Intense Rain Leads to Sarasota Child Being Swept into Storm Drain as Road Gives Way Shortly After | News

Key Information

• Incident: A child was swept into a storm drain due to heavy rain and a water main break.
• Location: Bahia Vista St from Honore Ave to Arcadia Ave, Sarasota.
• Response: Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies responded on-site.
• Rescue: The child was rescued approximately 100 yards from the initial location.
• Condition: The child is currently in critical condition at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
• Road Closures: Eastbound lanes on Bahia Vista St are closed.
• Boil Water Notice: In effect for 41 addresses affected by the break.

Over the weekend, heavy rainfall combined with a water main break led to a distressing incident in Sarasota where a child was swept into a storm drain. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, along with various agencies, responded promptly on Sunday, leading to the closure of Bahia Vista St from Honore Ave to Arcadia Ave to manage the situation for both the child and the damaged drain.

Reports indicate that the child was caught in a strong current that quickly overwhelmed the streets. The eastbound lanes of Bahia Vista St had collapsed into a sizeable pool of water, approximately four feet deep, causing significant danger in the area.

As of now, it is still unknown whether the child was being supervised when swept away. The current pulled the child about 100 yards into a sinkhole before first responders could intervene and affect a rescue.

Immediately following the rescue, the child was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital where they are currently in critical condition. In response to the water main break, Sarasota County Public Utilities contractors worked throughout the night to implement repairs. On Monday morning, the Sarasota County Government updated the community via Facebook, indicating that repairs are ongoing while the eastbound lanes remain closed.

Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes, as a boil water notice is now in effect for 41 addresses impacted by the serious water main break.