Sarasota County’s storm debris contractors have been given clearance to enter the public roads to begin removal of loose and bulky vegetative storm debris. To view the estimated collection timeframe for your neighborhood, visit https://bit.ly/stormdebrispickupmap and enter your address into the map. Information will be updated on a regular basis as contractors work through the collection process.

Here are a few reminders to help the process run smoothly:

• Keep your vegetative storm debris pile and construction and demolition pile separated from your regular trash and yard waste, and away from trees, mailboxes, fire hydrants, water meters, utility lines or other objects that could be damaged during pickup.

• If other items (i.e. fences, garbage bags, etc.) are mixed in the vegetative storm debris pile, or if they are too close in proximity, the debris contractor may not be able to pick up the vegetative storm debris.

• Small pieces of vegetative debris (small branches, leaves, moss, etc.) should be placed in containers, in bags or bundled and placed at the curb separately from the vegetative storm debris for collection on your regularly scheduled collection day.

• Piles that include fresh landscaping or yard waste will be disqualified for pickup per FEMA regulations. Newly generated landscaping or yard debris from regular maintenance at your residence should be prepared properly for curbside pickup by Waste Management. Items should be 4’ or less in length, 40 pounds or less in weight and bagged, containerized, bundled or tied.
• Regular garbage and yard waste should be placed away from large storm debris so that it is easily identifiable and accessible for collection. Waste Management will continue to collect properly prepared garbage and yard waste. 

Debris Removal on Private Roads

More than half the roadways in Sarasota County are private, and the cost of debris collection and removal from private roadways is currently not eligible for reimbursement under the Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Program unless special exception is granted. 

Residents who live on a private road must grant the county the right to enter the roadway for debris removal PRIOR to any debris removal. This requires a completed Right-of-Entry/Hold Harmless form that is signed by the legal owner of the road or a legal representative, such as a homeowners association or management company. A completed ROE form must be filed after each storm event. 

If you live on a private road, please submit your contact information here. A member of Sarasota County's ROE team will reach out to you as soon as the forms are available.

Vegetative Storm Debris Drop-off: 

Two public drop-off sites for Sarasota County residents who would like to self-transport vegetative storm debris opened Monday, Oct. 3. The sites are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. There is no cost to residents to use the drop-off sites for residential vegetative storm debris.

Proof of Sarasota County residency is required (i.e. drivers license, tax bill, utility bill, etc.).

Residents must self-unload all vegetative storm debris.

No commercial debris or vehicles will be permitted to use the sites.

Public drop-off site locations:

• Rothenbach Park (north)
• 8650 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota

• Jackson Road Transfer Station (south)
• 250 S. Jackson Road, Venice

Note: any materials transported to the Central County Landfill for disposal will be subject to standard disposal fees.

The Bee Ridge Chemical Collection Center and The Re-Uz-It Shop are closed indefinitely.

Waste Management resumed regularly scheduled collection services for residential garbage and yard waste on Monday, Oct. 3. Please note that recycling collection has been suspended until further notice.

County Safety Status

As we continue to assess damage from Hurricane Ian throughout the county, not all areas are safe for reentry. 

Sarasota County is using a red, yellow and green level system to inform people about the risks associated with leaving where they sheltered. Click here for an interactive map.

Please continue to use caution as you reenter the areas in yellow.

• Red It is unsafe and emergency services may not be available. There is extensive damage limiting travel, and access is limited to residents and business owners.
• Yellow Power is out and trees and power lines are down. Traffic lights may be out. Safety precautions are required. 
• Green There are no limiting factors, and it is safe for the general public. 

Many roads throughout the county remain impassable, so use extreme caution if you must travel. Damage assessments are ongoing.

Sarasota County Schools

Visit www.sarasotacountyschools.net/hurricane for the latest.

FEMA Disaster Assistance 

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information ready:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security number.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Team

These teams are visiting shelters to help survivors apply for assistance. The teams will begin canvassing neighborhoods soon, going door-to-door to check on residents, assist with applications, and answer questions about the types of federal assistance available to help survivors jumpstart their recovery. 

• Rescue efforts, with a priority on hospitals, healthcare facilities, barrier island communities, and power restoration continue to be a priority. 
• Call your insurance company right away. Take photos to document damage and keep receipts from all clean-up and repair related purchases. These steps may help maximize insurance and federal disaster assistance payments. If you've evacuated, you can still start a claim now and provide specifics later. National Flood Insurance Program policyholders should be sure to ask their insurance company about advance payments to receive up to $20,000 to jumpstart recovery. If you need help with reaching your flood insurance agent or carrier, call 877-336-2627.

Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance

Low interest loans are available to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters affected by Hurricane Ian. Learn more here.

The first Florida Business Recovery Center opened Monday, Oct. 3, at the Chloe Coney Urban Enterprise Center, 1907 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

A recovery center at The Hub at SWFL, Inc., 25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive, Bonita Springs, opened at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5. The hours of operation will be Sunday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Another center will open at The Naples Players, 701 5th Ave., S., Naples, on Thursday, Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 

Additional centers will open in the affected counties. 

Home Cleanup Hotline

Crisis Cleanup has launched a Home Cleanup Hotline for #HurricaneIan. Crisis Cleanup will connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who can assist with:

• Cut fallen trees
• Drywall, flooring and appliance removal
• Tarping roofs
• Mold mitigation

The services are free but are not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need.

For survivors needing assistance, please call 800-451-1954. The hotline will remain open until Oct. 28.

Operation Blue Roof

Sarasota County homeowners who suffered damage to their roofs from Hurricane Ian may now be eligible for Operation Blue Roof, a federal program that provides fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. Learn more here.

Legal Help

A free legal help hotline is now available for Hurricane Ian survivors. The hotline is available to connect survivors to free legal services in qualifying counties who cannot afford an attorney. Survivors can call 866-550-2929. 

Legal issues hotline callers can help with include:

• FEMA and SBA financial benefits. 
• Home repair contracts and property insurance claims.
• Redoing wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster.
• Price gouging, scams or identity theft.
• Landlord or tenant problems, or threats of foreclosure. 
• Disability-related access to federal, state and local disaster programs. 

Business Resources

The Gulf Coast Builders Exchange office has both power and internet. The conference room is available for booking in four hour blocks between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Please email MaryDougherty@gcbx.org Kendallwilliams@gcbox.org to schedule time. 

The GCBX membership page was opened to the public so the membership database is available for storm recovery services.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has launched a Business Damage Assessment Survey at www.FloridaDisaster.biz. Every business that has been impacted by Hurricane Ian to fill out this survey. 

Additional resources are available here. 

State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) Hotline

Call 800-342-3557 to find out how to prepare before/during/after a hurricane, road closures and alternate routes, available/open shelters in host or impacted counties, shelters designed for special needs patients, hotels and motels that accept pets, boaters instructions for moving watercraft to safer ground, and re-entry information once it is safe to return to the affected area. 

Unlicensed contractors

Using unlicensed contractors can be hazardous to the health, safety and welfare of you, your family, and your property. 

Hiring unlicensed contractors can also cost you more in the long run. 

For the unincorporated area of Sarasota County

• To check on the status of a building permit (whether it has been applied for, issued, etc.), please call 311 or email building@scgov.net. 
• To check on whether a contractor is licensed with Sarasota County, please call 311 or email building@scgov.net or licensing@scgov.net.
• To report possible unlicensed or unpermitted activity, please call 311, 941-861-6612 or email ula@scgov.net. 

Property owners can also report unlicensed activity to the state of Florida. 

• Please call the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 850-487-1395 or visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com. 

Sarasota County will be expediting storm related permitting.  The North County Permit Center at 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota opened Monday, Oct. 3, and the South County Permit Center at 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice opened Tuesday, Oct 4. For permits that do not require technical review, an express permit will be provided. For permits that have statutory requirements for engineering drawings and plans review, such as pool cage repair, permits will be expedited to the best of our ability and resources. For more information, click here.

How to help

Volunteer: We are working diligently to organize resources and connect those in need with those who can help coordinate volunteer efforts, bridge communications across the region and leverage relationships to ensure our neighbors across the Suncoast have the support they need to recover.

If you're over 18 years of age and want to volunteer with Sarasota County after an emergency, complete this form to help us match you with those opportunities. Learn more at scgov.net.

Funding: If you would like to make a donation that helps those across our region, we encourage you to donate to the United Way Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund or text DISASTER to 844-701-5181.

Help spread the word

As many parts of our county are flooded and without power, we are doing our best to share information in as many ways as possible. In addition to this newsletter and social media updates, we are also keeping our community informed by:

• Text alerts: text SRQCOUNTY to 888777
• Call-ins to local iHeart radio stations: 92.1 FM, 107.9 FM, 98.1 FM
• Call-ins to Englewood radio stations: WENG Radio (98.1 FM, 107.5 FM, 1530 AM)

If you have contact with someone unable to access the internet, please share information! Note- text alerts often link to Twitter. While this does use internet access, Twitter pages load faster than web, allowing for more information to be sent. 

Libraries

The following public libraries are open:

• William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Public Library, 300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice
• Gulf Gate Public Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota
• Selby Public Library,1331 First St., Sarasota
• Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota
• Fruitville Public Library, 100 Apex Road, Sarasota

The hours for the coming week are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Osprey Public Library resumed regular hours, Monday Oct. 3. Those hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Items currently ready for pick up at the libraries will not be removed from the shelf. Items will continue to be on hold until Oct. 10. This date may be pushed back depending on how many of our library locations can reopen. 

Items currently checked out to you will not accrue overdue fines. 

Currently, the library delivery truck is being used in the emergency response. That means there may be a slight delay in books being transferred between our currently open library locations. 

Sarasota County Utilities

If you do not have power at your house, you do not have power at your neighborhood lift station.

Please call 311 if you see a manhole or lift station overflowing.

Water and wastewater services have been restored to Siesta and Casey Keys.

Residents will experience lower than usual water pressure and may have some air in the lines in their residences. Please continue to minimize water usage as much as possible until power is restored to the community. A boil water notice is in effect for both keys.

See full details here: https://loom.ly/Rw7WrHI

County park opening status

For the latest park status report, click here.

Power Outages

Florida Power and Light customers can visit fplmaps.com to check reported power outages. To report a power outage, visit FPL.com or call 800-4-OUTAGE (468-8243).

Around the Area

Sarasota County Government

• The County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, and 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, are both accessible and will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Monday, Oct. 3.  

• Parks and facilities reservations including the Turtle Beach Campground are canceled until further assessments can be made next week. 
• Sarasota County extended the State of Emergency declaration on Monday, Oct. 3, for seven days.

City of North Port

• To receive City of North Port alerts directly to your phone, community members just need to text NPStrong to 888777.
• City hall and some other city facilities reopened Wednesday, and the Building Division and other services will resume operating. 
• Permits to repair damage caused by Hurricane Ian are being expedited. Permit applications for roof repairs may be submitted online at NorthPortFL.gov/Building or in person at City Hall, 4970 City Hall Blvd., and are being issued within 24 hours. 
• The regular city commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 4, has been rescheduled to Oct. 6 at 10:30 a.m. The recognition was set for Oct. 6 is postponed. 
• All of the city's parks and recreational facilities are closed until further notice while staff complete damage assessments. All parks and recreation programs, classes and events are suspended at this time, and refunds are being processed. 
• Garbage collection began Wednesday until the normal collection schedule. Contracted debris management crews began to collect debris around the city. Recycling collection will resume Wednesday, Oct. 12. 
• Utilities crews have been busy safely restoring water and wastewater service to the city's service area and assessing infrastructure damage. All late fees and shut offs will be suspended for at least the month of October, and crews will continue to be busy responding to calls over the next several weeks. 
• To help the city identify the areas of the community most impacted by Hurricane Ian, residents are asked to self-report structure damage to buildings of all types. This includes structures such as single and multi-family dwellings, businesses, churches, schools, hospitals, etc. To make a report. click here. 
• A map of current conditions for major arterial roads is available here. Conditions can change rapidly. Many roads are still flooded and hazardous and some traffic signals out. Drivers should use caution. 
• Av overnight curfew will be in effect from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. The only exception is working commutes. 

Englewood

• The Englewood Water District is under a boil water advisory. Bring water to a rolling boil for one-minute to kill infectious organisms. If you are under a boil water notice and have no electricity or no way to boil water, use bottled water. 

City of Venice

• Venice City Hall is set to reopen Wednesday, Oct. 5. 
• Venice Airport remains closed for damage assessment, mainly of hangars. 
• The farmers market will reopen by City Hall on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Southern Baptist Convention has set up a disaster relief group in the parking lot of First Baptist Church, 312 W. Miami Avenue. They are offering services in the community for tarping damaged homes and downed trees by calling 941-473-6397. At the church site, they will have showers available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and will be serving dinner at 6 p.m. daily. 
• For more information from the city's building department, click here. 

Town of Longboat Key 

• The boil water notice was rescinded. 
• The town is in an active emergency and recovery phase as power lines remain down in some areas with many residents not having power restored. 
• The town is working with FPL on restoring power as quickly as possible and the town does not control which areas will be turned on next. 
• Garbage and recycling collection resumed Monday, Oct. 3, and residents will be notified of any changes to the collection schedule moving forward through recovery efforts. 
• Curbside debris collection is planned to begin Wednesday, Oct. 5. Place debris curbside in the right of way. It does not have to be bundled/bagged, just separate vegetative debris from construction debris. 

City of Sarasota

• Normal city operations resumed Monday, Oct. 3.
• Public Works is coordinating with the city's storm debris hauler on a collection schedule, which should be available in the near future. 
• The city’s debris contractor began working Wednesday to collect storm debris placed at the curb, if you have bagged materials, fencing or other construction debris, it must be kept separate from the vegetative storm debris pile, if it is comingled it will delay collection.  Please keep any debris at a minimum 5 feet away from poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants and any other ornamental structures.  The amount of debris is being estimated to be twice as much as was collected from IRMA, and this will be an operation that will take several months to accomplish.
• Due to continued power outages at the Recycling Processing Center, the city will be suspending collection of all recyclable materials until further notice. The city will continue to collect garbage on your regularly scheduled day. 
• Storm Debris from Commercial properties will not be collected by the City’s contractor.
• Florida Power and Light is working on restoring power as quickly as possible and the city asks for your understanding during this time. FPL is responsible for restoring power to its infrastructure. The City of Sarasota does not control which areas will be turned on next. The city will work with FPL to provide any support crews required to decrease the time our neighborhoods are without electricity.

Hospitals

• All of Sarasota Memorial Hospital urgent care centers are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
• North Port ER and Health Care Center is unable to see patients due to roof damage.
• If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or other life-threatening injury or illness, call 911 or head straight to the emergency room. For minor to moderate medical events, including lacerations and broken bones, urgent care centers provide shorter wait times, lower costs and faster care than an ER. Sarasota Memorial's urgent care centers also have on-site imaging (X-ray) and lab testing. For more information, click here.  
• Visit SMH.com/hurricane for information about closures and other health system operations. 

Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller

The Sarasota Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s office remains open in Sarasota and at  the South County Courthouse in Venice from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For customers unable to visit either location, we are accessible 24/7 via the web at www.SarasotaClerk.com and over the phone at 941-8617400.

Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport

The airport team continues repairs to the facility. Check directly with your airline regarding flight information.

Tax Collector

The downtown and mid-county offices reopened Tuesday, Oct. 4, for appointments and customers with urgent needs (expired licenses, registrations or suspensions). All others can schedule an appointment at SarasotaTaxCollector.com.

Supervisor of Elections

• The elections office in Sarasota (Terrace Building, 2001 Adams Lane) is open for regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. 
• Elections offices in Venice and North Port remain closed until further notice. 
• More than 118,000 ballots are going out to voters who have a vote-by-mail (absentee) request on file. Voters who are affected by Ian may call the elections office at 941-861-8618 for more information about voting options. 
• With Ian potentially disrupting the normal voting process for some residents, there are three ways to vote in Florida: by mail (absentee), in person during early voting or at your precinct on election day. 

Department of Health in Sarasota County

The North Port Health Center remains closed until repairs can be made. The following locations opened Monday, Oct. 3, offering limited services during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

William L. Little Health and Human Services Center

2200 Ringling Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-861-2900

Environmental Health – Sarasota Office

1001 Sarasota Center Blvd.

Sarasota FL 34240

941-861-6133

Venice Environmental Health (located in the R.L. Anderson building)

4000 S. Tamiami Trail

Venice FL 34293

941-861-3310

• If you smell natural gas (the odor of rotten eggs) or notice damage to natural gas equipment, move to safety then call 911 and then Peoples Gas at 877-832-6747.
• Ask for ID. All Peoples Gas team members and contractors have photo ID badges. For safety reasons, a gas technician may need to access the appliances in your home or business. Always ask to see an ID before allowing entry. 
• Use care when clearing fallen trees and other debris. Call 811 and allow at least two full business days before digging roots, repairing fences or doing other work that requires digging to avoid damaging underground utility lines. Please be patient and wait for local utilities to mark the area with flags or paint, making it easier to dig safely. 
• If natural gas service has been shut off at your home or business, call Peoples Gas at 877-832-6747 to arrange for service to be restored. 

The 16th annual UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale and EdFest, originally set for 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 at Twin Lakes Park, has been postponed due to storm impacts. Extension staff and volunteers are working on a new date/time for this family-friendly event and will share information as it is finalized. For the latest, click here.

Comcast has expanded its access of Xfinity hot spots to customers and non-customers. For a map of the hotspots, which are located both indoors and outdoors, visit Xfinity.com/wifi. 

• SCAT buses will operate only Sunday routes and Route 99 until further notice.
• SCATPlus is operational as of Tuesday, Oct. 4. 
• OnDemand service will be operational in the downtown/Lido Key/Longboat Key zone and the Siesta Key zone as of Wednesday, Oct. 5. The Venice/Englewood and North Port zones will remain closed until driving conditions have been cleared of impacts from debris, flooding, and infrastructure concerns.
• The Siesta Key Breeze trolley is operational. 

The U.S. Postal Service has resumed delivery and retail operations in much of Southwest Florida. For more information, click here.