Solid Waste Update
Sarasota County is currently focusing on search and rescue missions and assessing infrastructures and damage in the community. Due to the impact received, we are anticipating this process to take some time and we appreciate your patience as our teams work their way through the county.
Debris collection plans are already in progress and will be communicated after assessments are completed. If you need to begin removing materials from your home immediately, please separate them into the following categories:
- Regular household garbage (double-bag any spoiled food)
- Construction and demolition (C&D) materials and household goods (furniture, clothes, books, toys and carpet, vinyl fencing). Any C&D materials contained in plastic bags should be placed with regular household garbage
- Appliances/white goods (refrigerators, water heaters, etc.)
- Vegetative debris (tree limbs, palm fronds and trunks)
- Do not place household hazardous materials including lithium batteries at the curb.
actical First-In Teams Clearing Emergency Routes
Access to Barrier Islands Closed
Access to the barrier islands, including Casey Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key, has closed.
Community members will continue to be able to get off the barrier islands, but no entry will be allowed back on until after the post-storm search and rescue mission is completed. When you leave the barrier islands, be sure to take everything that you and your family need for evacuation. Take enough supplies to last you and your family several days.
Uniformed personnel will be posted at the following intersections to ensure access is closed:
- John Ringling Causeway, just west of Golden Gate Point in Sarasota
- Siesta Drive Bridge, 1400 Siesta Drive in Sarasota
- Stickney Point Road Bridge, 1512 Stickney Point Road in Sarasota
- Blackburn Point Swing Bridge, 733 Blackburn Point Road in Osprey
- Albee Road Bridge, 913 Albee Road in Nokomis
- Manasota Beach Road Bridge, 2055 Manasota Beach Road in Englewood
Traffic Signal Safety
Many traffic signals are out throughout Sarasota County. When traffic signals are out, treat them like a four-way stop. Come to a complete stop, look carefully in all directions, and take turns proceeding in the order vehicles arrive. Teams are still making assessments in the field, please stay in a safe place if possible.
Avoid Flooded Roads – Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN – Many roadways are flooded. Do not drive through standing water. Turn around and stay safe.
When to Call 311 vs. 911
After a storm, only call 911 for emergencies, when life or property are endangered. For non-emergency calls, dial 311 or 941-861-5000! Our 311 call center opens at 8 a.m.