HURRICANE MILTON - Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, 12:30 p.m.

Neighborhood Points of Distribution



Supply Points of Distribution are set up at four locations to provide water, food and tarps for those impacted by Hurricane Milton. The sites will open at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11.

• Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice
• San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port
• Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S. River Road, Englewood
• Glebe Park, 1000 Glebe Lane, Sarasota 

Solid Waste Update



Sarasota County has been actively collecting debris from Hurricane Helene when Hurricane Milton hit. We are currently working with the debris vendors on the plan to collect debris from both hurricanes. The plan will include both construction debris and vegetative debris.

As soon as the vendors begin to arrive in the county, we will begin to deploy them. We will let you know the plan in the next couple of days as access to the entire community becomes possible. Please follow us for updates on social media at @SRQCountyGov, or by calling 311 or 941-861-5000.

In the meantime, the county is resuming regularly scheduled pickups and reopening the Central County Landfill.

Garbage and yard waste collections for residents in unincorporated Sarasota County will resume regularly scheduled pickups on today, Oct. 11, for roadways that are accessible to collection vehicles. Recycling collection has been suspended until further notice.

• Please double-bag spoiled food before placing it in the garbage and place regular garbage away from storm debris so that it is easily identifiable and accessible for collection.
• Place large vegetative storm debris such as branches and palm fronds separately from yard waste for collection. Small branches and leaves may be placed in containers, in bags or bundled and placed at the curb for pickup.
• Items that are bundled or in containers should not exceed 4 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.
• Residents may experience delays in collection services due to an increase in the amount of garbage and yard waste placed curbside over the upcoming weeks. We thank you for your patience as the community recovers together from the impacts of Hurricane Milton.

The Central County Landfill reopened with regular business hours on Friday, Oct. 11. Hand unloads must arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. Standard disposal fees apply. Customers may experience increased wait times.

The Citizens' Convenience Center at the Central County Landfill will reopen on Friday, Oct. 11. The Bee Ridge Chemical Collection Center (hazardous waste drop-off and The Re-Uz-Shop) will be closed through Sunday, Oct. 13. Conditions are being assessed to determine when the facility will reopen to the public. The Jackson Road Chemical Collection Center remains closed due to the impacts from Hurricane Ian. 

Breeze Transit Service Update



There will be no Breeze bus, trolley, OnDemand, or Breeze Plus except for medical essential trips on Friday, Oct. 11. Breeze will be performing emergency transportation in response to Hurricane Milton. Staff are assessing employees and roadway conditions before resuming service. Updates for returning to service will be provided as new information becomes available. 

Reunification Portal



The American Red Cross has launched an online Reunification Portal for individuals looking for loved ones. If you need assistance locating or connecting with a loved one because of Hurricane Milton, the Red Cross may be able to help: https://loom.ly/UxZ242Y

When to Call 311 vs. 911



After a storm, only call 911 for emergencies, when life or property are endangered. For non-emergency calls, dial 311 or 941-861-5000! Our 311 call center opens at 8 a.m.

Generator Safety Tips: Do Not Use Generators Indoors



Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness or death. Injury and death from carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable if the proper precautions are taken and consumers understand the need for responsible use.

There are several points that Floridians should consider while using generators. Safe use includes operating a generator outdoors (never indoors or in a garage), installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home, ensuring that fuel for the generator is stored in a safe and risk-free area, keeping the items plugged into a generator at a minimum, and using a heavy gauge power cord (10- or 8-gauge cord or heavier), the smaller the number, the heavier the gauge).

Lithium Ion Battery Safety



Water and ion batteries do not mix. If damaged, lithium batteries can create a chemical chain reaction that results in fire or explosion. Saltwater exposure can trigger this reaction. Do not use devices with lithium ion batteries if you notice odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises.

Keep the batteries away from anything that can catch fire. If your vehicle has a lithium ion battery, relocate the vehicle from your garage. For more information visit https://loom.ly/PrI6LdQ