Two Die as Pre-Dawn Tornado Rips Into Florida Neighborhood

VENICE, Fla. —  A tornado roared through a residential area in this community before dawn Sunday, killing at least two persons, injuring 41 others and destroying dozens of homes and businesses, authorities said.

A second tornado touched down at Fort Ogden, 40 miles southeast of Venice, and a third skirted the northern edge of Lake Okeechobee, 100 miles east of Venice, causing only minor damage and no injuries.

“We heard people screaming less than a block away. The devastation is about total. It’s unbelievable,” said Venice resident Russell Leblanc, 59.

Damage in Millions

Damage is “going to be in the millions. We have approximately 24 homes totally destroyed, an additional 85 to 90 homes affected, not to mention businesses,” said Sarasota County Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Stookey.

Gov. Bob Graham declared a state of emergency for the county, allowing state agencies to provide aid.

Authorities conducted house-to-house and helicopter searches in the area south of Venice, in southwestern Florida south of St. Petersburg, for more possible victims, said Sheriff’s Deputy Terry Garrett.

Seven-Block Swath

An aerial view showed that the tornado cut a narrow seven-block-long swath, downing trees and power lines and splintering houses in the neighborhood made up largely of retirees.

Some houses had no walls left standing. Debris floated in swimming pools and a nearby canal and uprooted pine trees were scattered about.

Hardest hit was the Jacaranda Shopping Plaza, where the roof caved in, Stookey said. He reported two deaths confirmed, including a woman sleeping in a camper in the plaza parking lot, and 41 others injured.