UPDATE 7/17/08 12:00 Noon
MARCO ISLAND, Fla. - On Marco Island, cleanup efforts have begun. The sun is out and it almost looks like it didn't rain at all except for a few puddles. Yesterday the streets were completely flooded. Officials have been working through the night and into the morning. They're vacuuming out some of the drain pipes.

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UPDATE 7/16/08 7:00 p.m.
MARCO ISLAND, Fla. - The rain-related problems hit Marco Island the hardest today. The good news is that all roads are back open now, except for North Collier Boulevard.

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UPDATE 7/16/08 5:30 p.m.
MARCO ISLAND, Fla. - The City of Marco Island Police and Fire Rescue Departments will continue to monitor the weather conditions and flooding conditions throughout the evening. Residents should note that additional rainfall is expected throughout the night. The next high tide event will occur Thursday (7/17/08) at 1:58 a.m. so residents should continue to use caution if driving.

Updates on the roads that were closed due to high water are as follows:
° North Collier Boulevard between Barfield and East Elkcam Circle. (It is anticipated that this will be opened with a few hours. The Public Works Department is placing pumps in the area to assist with standing water.)
° 6th Avenue at Elkcam Circle (now open)
° Bluebird Avenue and Yellowbird Avenue (minimized localized flooding)
° Kendall Boulevard at Collier Boulevard (open but has high water)

All City offices will be open on Thursday, 7/17/08.

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UPDATE 7/16/08 4:20 p.m.
MARCO ISLAND, Fla. - Approximately 1535 homes on Marco Island were without power; however, only 100 homes remain without power now. LCEC is working to restore the power as quickly as possible.

The rain has stopped and another weather cell of rain is headed in the direction of Marco Island. The area of 6th Avenue and Elkcam Circle is now flooded and crews are working to keep water from entering the homes/duplexes there.

The Police and Fire Rescue Departments are constantly evaluating the flood conditions, the weather cells and the tides with safety in mind. Officials have confirmed that the conditions are safe to allow traffic to be rerouted to the Jolley Bridge.

Traffic is now allowed on and off using both bridges, the Jolley Bridge and the Goodland Bridge.

Travelers should anticipate road diversions due to areas that are still flooded.

Mackle Park will be closed the remainder of the day and reopen tomorrow.

Officials are asking business owners, condominium owners, home owners and hotels with flat roofs to ensure roof drains are clear. If the drains are not working the heavy rain could strain on the roof structure.

A Flash Flood warning is still in effect for Marco Island until 4:45 p.m.

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UPDATE 7/16/08 3:30 p.m.
MARCO ISLAND, Fla. - As a result of heavy flooding, high tide, and 4-6 " of rain fall, the intersection of Barfield Drive and Collier Boulevard is flooding. Traffic on the off the Island will be diverted to the alternate entrance to the Island on State Road 92 (Goodland Bridge). No travelers will be able to use the Judge S.S. Jolley Bridge.

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UPDATE 7/16/08 3:10 p.m.
MARCO ISLAND, Fla. - Marco Island officials are asking residents to stay off of the roads until the rain passes. Heavy rains are expected to continue through out the day. The City is experiencing high tide currently with low tide expected at 7:00 p.m.

Unless necessary, residents should remain indoors. If it necessary to be on the roadway, drivers should use caution, slow down in areas were water is on the road and avoid high water areas.

Portions of the following roads are closed due to high water.
° Collier Boulevard at Elkcam Circle
° All of Elkcam Circle South of Collier Boulevard
° North Bald Eagle in the North Marco area
° Bluebird Avenue
° Kendall Boulevard at Collier Boulevard
° Yellowbird at Collier Boulevard

Traffic coming onto Marco Island will be redirected by Police Officers to South Barfield Drive.