Central Florida counties survey road damage as floodwater from Hurricane Ian recedes

Roads neighboring waterways throughout Polk, Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties require emergency repair following Hurricane Ian.

After making landfall near Cayo Costa, Hurricane Ian crossed through south central Florida counties, causing historic flooding.

Two weeks later, flood warnings remain in place for areas bordering the Peace River, Myakka River and Horse Creek throughout Polk, Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties.

On Monday, the Peace River was measured around 18 feet, according to a Hardee County spokesperson. This is down from record-breaking levels of 27 feet at its peak, with water levels expected to recede to minor flood status of 16 feet by Thursday.

Hollandtown Road, in Hardee County, is washed out by floodwater in the aftermath of Ian. The roadway remained closed as of Tuesday, Oct. 11.

As floodwater retreats in south central Florida counties, the full picture of roadway destruction from Hurricane Ian is now coming into view.