Edition #9 3-min read Sunrise 7:26 AM in Sarasota
Overnight Roundup
While You Were Sleeping: Thursday, Oct. 8
Thursday's overnight catch-up: Isaias becomes the season's first hurricane and sends rough surf our way, a soggy First Alert Weather Day, Manatee County's $125 million stormwater plan, the downtown Sarasota cottages apartment project is off, and the Diocese of Venice mourns retired Bishop Frank Dewane.
Good morning, Suncoast. It's a wet one out there, and the Gulf has a hurricane in it for the first time this season. The storm is headed well west of us, but we'll still feel it at the beach. Here's what happened while you were sleeping.
Weather
1. Isaias is now a hurricane, and our surf will feel it
A Hurricane Hunter flight late Wednesday night found winds up to 75 mph, making Isaias the first hurricane of the 2026 season, according to ABC 7. It's forecast to strengthen quickly Thursday, with hurricane warnings now posted from Mississippi through the Florida Panhandle. The storm is expected to stay well west of us, but the Suncoast should see high surf Friday and Saturday, and small craft advisories are likely for local waters late Friday into Saturday.
Why it matters: ABC 7 says waves from Isaias will bring a threat of dangerous rip currents to our beaches Friday and Saturday (earlier forecast).
Source: WWSB / MySuncoast Copy link
Weather
2. Thursday is a First Alert Weather Day for heavy rain
A stalled front over Central Florida keeps showers and storms in the forecast all day, with downpours possible at any time and a risk of localized flooding, according to ABC 7. Forecast totals are 1 to 3 inches over the next day or two, with isolated spots reaching 5 inches. More than 4 inches has already fallen near the north end of Anna Maria Island over the past few days.
Source: WWSB / MySuncoast Copy link
Government
3. Manatee County puts $125 million toward stormwater and flooding
Manatee County commissioners are moving ahead with $125 million in federal disaster recovery money tied to hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, much of it for stormwater and flood mitigation, ABC 7 reports. The money covers 12 county projects and 10 projects across six cities and one town. One of the largest, about $25 million, would add automated outfall structures in the Pierce Drain area, and Bradenton is set to receive about $16 million for five projects.
Why it matters: County leaders say it won't fix everything, but it gets some of the most needed drainage work moving in neighborhoods that flood repeatedly.
Source: WWSB / MySuncoast Copy link
Business
4. Downtown Sarasota cottages apartment plan is off
The 1899 Fruitville project, a proposed 324-unit apartment complex near Fruitville Road and Washington Avenue, has been voided, according to an email landlords sent to business owners at the property, ABC 7 reports. The plan would have demolished the colorful cottages that house 17 local businesses. Some tenants are relieved and hope to stay, while others say they had already made plans to relocate.
Source: WWSB / MySuncoast Copy link
Community
5. Retired Diocese of Venice Bishop Frank Dewane dies
Frank J. Dewane, who led the Catholic Diocese of Venice for nearly two decades, died early Wednesday at Sarasota Memorial Hospital after a brief illness, the diocese announced, according to WFLA. He was appointed the diocese's second bishop by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006 and retired in May.
That's the overnight desk for Thursday. Keep the umbrella handy, stay out of rough surf this weekend, and we'll see you tomorrow morning.