Florida Driver Rescued After Being Caught in Debby Floodwaters

A driver was rescued from swift-moving floodwaters in Manatee County, Florida, on Tuesday, August 6, after senior county officials out surveying storm damage spotted their vehicle being dragged away toward a creek.

The Manatee County Government said several officials were out inspecting damage wrought by Tropical Storm Debby, which made landfall in Florida on Monday morning as a Category 1 hurricane.

Among them was County Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who in the video can be heard calling 911, and Public Safety Department Director Jodie Fiske, who Van Ostenbridge says was involved in rescuing the driver.

Footage of the rescue captured by County Drone Operator Stuart Shinn shows the vehicle moving along the flooded Golf Course Road, being swept sideways toward Gamble Creek, and coming to a stop in waist-deep water. Several officials and a good samaritan then wade through the waters to reach the driver, who was lifted out of the vehicle and carried away to safety, the Manatee County Government said.

Officials urged motorists to avoid flooded roads. “Turn around; don’t drown,” they said. Credit: Manatee County Government via Storyful

Video transcript

Hello.

Hey is this commission of your office?

Um get a car just went over into Gamble Creek.

Um we're on golf course road by the entrance to Twin Rivers.

Can you hear me?

Your phone's cutting it out but I can't hear you.

Can you can you hear me?

Hello?

Yes I got you.

Ok what is the address emergency go golf course road at the entrance to Twin Rivers, Twin Rivers Trail and golf course road and we have a SUV that got swept off of golf course into Gamble Creek and we got three people running down there including Jody fifth um to help them.

Ok give me one second here.

I don't I there's obviously at least one occupant.

Um it's swift water man.

Alright give me one second.

I'm just updating them.

Oh let's get in the truck and go down there.

Um yeah man I just need fire out here ASAP I'm I'm gonna get I gotta get in the truck and drive down there.

Ok, we gotta go.

Alright bye give me one second here.

I'm just updating.