Hurricane Debby Updates
Your help is needed now to support those affected by flooding due to Hurricane Debby
In the wake of Hurricane Debby, the most pressing need is for monetary donations. To address this, the Hurricane Debby Recovery and Relief Fund has been established in partnership with the United Way of South Sarasota County, Sarasota County Emergency Management, and a network of local nonprofits. 
Your generous contribution will go directly to those affected, with 100% of donations providing crucial support and all gifts are tax-deductible.
Please visit the Hurricane Debby Recovery and Relief Fund to make your donation today and help rebuild our community.
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We have one life. To live better, we must LIVE UNITED®.
The County and COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) will hold a Teams meeting at Noon today.
The Sarasota County ESF 15 / COAD Coordination Call will start on Tuesday, August 6th at 12 PM.
We will have some updates from the EOC and will give partner organizations a chance to brief out for their location / area.
All Non-Profits, Churches, and Agencies are welcome on the call. Please feel free to share this invite.
It will be scheduled daily through next week, but we will adjust the cadence if needed.
I am blocking an hour, but we may not take that whole time.
Sarasota County Government offices are closed today, Aug. 6, as recovery efforts continue.
Worthington neighborhood on Palmer Boulevard, Aug. 6. Do not walk or drive through flooded waters.
Voluntary Damage Assessment
To assess the damage to homes and businesses as a result of Hurricane Debby, we encourage residents to complete this voluntary survey. Click here to open the Tropical Storm Debby Damage Assessment Form. If you need assistance filling out the form, please call 311.
Road work update
Sarasota County Public Works staff will work on Manasota Beach Road to remove sand and debris this morning, as well as North Casey Key Road to remove debris and begin repairs if possible. General damage assessment is being performed at Caspersen Beach Park including Harbor Drive.
Casey Key Road, Aug. 6.
Solid Waste
Collection for residents living in unincorporated Sarasota County is resuming today, Aug. 6, for streets that are accessible to collection vehicles.
There will be a one-day shift to the regular collection schedule and will run as follows:
·Tuesday, Aug. 6 – collection for Monday customers (garbage and recycling only; no yard waste collection).
·Wednesday, Aug. 7 – collection for Tuesday customers.
·Thursday, Aug. 8 – collection for Wednesday customers.
·Friday, Aug. 9 – collection for Thursday customers.
·Saturday, Aug. 10 – collection for Friday customers.
All items should be properly prepared for collection at the curb. View the Solid Waste How-To Guide for Residents in Sarasota County for details. Items that are not properly prepared for collection will not be picked up by the hauler.
Please double-bag spoiled food before placing it in the garbage.
Yard waste (small branches, leaves, moss, etc.) may be placed in containers, in paper bags or bundled and placed at the curb for pickup.
Items that are bundled or in containers should not exceed 4ft in length and items that are in bags, containers or bundles should not exceed 40lbs. This applies to both garbage and yard waste.
At the Central County Landfill garbage disposal will reopen only to the franchise hauler and municipalities on Aug. 6. The Construction and Demolition (C&D) disposal area is reopening to all customers today, Aug. 6. Hand unloads must arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. Standard disposal fees apply. The yard waste disposal area will remain closed to all customers on Aug. 6. The Central County Landfill will have extended hours on Aug. 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hand unloads must arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. Standard disposal fees apply. The Citizens' Convenience Center at the Central County Landfill will remain closed to customers on Aug. 6. The Bee Ridge Chemical Collection Center and The Re-Uz-It Shop are reopening today, Aug. 6.
Breeze Transit
Breeze Transit is resuming service today, Aug. 6, with limited operations. Visit scgov.net/breeze for service updates.
·All standard Breeze routes will begin their normal schedules starting at 9 a.m. Aug. 6, but service on the 77 Siesta Islander will remain suspended until further notice.
·Breeze OnDemand will start making trips at 9 a.m. in the Venice, Englewood and North Port area zones. The Downtown Sarasota, Lido Key, Longboat Key and Siesta Key zones remain suspended until further notice.
·Breeze Plus will prioritize medically necessary trips, accommodating non-medical trips with remaining resources.
Utilities update
Sarasota County Public Utilities staff are currently working on emergency calls only.
Crisis Cleanup hotline
If you need help cleaning up damage from Hurricane Debby, call 1-844-965-1386 to be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities. These groups may be able to assist with muck out, trees, tarps and debris. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain open through Friday, Aug. 23.
Please note: This hotline cannot assist with social services such as food, clothing, shelter, insurance, or questions about FEMA registration. Volunteers work free of charge and provide the tools necessary to complete the work. For more information, visit crisiscleanup.org.
Power outages
Florida Power and Light crews are working to restore power. To monitor the status of an outage, visit FPL.com/storm.
Flood safety tips
·Never walk or drive through floodwaters. It's impossible to determine the depth of water, the condition of the road beneath, or any hazards present.
·Turn around, don't drown. More than 50 percent of all flood-related fatalities involve vehicles. Be cautious of flooded roadways. Do not drive through standing water.
·Do not drive through flooded roads. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles.
·Residents in flooded areas should limit contact with accumulated surface waters, as these waters may be contaminated with untreated sewage, animal waste, decomposing plants and animals, and unknown chemicals from manufacturing plants, transportation activities, and agricultural or lawn applications.
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