National Preparedness Month each September raises awareness of the importance of preparing your home and community for disasters and emergencies. Sarasota County offers tips, resources, and guidance for all residents to stay safe. Click on the links below to learn about County resources to prepare yourself, family, neighborhood, and community!

Need to make a plan or prepare a kit?

The Sarasota County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates residents on 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. 

Need Funding to get started?

Apply for the Neighborhood Initiative Grant to get more information on how Sarasota County can help your neighborhood get started! 

Find a Community Emergency Response Team near you!

Laurel Neighborhood Clean Up, Saturday, Sep. 16

It's time to clean out the garage and gather unwanted household items, appliances, yard waste, tree trimmings and any other garbage. Sarasota County will host a free community cleanup in the Laurel Park Community at the following locations from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 16.



• Laurel Park Civic Center - 509 Collins Rd Laurel Fl, 34275
• Johnson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Parking Lot- 506 Church St Laurel Fl 34275

Not sure how to dispose of waste and household hazardous materials? Click on the Solid Waste How to Guide for more information.

Old Miakka Fall Hootenany

Come out to celebrate the 109 years of the Old Miakka School House!

It's time for a toe-tappin', knee-slappin', hootenanny of a good time! Incredible paintings by local artists, crafts, educational booths, live music, homemade cards, book signing by local authoress. broomstick pony races, bubble gum blowing contest, hog callin’ contest, rooster crowing contest, silent auction, wheel of cake, homemade soap, a Silent Auction and more! Tour the old Schoolhouse while you visit!

Sunday, October 1st 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Old Miakka Schoolhouse, 15800 Wilson Rd, Old Miakka



For more information call (941) 322-2164

A new mobile, Pop-Up Library equipped with a diverse collection of materials and technology may be headed to a neighborhood near you!

This fully staffed vehicle delivers library services and programs throughout the community, making it easy for residents to take advantage of the amenity. The Pop-up Library will be on display at the Osprey Library History Center, 337 N. Tamiami Trail, from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, during a special open house to commemorate the History Center's grand opening and celebrate the 96th anniversary of Osprey Schoolhouse, now the Osprey Library!

Home Repair Assistance

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 

HomeRehabAssistance@sarasotafl.gov