Peace River Flood: 16.5-Foot Peak Forecast

The National Weather Service forecasts the Peace River to peak at 16.5 feet on Thursday, a level that officials classify as major flooding. The projection follows days of heavy rainfall that have already pushed water levels to 13.13 feet in Arcadia as of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order on Monday declaring a state of emergency for seven counties, including DeSoto County. The declaration allows for rapid mobilization of state resources to manage the rising waters and associated infrastructure risks.

Local officials are monitoring the situation closely while reporting that immediate threats are receding. Victoria Johnson, public information officer for the DeSoto Board of County Commissioners, stated that heavy rainfall is not currently visible on Doppler radar. She noted that emergency management teams are taking proactive measures but that no polling locations have been ordered to close.

In Charlotte County, public works crews are clearing drainage systems to prepare for potential water influxes. Chad Ray, the public information officer for Charlotte County Public Works, said crews are ensuring outfalls and primary ditches remain unobstructed, with a specific focus on the area between the Peace River and U.S. 17. Ray added that staff reviewed large canal systems flowing south from North Port to check for blockages.

The National Weather Service lists specific areas currently impacted by the flooding. State Road 70 is flooded west of the Peace River bridge to County Road 661, and State Road 17 is flooded east of the bridge to Parker Avenue. In the River Acres subdivision, up to 60 homes are flooded, while another 25 homes are reported as impacted. The Woman's Club and American Legion facilities are also affected.

Additional flooding is reported at Peace River Estates, affecting several dozen homes, and at the Peace River Campground, where six homes in River Acres are also impacted. Access roads to River Acres are flooded, and the lowest portion of the Girl Scout camp has taken on water. The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office posted images of flooded roadways on Monday but reported on Tuesday that water levels have begun to recede.

Water levels in Arcadia reached 13.13 feet on Tuesday, which meets the threshold for minor flooding. Major flooding is defined as water levels reaching 16 feet. The river is currently rising toward the forecast peak of 16.5 feet expected on Thursday.