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11 dead in Florida from Fay

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Tropical Storm Fay remains deadly after its unprecedented six Florida landfalls, say officials.

They point to a death toll of 11 in Florida, including one death by carbon-monoxide poisoning, two drownings, seven killed in traffic accidents and, most recently, an electric company linesman electrocuted in Gadsen County Friday evening, The Miami Herald reported Saturday.

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Dangers from downed trees and power lines, as well as flooded roads and homes, could even increase as Fay crosses the Florida Panhandle.

''This is still a dangerous storm,'' Gov. Charlie Crist said after touring part of the area.

The National Hurricane Center says Fay is still producing sustained winds of 45 mph and would most likely keep its strength over the next two days before it moves to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Alabama Sunday.

Flooding is only gradually receding in areas of northern Florida. In St. Augustine, Fla., authorities were forced to close the Bridge of Lions twice and many dirt roads in Baker County were impassable, the (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union reported.

In nearby Clay County, residents along Black Creek were warned of rising waters, expected to crest at 20 feet Saturday, slightly below flood stage.

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