SARASOTA – Numerous severe thunderstorms caused minor damage across the Suncoast as a cold front brought in heavy rain inland. The majority of Sarasota and Manatee County were under a tornado watch for most of the day.
Despite the heavy down pours people were still out at the beach including Steefan Bunecky who’s been surfing since the 80’s. Bunecky says severe weather is the perfect recipe for surfing in Florida.
“In Sarasota unlike Hawaii and other places the only time we get surf is when you have severe thunderstorms or conditions like this so this is our opportunity so we take it,” said Bunecky.
Though conditions to be out in the water aren’t ideal Bunecky this is what surfers live for. “Most people are scared that surf is going to be this big scary thing, but as surfers this is pretty much what we do,” he said.
No injuries were reported but according to our SNN meteorology team reports of trees and power lines being down resulting in power outages did affect some areas. With winds reaching nearly 50 mph the Sunshine Skyway Bridge was temporarily closed.
“I hadn’t been over here in a longtime I haven’t even had time to see the re-nourishment,” said Carol Lackey.
Lackey a Sarasota resident came out to Lido beach after storm had passed to see what was left of the nearly 4 million dollar re-nourishment project.
“I noticed right away that there is a lot less beach. You can see the shelf drop off, the lifeguard stands the water is coming up close to them,” said Lackey.
Though Friday’s severe thunderstorms did not cause major damage this was a reminder of what a potential stronger storm could cause heading into hurricane season.
