Flooding was a major problem throughout Florida as Hurricane Ian swept across the state, and deputies from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office were surveying the “swollen” St. Johns River when they came across a rather unique rescue opportunity.
Deputies spotted an American flag that had been tied between two trees in a vertical position that was almost entirely submerged in the rising water. Steering their boat over to the flag, one of the deputies uses a knife to free Old Glory from her bonds. The deputy is then seen holding the flag out to shed the absorbed water.
The massive storm caused record-high water levels on the St. Johns River, according to the agency, which is beseeching everyone to say off the water for the sake of everyone who lives along the river.
“Help us protect homes from flooding if they haven’t already,” reads a post on the VCSO’s Facebook page, explaining in another post that some homes “are inches away from flooding due to a boat wake.”
Here’s another VCSO video of the deputies checking in with residents along the river, discussing just how high the water has risen.
President Joe Biden will be in Florida on Wednesday to survey the damage brought on by Hurricane Ian and, in what should prove to be prime political theater, the president is scheduled to meet with Gov. Ron DeSantis, an outspoken critic of the administration’s policies who is widely seen as the top Republican presidential contender in 2024 should Donald Trump opt not to run again.
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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