Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, 9 a.m. | |
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Warning for the areas mentioned below until the Myakka River recedes. Areas immediately surrounding the river, especially low-lying areas, may experience up to two feet of flooding today through Saturday.
NWS indicates flooding will be experienced from north to south along the Myakka River:
- North of Clark Road today, Aug. 8,
- Near I-75 during the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 9,
- U.S. 41 during the early morning of Saturday, Aug. 10.
Individuals should take precautions to protect their families and property.
A temporary evacuation center, located at Woodmere Park, 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice, is available to any citizen who is relocating from at-risk areas along the Myakka. Individuals are encouraged to call 311 if transportation to the evacuation shelter location is needed. Those impacted and relocating to an evacuation center are asked to come prepared with what they need. A disaster supply checklist and emergency preparedness guide can be found at scgov.net/beprepared.
A self-service sandbag distribution point will be open today, Aug. 8, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Sarasota County Fleet - South, 4531 Annex Road, Venice. Bags and sand will be provided. Individuals are asked to bring their shovels.
| | Voluntary Damage Assessment | Multiple Florida Urban Search and Rescue task forces have been working in our communities impacted by flooding, evacuating and rescuing citizens who need help. Thank you to all the first responders who have helped Sarasota County during our recovery from Hurricane Debby and the flooding resulting from the rain brought by the storm. If you need to evacuate, call 911. If you need transportation to our evacuation center, please call 311. | |
Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi provides an update from the county's Emergency Operations Center. | |
Community members can view road closures, damage reports, flooding reports and windshield damage assessments by visiting scgov.net.
The Storm Debby Reports Interactive Map is updated in real time from the community and Sarasota County professionals in the field.
To report an area of concern that should be added to the map, call 311.
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Voluntary Damage Assessment | |
Sarasota County Public Utilities team is working on assessments of our distribution systems. All Sarasota County water treatment plants are currently treating to regulation. | |
Curbside collections for garbage, recycling and yard waste will continue for streets that are accessible to collection vehicles.
To assist with recovery, collection trucks may conduct assessments along routes one day prior to the modified collection schedule to help ensure collection operations run smoothly.
There will be a one-day shift to the regular collection schedule and will run as follows:
- Today, Aug. 8 - collection for Wednesday customers.
- Friday, Aug. 9 - collection for Thursday customers.
- Saturday, Aug. 10 - collection for Friday customers.
All items should be properly prepared for collection at the curb. View the Solid Waste How-To Guide for Residents in Sarasota County for details. Items that are not properly prepared for collection will not be picked up by the hauler.
Please double-bag spoiled food before placing it in the garbage.
Yard waste (small branches, leaves, moss, etc.) may be placed in containers, in paper bags or bundled and placed at the curb for pickup.
Items that are bundled or in containers should not exceed four feet in length and items that are in bags, containers or bundles should not exceed 40 pounds. This applies to both garbage and yard waste.
Streets that were inaccessible this week will be collected next week on the regularly scheduled collection day.
The Central County Landfill reopens today with regular business hours.
- All waste streams will be accepted. Standard disposal fees apply.
- Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (hand unloads must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing).
- Wait times for disposal at the Central County Landfill are anticipated to increase as the facility reopens all disposal areas.
The Central County Landfill will have extended hours on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Citizens' Convenience Center at the Central County Landfill, the Bee Ridge Chemical Collection Center, and the Re-Uz-It Shop reopen today to customers.
The Jackson Road Chemical Collection Center remains closed indefinitely due to storm damage from Hurricane Ian.
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Permits related to storm damage resulting from Hurricane Debby will be expedited.
Helpful tip: When applying for a permit in Accela, select the "Storm Related" project type.
For more information, please call 311 or email building@scgov.net.
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Damage reporting available for homeowners | |
The Sarasota County Property Appraiser's Office has a storm damage survey available for any homeowner who suffered storm damage from Debby.
Property owners should visit sc-pa.com/appraisal-info/damage-reporting/ to complete the storm damage survey so properties can more accurately be valued for 2025 if repairs will not be completed by then.
For residential owners displaced for 30 plus days, residents should complete the DR-465 form for a refund of taxes paid once they can reoccupy their home or Dec. 31, 2024, whichever comes first. The deadline to file this form is March 1, 2025.
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Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program | |
Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $10 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby. Florida small business owners in need of assistance, including sole proprietors, are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.
The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Debby. Interested applicants can apply now through Sept. 30, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.
| Fruitville Library closed | Fruitville Library remains closed. The county's remaining libraries and History Center have resumed normal hours. If you are unable to make it to one of our other locations, remember that Sarasota County Libraries resources are available online 24/7. Find out more at SarasotaCountyLibraries.org. | |
If you need help cleaning up damage from Hurricane Debby, call 1-844-965-1386 to be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities. These groups may be able to assist with muck out, trees, tarps and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain open through Friday, Aug. 23.
Please note: This hotline cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, insurance, or questions about FEMA registration. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools necessary to complete the work. For more information, visit crisiscleanup.org.
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- Never walk or drive through floodwaters. It's impossible to determine the depth of water, the condition of the road beneath, or any hazards present.
- Turn around, don't drown. More than 50 percent of all flood-related fatalities involve vehicles. Be cautious of flooded roadways. Do not drive through standing water.
- Do not drive through flooded roads. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles.
- Residents in flooded areas should limit contact with accumulated surface waters, as these waters may be contaminated with untreated sewage, animal waste, decomposing plants and animals, and unknown chemicals from manufacturing plants, transportation activities, and agricultural or lawn applications.
Prevent illness or injury from flood waters
- Avoid eating for drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.
- Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts or sores.
- If you have any open cuts or sores and come in contact with flood waters, wash the area well with soap to prevent infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
- Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds are encouraged to contact their primary health care provider to make sure they are current on their tetanus vaccine and possibly get a booster.
For more information, visit sarasota.floridahealth.gov.
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Sarasota County Government
1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236
Call 311
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