The Peace River at State Road 70 in Arcadia doubled in height in just 24 hours this week, rising from roughly seven feet to nearly fourteen and reaching major flood stage. The National Weather Service forecasts the river to crest near 16.5 feet overnight into Thursday before slowly receding. De Soto County emergency officials say the river will remain in major flood stage for an extended period, and they’re comparing conditions to Hurricane Ian in 2022.
The flooding is easy to see at De Soto Veterans Memorial Park in Arcadia, where benches, monuments and parking lots are underwater. Residents have been putting boats in the water over what used to be grass. County Emergency Operations Center spokesman Dennis O’Hara says the duration is the concern: the water will take a lengthy time to come back down, which means homes, roads and daily travel around Arcadia could be affected for days.
If you live near the river, avoid flooded roadways, follow De Soto County alerts, and check on your neighbors. Have you seen flooding in your part of the Suncoast? Share your update with us.
