Sarasota County commemorates 9/11 with remembrance ceremony

Members of Sarasota County Government paused the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 11, to remember and honor the lives tragically lost, those who served and those who continue to carry on after Sept. 11, 2001.

The ceremony was hosted by Sarasota County Fire Department, at Fire Station 23. We were joined by our partners from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and Sarasota Police Department. The Schimmel family also presented a framed memorial canvas. Thank you to all who attended. Watch the Sarasota County 9/11 remembrance ceremony.

We are in the height of hurricane season!

Now is the time to be prepared! September is historically the peak, and it's National Preparedness Month. Preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep yourself, your family and your community safe. Learn more at ready.gov/september.

Have you seen our new Emergency Preparedness Guide yet? It contains comprehensive information to help you plan for your family, home, pets, neighborhood and business, including:

• A detailed evacuation map.
• Tips on when to stay, when to go, where to go – and how to get there.
• Helpful checklists.
• Post-storm cleanup instructions.
• How to register for the medical needs program.
• Plus – important contact information you can use year-round.

For more information, and to view the guide, visit scgov.net/beprepared. Subscribe to the county's Emergency Updates newsletter to stay informed.

Click here to view or download the guide.

Public Utilities crews excel in heavy machinery simulation training

Public Utilities Field Operations crews completed training using a heavy equipment simulator. Crews utilized the simulator's motion platform that replicates the feel of actual machinery to gain experience controlling and maneuvering heavy equipment. Shoutout to our team for continuing to improve their skills to better serve our community. To learn more about Sarasota County Public Utilities, visit scgov.net/utilities or call 311.

Resource Center community update

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, located at Sarasota Christian Church, 2923 Ashton Road, is closed on Sundays. Hours have transitioned to Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FEMA is now at the Resource Center providing services in person. Community members are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance with a member of the FEMA team that is on-site. For more information, visit scgov.net/recovery.

Reminder: The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Oct. 9, 2024.

Changes are coming to garbage collection services

Automated garbage collection service is coming to unincorporated Sarasota County! This process is used by waste haulers to more efficiently and safely collect materials for disposal by using mechanical arms to empty the contents from the containers. Waste Pro, Inc. will be servicing the Solid Waste North Service Area and FCC Environmental, LLC will be servicing the Solid Waste South Service Area.

New collection services begin on March 31, 2025. Until then, continue to follow current disposal guidelines for collection services.

For more information, please visit scgov.net/freshstartwithacart.

Save The Closet is coming to Sarasota County on Sept. 15

Save The Closet is hosting a clothing donation event for those impacted by Hurricane Debby this Sunday, Sept. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Southgate Community Center, 3145 Southgate Circle, Sarasota. Click here to learn more.

Connect with nature during 'Take a Child Outside Week'

Sarasota County is offering an array of free events Sept. 27-29 that focus on helping children and their families explore and connect with nature. Click here to register for events and learn more.

National Public Lands Day is Sept. 28

National Public Lands Day is the largest single-day volunteer event to improve and enhance America’s public lands. Click here to register, and join us from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Sept. 28 to help beautify Phillippi Estate Park. Learn more here.

Join us for a 'spooktacular' evening at Ed Smith Stadium Get ready for the Howl-O-Ween Movie Night Spooktacular on Oct. 19. Enjoy free kids' activities, a costume parade and a showing of Monster House! Gates open at 4 p.m. with free entry. Don’t forget your blankets! Click here to learn more.

Learn about the 'Elements of Sustainability' on Nov. 7

Running from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 7, the Sustainable Communities Workshop offers online and in-person participation options, with tickets available for $20-$45 ($5-$30 for students). Click here to learn more and register.

Apply today to become a Senior Executive Assistant for Sarasota County!

Are you looking for a rewarding and dynamic administrative position? Do you have experience supporting high-level executives? Sarasota County Government is looking for a professional Senior Executive Assistant to support the County Administrator and Deputy County Administrator.

Click here to learn more and apply today! For more information about available positions with Sarasota County Government, visit scgov.net/jobs or call 311.