Isaac Brings Rough Surf To Gulf Of Mexico, Lido Key

Surf's up at , and the county's Emergency Management hopes that anyone in the water today watches out for rip currents.

The rough surf off of Lido Key makes the Gulf of Mexico look more like the Atlantic Ocean, and the county says wave heights of six to eight feet could produce dangerous rip currents as Tropical Storm Isaac continues to pass through Sarasota. Lifeguards are on duty today.

It's possible that more rain could be on the way as the system rotates, said Ed McCrane, chief of Sarasota County Emergency Management. 

"Right now it looks nice outside, but looking at the radar and based on what the Weather Service has told us, we can anticipate rain bans — numerous rain bans will continue to impact the area," McCrane said in a video update provided by Sarasota County Government.

Emergency Management's goal is to get people home before sunset if the weather cooperate, he said.

Shelters at in Sarasota and Heron Creek Middle School in North Port are still open. The county closed an evacuation shelter at Woodland Middle in North Port. 

"We're going to continue to exercise caution," McCrane said.

Overall, it appears that Sarasota escaped any serious damage compared to Tropical Storm Debby. No boats have run aground or were knocked off moorings in Sarasota Bay, and roads are passable on Lido Key. 

Have damage or flooding in your neighborhood from Isaac? Tell us in the comments or upload a photo.