October 01, 2022 in North Port, Florida. The Category 4 hurricane brought high winds, storm surge and rain to the area causing severe damage. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)UPDATE: 4pm 10/1
The Myakka River flooding under I-75 has caused I-75 to close in both directions. The main flooding goes from mile marker 179 (North Port / Toledo Blade Blvd) to mile marker 193 (Englewood / Jacaranda Blvd). See below for detours, or look for alternate routes. The detours will be in place until the water recedes.
Here are the official detours according to a FDOT Press Release:
Motorists traveling southbound on I-75:
- A detour will be established at exit 257 (Brandon) to re-route motorists east on S.R. 60 to U.S. 98.
- If a motorist chooses to continue southbound on I-75, they will only be able to travel as far as exit 193 (Englewood / Jacaranda Blvd).
- At exit 193, motorists will be forced to exit and turn around and return northbound.
Motorists traveling northbound on I-75:
- A detour will be established at exit 141 (Palm Beach Blvd) to re-route motorists east on S.R. 80 / U.S. 27 to U.S. 98.
- If a motorist chooses to continue northbound on I-75, they will only be able to travel as far as exit 179 (North Port / Toledo Blade Blvd).
- At exit 179, motorists will be forced to exit and turn around and return southbound.
Some photos are starting to emerge showing the flooding on I-75. The Sarasota Herald Tribune reported Saturday (10/1) are saying that there was a possibly levee break that is causing the flooding around the Myakka River and I-75.
Please be careful if you HAVE TO drive through standing water. If you can turn around you should. A good rule of thumb, if you can't tell how deep the water is, don't drive through it. According to the National Weather Service, "just six inches of water can reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles and two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups."
