Punta Gorda streets flood but Celtic Ray keeps the party alive indoors

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK)— Floodwaters cleared in downtown Punta Gorda after heavy rain moved through the area Sunday night, but not before several inches of water filled the streets during an early St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Downtown Punta Gorda got hit with 3 to 4 inches of rain Sunday night. Roads turned into rivers as water levels rose, but the Celtic Ray kept its doors open for the festivities.

"The wind was blowing so hard it came completely across the entire restaurant," said Scott, a customer at the Celtic Ray.

Max, the owner of the Celtic Ray, said the weather wouldn't stop the celebration.

"We'll be drinking with our feet underwater," Max said.

The restaurant had planned for an outdoor celebration with a big band, but the heavy rain forced a change of plans. Max said they moved the party indoors when the rain came.

Dana, another customer, said she thought the event would be canceled because of the weather. She said she was excited when the band started setting up upstairs because she and others are big fans of them.

The Celtic Ray said the celebration isn't over. The restaurant will be back at it again Tuesday for St. Patrick's Day.