MYAKKA CITY, Fla. – Sarasota County says residents should expect high levels of flooding Thursday through Saturday along the Myakka River in areas north of Clark Road, near I-75 and US-41.

Previously, Tropical Storm Debby had dumped around 530 millimeters of rain on the city of Myakka, leaving residents struggling with fallen trees, closed roads and flooded properties and homes.

“Is the water rising? Yes, it looks like it’s getting deeper,” said Sergeant Rob Hendrickson of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

The Florida National Guard currently has a site at the Myakka Community Center where they distribute bleach, water, tarps and prepared meals.

Hendrickson says these efforts are very helpful in rural areas, but adds that the last thing people there need is more rain.

“Our ditches, lands and roads can no longer absorb any more water. We are still trying to get rid of the water,” he said.

Hendrickson has worked for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for over 30 years and has experienced many hurricanes and storms. He says the biggest challenge with Debby was the road closures.

“It became difficult to respond to the situation. At one point, State Road 70 was closed in several places,” he said.

According to Manatee County, the 311 emergency number received more than 4,000 calls. Hendrickson says because he knows the area well, he can respond to the calls more easily.

“We had road closures, but we knew farms and ranches that we could cross to get from one place to another. So the geographic knowledge is very helpful,” he said.

While he is out and about answering calls, he also checks on the residents he passes.

For Hendrickson, his job is to serve his community 24/7, both as a resident and as a sergeant.