Flooding along Peace River forces tour companies to adapt: 'How we make our living'

Receding floodwaters along the Peace River have submerged some roads and shut down access to the river, DeSoto County tour operators have come up with ways to keep their businesses going.  Fossil Recovery normally brings guests directly into the river and onto surrounding land to hunt for prehistoric treasures. With roads transformed into deep river extensions, regular vehicle access remains impassable.Navigating deep waterThe Peace River has reached one of it's highest levels since Hurricane Ian, leaving only a patch of functional dry land on the Fossil Recovery property.Fossil Recovery owners Chris and Erin Mandell partnered with Up River Adventures to transport customers on a 15-minute swamp buggy ride across the flooded expanse. The group manages two excursions each day to sustain staff members and tour guides.Waiting on dry groundOfficials have not determined the exact number of days it will take for the Peace River to recede entirely. It remains unclear when road conditions will