Fired deputy charged with crimes had troubled past in law enforcementNew resolution could help fend off FEMA’s threat to pull flood insurance discount
This story is archived as of 5 a.m. July 7. As of the 2 a.m. advisory, Elsa maintains hurricane status with maximum sustained wind of 70 mph. A Hurricane Warning has been issued along the west coast of Florida from Egmont Key to the Steinhatchee River. The majority of the storm’s impacts on Southwest Florida will be heavy rain, gusty winds, storm surge, coastal flooding, high surf and a low risk of tornadoes. We have a tornado watch in effect for all of Southwest Florida (Excluding Collier County) until 8:00 a.m. Rainfall accumulation will be primarily between 1 to 4″ with isolated higher totals. Wind will gust near 45 to 65 mph near they coast with slightly lower gusts inland. Coastal Charlotte and Lee counties could see a water level rise, especially at high tide, of 2 to 4 feet. Coastal Collier is expected to see less, 1 to 3 feet, due to being farther away from the storm. A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the west coast of Florida from Bonita Beach to the Aucilla River, including Tampa Bay. A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for west of the Aucilla River to the Ochlockonee River. Additionally, a Tropical Storm Warning exists for Charlotte and Lee counties. A Tropical Storm Warming has been discontinued for south Bonita Beach. Due to an already saturated ground and additional rainfall, coastal and street flooding is likely. A Flood Watch is in effect for Charlotte, Lee, Collier, DeSoto and Highlands counties. COMPLETE HURRICANE COVERAGE: HURRICANE CENTRAL