On Friday afternoon, August 7, 2026, a powerful storm rolled through south Sarasota County. Around 4 p.m., a waterspout spun up in Forked Creek, right in Englewood. A family nearby got quite a surprise as they watched the funnel form and twist across the canal, while several neighbors stood on their back porches, witnessing the whole thing.
The waterspout itself didn’t last long. It spun across the water for a moment before fizzling out, no actual damage, no injuries, just a quick jolt of excitement for those who saw it.
Meteorologists traced the cause back to a line of storms powered by a tropical wave drifting over Florida that day.
Although official numbers on waterspouts or tornadoes weren’t released for the Gulf Coast that Friday, local agencies did issue Special Marine Warnings for the area. Reports from boaters and residents kept trickling in, describing heavy downpours and the occasional swirling funnel. For residents in Englewood, the excitement was all about that quick, spinning waterspout, and the chance to catch it on video.
The entire weekend ushered in much-needed storms, with Englewood getting a front-row seat to nature’s display. Thank you to reader Alison Horton for sending in her stunning photos of our weekend skies.
