First responders in Hardee and DeSoto counties are focused on rescuing people who are trapped due to flooding from the Peace River.
Water levels are so high the SR-64 bridge over the river was washed out, and a large chunk fell into the river.
This morning, we’re in #HardeeCounty/#ZolfoSprings/#Wauchula, where the #PeaceRiver is reaching historic levels and flooding homes. Water rescues, @hcsheriff tells me, have been nonstop. @abcactionnews #HurricaneIan #Ian #flooding #flwx pic.twitter.com/H4zFoxgjA5
— Chad K. Mills (@ChadKMills) September 30, 2022
RELATED: Neighbors help each other to safety as Hardee County community blocked off by flood waters
Hardee County Sheriff Vent Crawford said the current conditions are the worst he's seen in 59 years.
"Really and truly, it's probably, today, at a historical high if not the highest ever," Crawford said.
Crawford said a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper was driving across the SR-64 bridge overnight when it collapsed. He said the trooper was able to swim through the rough water in the dark and make it to safety.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is helping deputies in Hardee County with water rescues on Friday.
