In a daring rescue in Parrish, Florida, a woman was saved from her car after driving into rising floodwaters caused by Tropical Storm Debby. The dramatic video captured the intense moment when authorities in Manatee County stepped in to rescue the woman who was being swept away by the powerful floodwaters.
The incident occurred on Gulf Course Road at the entrance of Twin Rivers in Parrish. Manatee County public officials, including the public safety director, chief of staff, deputy county administrator, multiple commissioners, and a drone operator, were conducting damage assessments from Tropical Storm Debby when they witnessed a car driving through the rising waters. The officials, along with a good Samaritan, sprang into action to save the woman in distress.
The overhead drone video shows the car driving on the road into increasingly high floodwaters before coming to a stop and drifting backward, being carried away by the water. Three officials waded through the deep water up to the SUV and helped the woman out through the driver’s side window. The woman was then lifted into a truck and taken to safety.
Manatee County commissioners Kevin Van Ostenbridge and Mike Rahn spoke about the daring rescue, emphasizing the importance of heeding warnings during severe weather events. They stressed the message of „turn around, don’t drown“ to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The commissioners noted that the location in Parrish where the rescue took place was particularly prone to flooding and urged residents to exercise caution during extreme weather conditions.
The commissioners highlighted the unprecedented nature of the flood event, describing it as a 100-year flood event that was difficult to predict. They expressed gratitude that the rescue had a positive outcome and emphasized the need for preparedness and vigilance in the face of natural disasters.
Overall, the daring rescue in Parrish serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather and the importance of following safety guidelines during such events. The swift and coordinated response of the authorities in Manatee County saved the woman from a potentially life-threatening situation, showcasing the bravery and dedication of first responders in protecting the community.