As we get through the aftermath caused by Hurricane Ian, Neighborhood Services is sharing a list of resources and information to help our residents and community members. Please share the following information with your community, neighborhood, friends, family, and anyone who has been affected by hurricane Ian and can benefit from any of the information below. 

LOCAL AID

Sarasota County Hurricane Recovery 

County Safety Status: As Sarasota County continues to assess damage, please be aware that 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.

•  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. 
• Click on the link below for the interactive map. 

Please click on the link below to know more information about Sarasota County Hurricane Recovery efforts.  

Debris Removal

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

Please read through the following reminders:

• 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. 

Private Road Access:  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 homeowner’s association or management company. A completed Right of Entry form must be filed after each storm event. Please submit your contact information following the link below. 

Storm Debris Drop Off is available at two public sites for Sarasota County residents who would like to self-transport vegetative storm debris. It is open 7 days a week from 8.am to 6 pm. The service is free of cost. Drop off location sites:

• Rothenbach Park - 8650 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota



• Jackson Road Transfer Station - 250 S. Jackson Road, Venice

Food and Water 

• All Faiths Food Bank is providing food and supplies post Hurricane Ian until Sunday October 9th. Please click on the link below for times and locations

All Faiths Food Bank

• Englewood Chamber of Commerce is offering free supplies and wi-fi to those affected by Hurricane Ian. They have supplies such as food, and water, gas & propane, tarps, baby supplies, pet supplies, and others. They are offering the use of their wi-fi at their facility. They Englewood Chamber is located at 601 S Indiana Ave., Englewood FL 34223 from 10am to 4pm. Click below for more information:

Englewood Chamber of Commerce Hurricane Resource Center

• South County Hurricane Relief Resources: Click on the link below to know the resources available to south county residents and business owners:

South County Hurricane Relief Resources

As a reminder, we are still in hurricane season. Sarasota County offers resources, information of evacuation levels, shelters, and guidance to all residents. To stay safe, neighborhoods must both prevent and prepare. Please remember to prepare and plan by keeping everybody in mind to ensure your family, pets, property, and community are safe! 

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. 

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

Additional resources are available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Ready Campaign. Click to learn more. 

Insurance Village Information

The Florida Department of Financial Services will be setting up an Insurance Village to assist consumers with insurance claims and other needs. It will be located at Port Charlotte Town Center Mall (parking lot), 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. Daily Hours of Operation are 8 a.m.–6 p.m., seven days per week.

Operation Blue Roof

Operation Blue Roof is a program from Federal Emergency Management Agency managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Operation Blue Roof provides homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. This is a free service to homeowners to protect property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm. Click on the link below to apply:

Small Business Disaster Loan Assistance

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

Disaster Loan Assistance

FEMA Assistance

Those affected by Hurricane Ian may be eligible to receive assistance to uninsured and underinsured damage resulting from Hurricane Ian. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by your insurance.

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.

FEMA Hurricane Ian