Amphibious vehicles available to save lives during floods in Punta Gorda and beyond

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PUNTA GORDA, Fla. —

Amphibious vehicles will be on standby for first responders in Punta Gorda and across the Southeast this storm season.

They are called FAT Trucks.

The trucks have big wheels that can make it through high water. The vehicles also float.

Supertrak, right next to the Punta Gorda Airport, volunteered their time and FAT Trucks to first responders during Hurricane Helene.

“It was a shock, obviously, to know that we were going to help our local residents out,” Michael Stanek of Supertrak said. “It was a great honor to go out and actually rescue and see people in distress.”

Punta Gorda Fire Chief Holden Gibbs said they responded to 121 calls in the 2024 storm.

“It was one of those instrumental parts of getting the job done, because it’s a vehicle that can go just about anywhere and any depth of water,” Gibbs said.

Helene and Milton were the first hurricanes to bring water into Lee Richardson’s restaurant, Leroy’s.

“Five to 6 feet of water, and these people need help,” Richardson said. “We have such a large elderly population that they’re usually the most stubborn when it comes to leaving their home. It is definitely a great resource that is available in case we need that.”

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