August is National Water Quality Month, it reminds us that it takes much more than just turning on the tap to guarantee clean, potable water. Water is an essential part of our livelihood and quality of life in Sarasota County. Neighbors can take a proactive approach to keep our water resources thriving by reducing fertilizer use, composting, and properly disposing of waste. Take advantage of the resources and grant opportunities listed below so your community can get involved!
Maintaining Water Quality for a Better Future!
Carlton Water Treatment Plant
Celery Fields
Bee Ridge Water Treatment Plant
Sarasota County is also committed to taking care of our water resources while meeting the needs of its residents. Click on the link below to learn more about our water treatment facilities and water quality projects!
Looking for ways to reduce fuel costs? Interested in riding the bus, but not sure where to start? Thinking about an electric car, but not sure what questions to ask? Join us virtually on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 12 PM EST for an engaging panel discussion about sustainable transportation. Local experts from Sarasota County Area Transit, UF/IFAS, and Sarasota County will discuss a broad range of alternatives to traditional commuting, including bicycling, buses, trails, electric vehicle use and more. 
Neighborhood Clean Up
It's time to clean out the garage and gather unwanted household items, appliances, and tree trimmings. Sarasota County will host a free community cleanup in the Newtown neighborhood from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 6.
 
Not sure how to dispose of waste and household hazardous materials? Click on the Solid Waste How to Guide for more information.
Word on the Street
What is a Special Exception?

A special exception is a specific, permitted land use or activity that is allowed only where those uses are approved by the Board. Special Exception uses are subject to meeting the applicable requirements under Unified Development Code as well as specific conditions needed to allow that specific land use. But what makes a special exemption different than a variance? A variance in essence applies when a property owner is unable to use their property under the current zoning requirements, therefore requestion a change in zoning to allow land uses that otherwise would have not been allowed for that property. 
Projects in Your Area
Interested to know projects in your area? click on the image to explore our Planning Data Explorer! 
Air Quality Protection and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which can be used in a variety of applications; however, it’s also linked to several diseases, including cancer. When disturbed, primarily through renovation projects, tiny asbestos fibers can become airborne. If not managed properly, those fibers may become lodged in the lungs and irritate lung tissue. Have a renovation or demolition project? Find out if asbestos rules apply to your project and what Best Management Practices should be exercised.
 
Please contact the Air and Water Quality team for more information or to report asbestos concerns at 941-861-5000 or email: [email protected]
Resources & Reminders
To stay safe, neighborhoods must both prevent and prepare. With hurricane season officially upon us, now is the time to get informed and make a plan. Sarasota County offers tips, resources, and guidance for all residents. Learn about your evacuation level, shelters, how to receive important alerts, and more by clicking the link below.
Are you or your neighbors interested in learning more about disaster preparedness? Consider forming or participating in a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The Sarasota County CERT Program educates residents about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area. CERT members learn to assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.
Does your house need repair? New roof? A/C? Plumbing? Electrical? Do you need grab bars in your shower or a ramp leading up to your door?   If you own your home and qualify as low-income, you may be eligible for a 0% deferred-payment loan for home repairs.  

Fill out a Registration Form today OR Provide your Contact Information today at [email protected]. Click here to learn more.
August Events