Shelter open, sandbags available in Hernando

FROM THE EOC: The Hernando County Sheriff's Office Emergency Operations Center is continuing to monitor several issues within Hernando County that were brought on by Tropical Storm Debby.

One of the situations that we are monitoring closely at this time is the possibility that the Withlacoochee River will reach flood stage due to the heavy rainfall. Residents who live along the Withlacoochee River are encouraged to monitor the status of the river and evacuate if flooding starts to occur.

A new sink hole has opened up along Quality Drive, which has caused part of the roadway to collapse, officials said. Currently parts of Quality Dr. from Spring Hill Regional Hospital to Suncoast Elementary School are closed until repairs are made.

As a result of the risk of flooding from the river, the Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Ridge Manor Community Center located at 34244 Cortez Bv. in Ridge Manor.

Sand and sandbags will also be available to the public at the community center.

Current road closures in Hernando County remain at the following locations:

• Spring Hill Drive from the Hernando County Jail to FDOT Office (Flooding)
• Mariner Bv. from Little St. to Claymore St. (Sinkhole)
• Claymore St. at Keeport Dr. (Sinkhole)
• Citrus Way at US98 (Flooding)
• Old Crystal River Rd. at Ajax St. (Flooding)
• Richloam Clay Sink Rd. at Cortez Bv. (SR50) (Tree down)
• Croom Rd. from Broad St. east to Mcintyre Rd. (Flooding)
• Clinton Dr. from Cortez Bv. to Providence Bv. (Flooding)
• Rosewood Dr. at Lynbrook Ln. (Flooding)
• Northcliffe Bv. at Lamson Av. (Partial closure due to flooding)
• The Suncoast Parkway from Cortez Bv. north to US 98 (Flooding)
• Quarterhorse Ln. (Flooding)
  

The Emergency Operations Center has been actively monitoring this system and will continue to monitor the system throughout its duration. Residents are encouraged to report all storm related damage to the Emergency Operations Center at (352) 754-4083.