The driver of an oversized truck who took a wrong turn put out the lights at more than 100 Anna Maria properties Nov. 3.
Four utility poles and numerous power supply lines and transformers went tumbling down on Willow Avenue and North Shore Drive when the driver of a 16-foot truck from VacVision attempted to turn from Willow onto North Shore, according to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Patrick Manning.
Manning reported the truck driver said he had “knocked down a wire” in his turn, which subsequently pulled multiple wires and transformers to the ground, snapping two of four damaged utility poles.
“This is a new one,” Manning said.
Resident Bob Carter said he was supposed to go to a morning meeting in Sarasota when the downed wires blocked his car in his driveway.
He left his house on foot and was picked up by his wife, Commissioner Carol Carter, who had left home earlier in the day to campaign for her seat in the Nov. 7 election.
Bob Carter said Florida Power and Light called him at approximately 9:30 a.m. to inform him power would be restored by 10:45 a.m.
But FPL representative Lisa Paul said the 103 customers affected by the damages could instead expect to see power restored by the end of the day. “Due to the extent of the damage … it’s going to be an all-day process,” she said.
Carol Carter said her power was restored at about 8:15 p.m.
Jim and Patty Hug, residents on Willow Avenue, said their car also was blocked in by the wires. In addition, Jim Hug said they had no phone signal and couldn’t communicate with anyone.
“It’s Irma-geddon again,” Patty joked.
Karen Harllee, who also lives on Willow, said she found it “ridiculous” that one wire could bring down four poles.
Hurricane Irma knocked down a number of wires and left most of the island without power for several days when it passed Sept. 10-11. The storm snapped one pole in Anna Maria, but it was responsible for a lengthy power outage.
