SARASOTA COUNTY – A preliminary damage assessment for unincorporated Sarasota County following Hurricane Idalia has been completed, reporting an estimated $2,648,847 in damages. While there are no major impacts to county operations, this amount meets the threshold for state assistance and staff have submitted a request to the state for public assistance. Sarasota County is extending the local emergency declaration through Sept. 11. Sarasota County Government is asking our community to have patience over the holiday weekend, especially in our heaviest-hit areas. If community members are planning to visit area beaches or parks over the holiday weekend, please remember to pack in, and pack out. Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources: Assessments to beaches are ongoing. An evaluation is being conducted of all county beaches. Seaweed that has washed up is beneficial to the beaches. It’s what shorebirds feed on, it serves as protection for small marine animals including baby sea turtles and it protects sand, keeping it on area beaches. Many boardwalks and docks throughout Sarasota County will need to be replaced including at Lemon Bay and Caspersen Beach. There are 16 Sarasota County parks currently closed due to unsafe conditions including North Jetty Park on the south side. Visit the Park Status Report for the current conditions of county parks, preserves and beaches. Pack in, pack out: Whatever you bring with you, please take it out with you. Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources staff will be handing out yellow trash bags as needed at select locations. Please place litter in the trash bags provided and dispose of it properly. Public Works The boil water notice for Casey key residents was suspended Friday morning on Casey Key, crews notified residents by door hanger. Manasota Beach Road is not passable. Drivers are unable to travel on roughly 1,600 feet (0.3 miles) of Manasota Beach Road between 6780 Manasota Key Road and Blind Pass Park. Casey Key Road is passable, but Sarasota County is asking the community to use extreme caution. Crews expect to open Casey Key Road by early next week. Turn around, don’t drown. Hazards may be present in the water that you cannot see. Do not walk or drive through flooded areas. Solid Waste: All solid waste services have returned to regular operations and hours. Damage assessments show the overall amount of vegetative and construction and demolition (C&D) debris was limited and Sarasota County will not be activating debris contractors for curbside collection of materials after Hurricane Idalia. All items placed curbside must be properly prepared. Place yard waste (small branches, leaves, moss, etc.) in containers, paper bags or bundles and place them at the curb for pickup. Items that are bundled or in containers should not exceed 4 feet in length, and items that are in paper bags, containers, or bundles should not exceed 40 pounds. This applies to both garbage and yard waste. To schedule a bulk collection, contact Waste Management at 941-493-4100 or work with a contractor to prepare and dispose of debris. Service will be delayed by one day again next week, due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 4. The Central County Landfill will remain open until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2. All hand unloads must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing. Standard disposal fees apply. Thank you in advance for your patience as the additional volume of materials placed curbside after Hurricane Idalia may cause some delays in route collection. All items placed curbside must be properly prepared. Place yard waste (small branches, leaves, moss, etc.) in containers, paper bags or bundles and place them at the curb for pickup. Items that are bundled or in containers should not exceed 4 feet in length, and items that are in paper bags, containers, or bundles should not exceed 40 pounds. This applies to both garbage and yard waste. Emergency Services: Red flags are being flown at area beaches. This means high hazard. Rough conditions such as strong surf and/or currents are present. All swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. Those entering the water should take great care. Learn more here. If you’re on the beach, check the Sarasota County Fire Department Lifeguard stands for the beach warning flags and additional beach conditions information. Always heed warnings from lifeguards. Check beach conditions online at visitbeaches.org. Mosquito Management Services: Residents should remain diligent in preventative measures such as “Drain and Cover.” DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying. Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected. Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, or other items that aren’t being used. Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week. Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water. Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use. COVER skin with clothing or repellent. Clothing – Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present. Repellent – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone and IR3535 are effective. Some repellents are not suitable for children. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old. COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios. For more information, call 311 or visit scgov.net. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA compliance). |