Girl in serious condition following rescue from Sarasota County drainage system

Key Information

• Incident Type: Water main break leading to a child’s injury.
• Location: Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota County, FL.
• Victim: A girl pulled into a drainage system, currently in critical condition.
• Response: Child located approximately 100 yards downstream; resuscitative efforts initiated by first responders.
• Community Reaction: Neighbors are showing support for the family; ongoing street repairs initiated.

SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reported that a girl is in critical condition after she was pulled into a drainage system as a result of a water main break.

Witnesses described the scene outside Tom McGee’s home, noting the torrent of water cascading down the street. “I could see it was spewing out over there by the bus stop, and it basically looked like a waterfall,” McGee explained. Neighbors shared similar observations, with Win Remley noting the sheer volume of water rushing along the street.

“There was enough water there that if there was a hole in the ground somewhere, somebody walking through there could easily fall in,” McGee remarked. The situation escalated on Sunday when Sarasota County officials announced the closure of Bahia Vista Street due to a 12-inch water main break.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office revealed that a child was playing near a culvert when she was swept into the drainage system by the powerful water flow. Rescuers located the child approximately 100 yards downstream and initiated resuscitative efforts before transporting her to a local hospital.

“They started to search the area,” stated Asst. Chief Tim Dorsey with the Sarasota County Fire Department. He highlighted the swift movement of the water, saying, “We have water in a certain area that was moving downstream to a lower gradient, which caused it to move at a greater speed than you would normally see it.”

As crews worked throughout the night to repair the street, residents expressed their hopes for the young girl. “Thoughts and prayers with them constantly,” McGee said, while Remley added, “Whatever they need, we’re here for them, so I think they know that.”