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Emergency Resources

TROPICAL STORM IDALIA: BE PREPARED

SARASOTA COUNTY EMERGENCY INFORMATION:

Did you know that Sarasota County has an e-newsletter to share updates during activation of the county’s Emergency Operations Center? Sign up now if you’d like to subscribe to Sarasota County Emergency Updates: https://bit.ly/3Cajfjz #SRQCounty

 
The community can visit scgov.net/beprepared for preparedness information.

TUESDAY 5PM:

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport will close to passengers and all airline and private operations at 7 tonight, with plans to reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday, airport officials said in a news release.

Airport officials said reopening plans were based on an initial assessment of damage.

The statement from airport management said the terminal building would be locked at 7 p.m. and would not serve as a shelter.

Travelers were urged to check with their airlines for information on flight schedules.

The last scheduled airline arrival today is a 4:13 p.m. Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta. A 5:23 p.m. flight from Sarasota to Atlanta, also a Delta flight, is the last scheduled departure.


1PM TUESDAY UPDATE:

Emergency operation updates for Idalia

Evacuations

Evacuate if you are in Level A. This evacuation includes vessels, RVs, mobile and manufactured homes. 

All general population evacuation are now open. Find more information, including what to bring, here. 

Learn your level here. (CLICK HERE to enlarge the map below.)

Here are some tips if you’re sheltering in place.

Call 311 if you need transportation to an evacuation center. Trips will continue until wind speeds prevent vehicular traffic. 

Government Operations
  • Sarasota County Government: All offices are closed through Wednesday, Aug. 30.

  • The regular Sarasota County Commission meetings for Tuesday, Aug. 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 30, will be rescheduled.
  • Reservations for county facilities are cancelled through Wednesday, Aug. 30.

  • City of Sarasota: Administrative offices are closed Tuesday, Aug. 29, and garbage collection is suspended. The Bay Runner trolley service is suspended, and the city’s micro-mobility vendor, Veo, is collecting and securing e-scooters. A determination will be made in the coming hours about whether City of Sarasota offices will reopen Wednesday and when trash pickup and other services will resume.

  • City of North Port: City Hall and other city offices are closed through Wednesday, Aug. 30.

  • Town of Longboat: Town offices are closed Tuesday, Aug. 29, and will assess weather conditions before determining office hours for Wednesday, Aug. 30.

  • City of Venice: Venice City Hall and other city buildings are closed through Wednesday, Aug. 30. 

  • Trash and recycling: Because the Sarasota County landfill is closed Tuesday, Aug. 29, there will be no pickups of trash, recyclables or yard waste in the City of Venice on Tuesday, Aug. 29, or Wednesday, Aug. 30.

  • Property Appraiser: Closed through Wednesday, Aug. 30. Normal operations will resume Thursday, Aug. 31. 

  • Tax Collector: Tax Collector Offices are closed through Wednesday, Aug. 30. While the office is closed, many transactions can be completed at SarsaotaTaxCollector.com

  • Department of Health in Sarasota County: Offices and clinics are closed through Wednesday, Aug. 30.

  • Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller: Closed through Aug. 30. 
  • Court dates: Have been rescheduled. If you had a previously scheduled court date, please visit CLERKNET to view your new court dates.
  • Jury duty: All jurors summoned to report to the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center in Sarasota on Tuesday, Aug. 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 30, at 8 a.m. are excused from jury duty.   
  • Tax deed sales and foreclosures: Foreclosure and tax deed auctions scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 29, have been cancelled. Please monitor the Clerk’s website for information regarding the rescheduling of these auctions. 

Water Service – Casey Key

In anticipation of potential impacts from Hurricane Idalia, Sarasota County Public Utilities have shut off water service to residents and businesses located on Casey Key. After water service ends, county utilities customers will not have water for use until after the storm. Residents and businesses are encouraged to please plan accordingly.

NOTE: While the shut-off does not include Siesta Key, it may result in lower water pressure for properties on South Siesta Key.

Bridge Lockdowns

In anticipation of the arrival of tropical storm force winds, Sarasota County Public Works staff have locked down local moveable bridges over the Intracoastal Waterway. Sarasota County bridges affected are at Manasota Beach Road, Venice Avenue, Albee Road and Blackburn Point Road. 

The Florida Department of Transportation is also locking its bridges within Sarasota County at the Circus Bridge (South U.S. 41 on Island of Venice), Hatchett Creek Bridge (North U.S. 41 on the Island of Venice), Stickney Point Road, Siesta Drive and New Pass. 

As of now, all of these bridges should be considered closed to marine traffic, but open to vehicular traffic.

Sandbag Operations End

Sandbag operations for Sarasota County have ended. Thanks to all our team members who served the community yesterday and today. Nearly 14,000 bags were filled!

Residential Trash and Recycling Pick-up

All solid waste collection services scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 29, have been cancelled for residents of unincorporated Sarasota County. Residents living in the municipalities should contact their local authorities for additional information.

Collection services for garbage, recycling and yard waste for the remainder of the week will be delayed by at least one day. Conditions will be assessed after the storm passes to determine when services will resume. 

The Central County Landfill and all solid waste facilities are closed Tuesday, Aug. 29. An update to collection services and hours of operations for solid waste facilities will be posted on the Solid Waste webpage, Sarasota County’s social media channels and published in the afternoon edition of this newsletter.

Public Transit

TODAY – Tuesday, Aug. 29

  • General Breeze/SCAT buses have ceased operations for today.
  • Breeze/SCAT buses will operate fare-free standard service until noon. Ticket outlets will be closed. The Breeze Siesta Key route will not be in service.
  • Breeze OnDemand by Sarasota County will be assisting with evacuation efforts and will have limited availability for other trips. Call 311 for assistance in scheduling transportation to an evacuation center. 
  • Breeze Plus/SCAT Plus will provide only medically necessary trips. The service provider, MTM Transit, will contact riders who have non-medical trips scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 29, to cancel or reschedule the trip. Remaining drivers and vehicles will be assisting with evacuation efforts.

Wednesday, Aug. 30

  • Breeze/SCAT buses will not be in service on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 30. Fare-free standard service will resume at noon. Ticket outlets will be closed. The Breeze Siesta Key route will not be in service.
  • Breeze OnDemand by Sarasota County will be assisting with efforts to return evacuees to their residences and will have limited availability for other trips.
  • Breeze Plus/SCAT Plus will provide only medically necessary trips. The service provider, MTM Transit, will contact riders who have non-medical trips scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 30, to cancel or reschedule the trip. Remaining drivers and vehicles will be assisting with efforts to return evacuees to their residences.

Transportation to evacuation centers 

  • Public transportation to evacuation centers will be provided from the Downtown Station (150 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota) and the Venice Community Center (326 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice). This service will begin at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, ending when sustained winds reach 35 mph, whichever arrives first. Call 311 for information on additional transportation rally points.
  • Individuals who are registered to receive evacuation transportation assistance, including those needing transportation to a medically dependent evacuation center, are being notified. Pick-ups will begin Tuesday, Aug. 29.

Libraries

Sarasota County public libraries are closed through Wednesday, Aug. 30.

Sarasota County Schools 

Traditional public schools are closed through Wednesday, Aug. 30, in order to function as evacuation centers. If your child is enrolled at a charter school, please check directly with your school for updates on closures. 

Updates will be sent out and posted at sarasotacountyschools.net/hurricane with all school-related information as it becomes available for the remainder of the week.
SCHOOLS UPDATE -12PM Monday Morning : Out of an abundance of caution and due to the latest track of Tropical Storm Idalia, **traditional public schools will be closed on Tuesday, August 29 and Wednesday, August 30,** in order to function as Evacuation Centers. This includes all after-school activities. All after-school activities today, Monday, August 28, will take place as scheduled.
 
Evacuation Centers will open at 7:00 AM on Tuesday, August 29. For a list of current Evacuation Centers, please visit Sarasota County’s website: http://www.scgov.net/…/emergency…/evacuation-centers.
We will be updating www.sarasotacountyschools.net/hurricane with traditional public school-related updates as more information becomes available. If your child is enrolled at a charter school, please check directly with your school for updates on closures.

MANATEE COUNTY EMERGENCY INFORMATION:

9:30AM TUESDAY UPDATE:
 Everyone in Level A evacuation areas—and those living in mobile or manufactured homes or RVs—in Manatee County MUST evacuate in advance of this storm. There is a voluntary evacuation in effect for those living in Level B. You can find YOUR evacuation level at mymanatee.org/manateeready.

Residents rushing final preparations to completion may take advantage of several self-serve sandbag locations established by Manatee County, which will remain open as long as supplies last and conditions allow. Operations can be monitored at mymanatee.org/sandbags.
At 2 p.m.—or if conditions warrant earlier—Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) buses will suspend operations until further notice.

Manatee County Emergency Management will host a news briefing at the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center (2101 47th Ter. E., Bradenton, FL 34203) this afternoon at 3 p.m. to provide timely updates on storm preparations and evacuation orders. This will be livestreamed on the Manatee County YouTube and Facebook pages at 3:00 p.m.

For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. 

4:15pm MONDAY UPDATE: 
Manatee County Idalia Update 

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (August 28, 2023) – With potential storm surge forecasts topping six-to-10 feet, Manatee County Public Safety officials are issuing MANDATORY evacuations for residents in “Level A” areas and VOLUNTARY Level B evacuation, effective 2:00 p.m. today. Additionally, all residents and visitors in mobile homes, manufactured homes, RVs or travel trailers must evacuate. You can find YOUR evacuation level at mymanatee.org/manateeready.

“Our primary concern at this point is storm surge,” said Manatee County Commission Chair Kevin Van Ostenbridge. “Coastal residents need to heed our warnings.”

As MANDATORY Level A evacuation and VOLUNTARY Level B evacuations are being ordered in Manatee County immediately, the following locations have been identified as Storm Shelters for those who must leave their homes (all are pet friendly):

  • Mills Elementary School 
  • Miller Elementary School
  • Freedom Elementary School 

Public shelters should be a last option. It is always recommended to stay with family and friends if possible if you evacuate.

What to Bring

In addition to your emergency supplies (food, water, medicine, flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, etc.), the following are good items to bring with you if you must evacuate to a shelter:

  • Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags or air mattresses
  • Extra clothing, shoes, eyeglasses, hearing aids (and batteries), etc.
  • Personal toiletries, towels
  • Folding chairs, lawn chairs or cots
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
  • Quiet games, books, playing cards and favorite toys for children
  • Important papers and irreplaceable keepsakes (driver’s license, special medical information, insurance policies and property inventories, photographs)

Pet Shelter Requirements

Pet sheltering requirements and rules are important during disaster situations. Your cooperation in making a pet friendly shelter environment enjoyable is appreciated.

  • Pet(s) must arrive with a carrier or cage. Cages will not be available on site.
  • Pet(s) must remain in carrier (except at scheduled exercise times).
  • Owners must provide pet food and other pet supplies as needed.
  • Owners must provide certification that pet(s) are current with rabies vaccination
  • Owners will not permit other shelter occupants to handle or approach pet(s).
  • Owners are responsible for the care, feeding and handling of their own pet(s).

Pet Survival Kit for Pet-Friendly Shelters

  • Proper ID collar and rabies license tag
  • Carrier or cage
  • Water and food bowls
  • Medications
  • Food supply to last about three days
  • Special care instructions
  • Newspapers/plastic bags for waste disposal
  • Toys and comfort items
  • Muzzles, if necessary
  • First aid supplies
  • Manual can opener
  • Proper ID on all belongings
Update as of 11:06 AM Monday, August 28: A hurricane and storm surge warning is in effect.
Per a Manatee County Press Release (AUG 28 at 10:21 AM): Following the updated forecast of Tropical Storm Idalia, Manatee County has declared a local state of emergency, and public safety officials are announcing plans for evacuations, beginning with a MANDATORY Level A evacuation (including all mobile home parks) and VOLUNTARY Level B evacuation, effective at 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 28, 2023.
“We’re expecting significant storm surge along the barrier islands and coastal communities for Idalia, with the earliest arrival predicted for Tuesday,” said Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske. “This is a very dangerous track that we all need to be aware of.”
COUNTY SHELTER LOCATIONS
(opening at 2 p.m.):
➡ Virgil Mills Elementary School 7200 69th Street E. Palmetto 34211
➡ Jesse P. Miller Elementary School 60143rd St. W, Bradenton 34209
➡ Freedom Elementary School 9515 FL 64, Bradenton 34212
📞 Citizens with special needs who are NOT registered are encouraged to immediately contact Manatee 3-1-1 and provide their name and phone number.
CITIZEN’S INFORMATION CENTER (3-1-1) Manatee County’s 3-1-1 call center will be open and fully staffed 24/7 to field calls from citizens about sandbag locations, storm preparedness, evacuation levels and more.
COUNTY CLOSURES
The approach of the storm will change County operations beginning at noon today. Normal operations and duties will be suspended for County Employees to be reassigned during the emergency. There will be no yard waste or recycling collections on Tuesday, August 29, or Wednesday, August 30. Residents should monitor local media, the County’s Website, and social media for updates. Manatee County Parks and Preserves will be closed until further notice. Manatee County Public Libraries will be closed until further notice. Manatee County Animal Welfare facilities will be closed until further notice. Manatee County’s Emergency Operations Center will also move to a Level One activation at 12 noon today.
SANDBAGS
Manatee County Public Works and Property Management Departments are providing sandbags (limit 10 per household) at numerous locations around Manatee County. Each self-service site opened at 9 a.m. today and will continue to operate as weather permits. Residents should plan to show an ID or Manatee County Utilities Department water bill indicating they are a resident of Manatee County. Visit mymanatee.org/sandbags for more information.
TRANSIT
All Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) fixed-route Bus and Trolley service will be suspended Tuesday, August 29 (once winds reach tropical-storm force).
PRESS CONFERENCE
A press conference will be held at 2 PM on Monday, August 28.

 
Important Phone Numbers
Sarasota County Emergency Management 941-861-5000 TDD  or TYY – deaf communications 941-361-1833
Manatee County Emergency Management 941-749-3500
Charlotte County Emergency Management  941-749-3500
DeSoto County Emergency Management 863-993-4831
American Red Cross Sarasota: 941-379-9300 Charlotte: 941-629-4345 Florida West Coast-Southwest Florida Chapter: 877-741-1444 National: 800-733-2767
  Federal and State Agencies  Federal Emergency Management Agency  – 800-621-3362 FEMA ( TTY for hearing impaired )  – 800-462-7585 Florida Division of Emergency Management – 850-413-9969 In a declared disaster, call Florida Emergency Information at 800-342-3557 Florida Department of Elder Affairs – 850-414-2000 Elder Help Line – 800-963-5337 Senior Choices of Southwest Florida  – 239-652-6900 or 866-413-5337 Elder Help Line in Manatee County  – 941-742-5818  Florida Division of Insurance Fraud – 850-413-3115 Florida Department of Financial Services  – 877-693-5236 FEMA National Flood Insurance Program  – 800-611-6122  TTY: 800-427-5593 NOAA, National Weather Service local  – 813-645-2323 Small Business Administration: 800-827-5722 Disaster Field Operations Center East: 800-659-2955 NOAA, National Hurricane Center  – nhc.noaa.gov; contact at NHC.Public.Affairs@noaa.gov
  List of Shelters Sarasota County Shelters Manatee County Shelters Special Needs Shelter – Sarasota County  941- 861-5000 The Sarasota County Special Needs Shelter is a shelter of last resort for people with special medical needs. The shelter provides for safety and very basic needs during an emergency. The shelter which is staffed by nurses and doctors from the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County is for residents who rely on electrical power for their medical equipment and nursing assistance. The public must register in advance to use the Special Needs Shelter. Special Needs Shelter – Manatee County  941- 749-350, x1667 The Special Needs Registry is designed to assist residents of Manatee County who will require transportation or sheltering assistance when the citizen is notified to evacuate their residence because of a storm. If you are a resident of Charlotte County then contact Charlotte Emergency Management Services at 941-833-400 to confirm eligibility. 
 

Safeguard Documents 

  • Store your important documents ( ie banking information, identification: driver’s license/ passport, personal and property insurance, personal and financial records) in a password-protected area in the cloud or on a secure thumb drive that you can keep readily available. 
On Your Phone
  • Keep your contacts updated across all your channels, including phone, email, and social media. Consider creating a group list of your top contacts 
  • Learn how to send updates via text and internet from your mobile phone to your contacts and social channels in case voice communications are not available. Text messages and the internet often work even when there is a phone service disruption
  • Keep extra batteries for your phone in a safe place or purchase a solar-powered or hand crank charger
  • Program ” In Case of Emergency” (ICE) contacts into your cellphone so emergency personnel can contact those people for you if you are unable to use your phone. Let your ICE contacts know that they are programmed into your phone and inform them of any medical issues or other special needs you may have
  • If you have a traditional landline ( non-broadband or VOIP ) phone, keep at least one non-cordless receiver in your home because it may work even if you lose power
  • Forward your home phone number to your cellphone number if you have call forwarding on your home phone. 
  • If you do not have a cellphone keep a prepaid phone card to use if needed during or after a disaster 
  • Prepare a family contact sheet. This should include at least one out-of-town contact that may be better able to reach family members in an emergency
  • Have a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio or television available (with spare batteries) 
  • Keep phone calls brief, try to only convey vital information to emergency personnel and/or family 
  • If you are unsuccessful in completing a call using your cellphone, wait 10 seconds before redialing to help reduce network congestion.  
  • Conserve your cellphone battery by reducing the brightness of your screen, placing your phone in airplane mode, and closing apps you are not using that draw power
  What to Take to a Hurricane Shelter
  • Identification, cash, and coins
  • Bedding (including towels, blankets, sleeping bags, air mattresses)
  • Folding lawn or camping chair
  • Medications, supplies, and prescriptions (at least a 2-week supply)
  • Nonperishable food and snacks
  • Bottled water and/or other non-alcoholic beverages
  • Basic eating utensils and plates
  • Baby supplies
  • Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, other personal hygiene items
  • Extra clothing
  • Flashlights and battery-operated radio or TV with extra batteries
  Steps to Take to Protect Your Pets
  • Be sure pets have current immunizations well before hurricane season begins
  • Take a photo of your pet and attach it to its immunization records
  • Prepare a pet disaster supply kit 
  • Ask relatives or friends, outside the affected area, whether they could shelter your pets
  • Prepare a list of boarding facilities that could shelter animals in an emergency 
  • Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter in a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have, so this should be your last resort. 
Pet Supplies 
  • At least a two-week supply of food 
  • Water, food bowls, and toys 
  • Medications 
  • Specific care instructions 
  • Plastic bags for handling waste; cat litter 
  • Muzzles, if necessary 
  • Manual can opener 
If You Evacuate If you must leave your home, take your pet’s immunization records with you in waterproof bags. Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars with up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of a temporary shelter or of a relative or friend outside your area. Put IDs on your pet’s carriers and possessions.  Pet-Friendly Shelters  IN MANATEE COUNTY  Openings vary with each emergency. Stay tuned to local media for a list of shelters that will open.
  • Braden River High, 6545 State Road 70 E., Bradenton 
  • Manatee High, 1000 32nd St. W., Bradenton 
  • Mills Elementary School, 7200 69th St. E., Palmetto 
IN SARASOTA COUNTY  All hurricane evacuation centers have been designated as pet-friendly  IN CHARLOTTE COUNTY  All emergency shelters sites are pet-friendly
  Be Informed  Download the FEMA app. Receive weather alerts from The National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the US. Sign up for FEMA text message updates ( standard message and data rates apply).  Get Started: 
  • To sign up to receive preparedness tips: text PREPARE to 43362
  • To search for open shelters (for disaster survivors): text SHELTER and a zip code to 43362 
  • List of all keywords you can subscribe to text LIST to 43362 
  • To unsubscribe: text STOP to 43362 
Before a Disaster
  • Follow local government on social media to stay up-to-date with official information before, during, and after a disaster 
  • Sign up from Twitter alerts from trusted government agencies to get notified when critical information goes out
  • Visit the Alerts setup page of the agency you want to receive notifications from 
  Sarasota County Resources: https://www.scgov.net/government/emergency-services/hurricane-preparedness-6291 Manatee County Resources: https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/emergency_management