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August 2026
Inside: Learn what your homeowners' insurance doesn't cover, how to be better prepared for emergencies, access beach conditions from your phone, and so much more!
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As we move into August, join me in thanking all our members for the time, training, and heart they continue to give to Lakewood Ranch and LWR CERT. I’m honored to be volunteering with such a great team.
August is our final runway before September, the peak of our hurricane season. Now is the time for us all to refresh go‑kits, check radios, review family plans, and confirm availability. Our readiness begins at home and strengthens every neighborhood we serve.
LWR CERT will host a free public session Saturday, August 22 at 9 AM at Town Hall focusing on Hurricane and Flood Insurance Essentials. It’s a timely opportunity for homeowners to get clear, reliable information, and we invite you to take part. Click the graphic for details and registration.
Stay alert, stay cool, and stay prepared.
Jim Emanuelson (KN4VMK)
President, LWR CERT
941.404.8606
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Free Public Event:
Learn What Your Insurance Really Covers Before the Next Storm
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Storm season isn’t the time to discover gaps in your coverage
Join us Saturday, August 22 at 9 AM at Town Hall for a free session where Florida insurance pros Brek Kalk and Carisa Mitchell from Shepherd Insurance will break it all down in plain English.
Feel free to add your questions when you register so our speakers can address them during their presentation.
Seats are filling fast, so reserve yours now.
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This is
your last opportunity
this year!
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SRQ CERT August Hybrid Basic Training Class
Residents interested in attending an SRQ CERT Association hybrid Basic Training class need to complete a 12-hour online session prior to August 10 and be available to attend two in-person sessions on August 19 and 20 from 9 AM - 3 PM at the Red Cross Center, 2001 Cantu Ct in Sarasota. A minimum of 15 students is required.
Online Pre-Requisite Requirement:
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Click this link to access the course catalog.
- In the upper right-hand corner, click on the red Register icon.
- For “Your CERT Organization,” select Sarasota County CERT unless your community’s name is within the drop-down box.
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The online course can be stopped and restarted at any time but must be completed and passed before August 10. If there are any issues with this link, contact Rachel Brown at (801) 581-8042 or email racheltbrown@hsc.utah.edu
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Once you've received your online certification, forward it to Ron Moscati.
To receive your full CERT Basic Training Certificate, you must complete both the online course and the two-day skills component. The hands-on, two-day skills session at the Red Cross Center complements the online portion of CERT training and provides practical experience in emergency preparedness and response.
For registration and questions, contact Ron Moscati at Ronsailedaway@gmail.com
| | The Patterson Foundation highlights LWR CERT in latest newsletter | | | | |
The Patterson Foundation highlighted LWR CERT member Polly Green and her response to a 911 incident in their community preparedness newsletter, and we’re grateful for the recognition.
Their Community Preparedness, Recovery, and Resiliency initiative and newsletter reminds residents that a few minutes of preparation today can save days of stress after a disaster — a philosophy that aligns perfectly with CERT’s mission.
We appreciate The Patterson Foundation for showcasing how local volunteers strengthen resilience across our region and for encouraging communities to stay informed, connected, and ready. Thank you for shining a light on our work.
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Preparedness Around the Ranch
Huge thanks to John Moelhman for representing LWR CERT at the New Resident Orientation and the July Rotary meeting. He also refreshed our brochures in Town Hall, helping keep our community informed and hurricane‑ready. His commitment to educating the community about hurricanes and LWR CERT makes a real impact.
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Access Manatee County beach conditions online
Planning a trip to the beach? Learn current beach conditions before you leave home.
Find current conditions here: https://bit.ly/473DRdv
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August Birthdays
Happy Birthday to members Bruce Bedford (Team 10), Melissa Damasco (Team 11), Rustu Deryol (Team 10), Don Diven (Team 22), David Esslinger (Team 35), Frank Giannone (Hub), John Harkey (Team 35), Jean Hritz (Team 22), Jillian Kubacki (Team 22), Gordon Kuhn (Team 11), Dyan Laphan (Team 27), Diana Liou (Team 26), Susana Martinez‑Linares (Team 36), Jon Miller (Team 11), John Moelhman (Team 28), James Mooney (Team 28), Cindy Peirce (Team 13), Richard Raymond (Team 28), Eddie Russell (Team 36), Gayle Thurston (Team 08), Mark Witek (Team 26), and Lorraine Wright (Team 35).
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August Service Anniversaries
We are thankful for our volunteer members. These members are celebrating their Service Anniversary this month:
17 years - Gordon Kuhn (Team 11)
7 years - Bruce Bedford (Team 10), David Cashbaugh (Team 25), Margaret Davis (Team 17), Mel Davis (Team 17), Jean Hritz (Team 22), Karen Lilly (Team 08), Brenda Nusbaum (Team 35), Kalena Ostrosky (Team 25), Bill Quaid (Team 2), Kenneth Strahs (Team 28), Susan Strahs (Team 28), Stephen Voutsas (Team 27), and Valerie Voutsas (Team 27)
3 years - John Brooks (Team 36), George Haralampoudis (Team 10), Martin Hawkins
(Team 1), Denise Hogan (Team 23), James Hogan (Team 23), Jennifer Mechling (Team 36), William Mechling (Team 36), James Mooney (Team 28), Norm Olmstead (Team 22), Christy Samuels (Team 9), Jack Sandelman (Team 10), William Sanderson (Team 28), Donna Speer (Team 23), Terry Speer (Team 23), Dave Thurston (Team 8), Gayle Thurston (Team 8), Gloria Wittmer (Team 25), and Jane Wormuth (Team 28)
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