WEBSTER, Fla. — The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office took to the air in its helicopter Thursday with the goal of reaching homeowners still stranded by high waters from Hurricane Milton.

Chief pilot Travis Sears said there is an advantage to searching by air.

“So, the helicopter gives us an opportunity to see stuff maybe obstructed from a roadway vantage point,” he said.

Using social media, the Sheriff’s Office has been able to reach those still flooded out, advising homeowners to wave white towels or cloths if they need to be rescued.

“So, they want them to put out a white towel or a white sheet,” Sears said. “Or something we can see from the air to be able to signal that we need help at this location.”

On the ground, Undersheriff Pat Breeden was standing by with the county’s MRAP amphibious vehicle. 

Breeden said the team has performed 11 rescues this week.

“We try and keep our vehicles out as much as possible, because us going in there causes a wake, which causes damage to people’s houses,” Breeden said. “So that’s why we are using the helicopter right now.”

Officials said much of the flooding has been caused by the nearby Withlacoochee River.

Deputies, in conjunction with the Salvation Army, set up a water station off County Road 656 in Webster for those who could reach them by car.

Resident Amber Christian and her sister said they were thankful for free drinking water and the rescue efforts by the Sheriff’s office.

“Oh, there’s no water,” Christian said. “It was hard to find at the store already. And that is if you could get to the store, if your road was not flooded. Or if you got gas. For a while we could not get gas.”

Officials say they expect the high waters to remain for the next few weeks, and will continue their rescue efforts if needed during that time.