Surviving the Storm: Navigating Historic Floods in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

As a lifelong resident of Florida, I’ve seen my fair share of storms and the aftermath they leave behind. But what we’ve recently experienced in Sarasota and Manatee Counties is something altogether different—a pair of historic floods that have left many of us reeling, questioning the impact of overdevelopment, and wondering about the future of our beloved communities.

June 11th: A Flood Like No Other

It started on June 11th, a day that seemed like any other during Florida’s rainy season. But as the clouds gathered, something unusual began to unfold. The rain came down with such intensity that it felt like a hurricane had hit—except it wasn’t. Streets in Sarasota quickly turned into rivers, and even my home, perched 13 feet above sea level, wasn’t spared. I watched in disbelief as water pooled around the base of our pool cage, forcing my husband to shovel dirt in a desperate attempt to divert it.

I shared a short video about that day, but it’s one of those things you have to experience to fully understand. We were lucky compared to others in the area, but the reality of that storm shook me. It wasn’t just about the inconvenience; it was about the realization that something had changed. Our weather patterns were shifting, and the systems in place to manage stormwater were being pushed to their limits.

A Second Wave: The Flooding of Myakka and Manatee Rivers and Philippi Creek

Just when we thought the worst was over, Mother Nature had other plans. Not long after the June 11th event, another storm system brought the remnants of Hurricane Debby in August , which unleashed 11 to 18 inches of rain across the region. This time, the flooding was even more widespread, impacting not just city streets but entire communities along the Myakka and Manatee Rivers and Philippi Creek.

Areas from Parrish to Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota’s Pinecraft neighborhood faced a nightmare scenario as these waterways swelled well beyond their banks. The Manatee River, for example, crested at a staggering 19 feet—more than two feet above major flood stage. The water didn’t just stop at flooding streets; it invaded homes, forcing evacuations and leaving families with nothing but what they could carry.

The devastation was everywhere. As I watched friends and neighbors post their heartbreak on social media, it became clear that the impact was deeper than just material loss. The community was reeling, and the questions began to mount: Why did this happen? Was it due to overdevelopment? Poor stormwater management? Or was it simply the result of an unpredictable and extreme weather event?

The Role of Overdevelopment and Infrastructure

As someone deeply involved in real estate, I can’t ignore the elephant in the room: overdevelopment. Many in our community believe that the rapid pace of construction is contributing to these problems, particularly when it comes to stormwater management. Retention ponds and lakes are supposed to mitigate these risks, but are they enough? The approval process for new developments is supposed to include thorough reviews of flooding possibilities, but there’s growing skepticism about how rigorously these reviews are conducted—and whether political influences might be at play.

Yet, the recent flooding also impacted areas far from new developments, which complicates the narrative. For instance, the flooding along the Myakka River was partly due to the failure of a small dam—a structure that seemed inconsequential until it wasn’t. Similarly, the overflowing Manatee River and silt-filled Philippi Creek pointed to infrastructure that simply couldn’t handle the volume of water. It’s clear that the issues are multifaceted, involving both natural and man-made factors.

Moving Forward: What’s Next for Sarasota and Manatee?

As the waters recede, the focus now shifts to recovery and rebuilding. But beyond the immediate response, there’s a broader conversation that needs to happen about how we plan for the future. We need to consider whether our current infrastructure can withstand the kinds of storms we’re now seeing more frequently and whether our development practices need to be re-evaluated in light of these new challenges.

For those considering a move to Sarasota or Manatee Counties, these events certainly give pause. But as someone who has lived here for 40 years, I can tell you that this area still has so much to offer. Yes, the weather is a factor, but it’s just one of many considerations. The sense of community, the natural beauty, and the quality of life here are hard to beat.

If you’re grappling with these decisions, I’m here to help. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of it all, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can navigate these challenges and find the best path forward.

Until next time, stay safe and take care.

— Susan Phelps, Your Real Estate Information Specialist at Berkshire Hathaway Florida Realty