One Year Later: Sarasota County Reflects on Hurricane Helene’s Impacts and Lessons
SARASOTA COUNTY – One year ago, on Sept. 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene unleashed damaging winds, storm surge, and historic flooding across Sarasota County. Though the storm made landfall in Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 hurricane, its effects were felt strongly along the Suncoast.
At the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, sustained winds reached 44 mph with gusts up to 64 mph, while storm surge along the coast was estimated between 4 and 7 feet. More than 410 residents and their pets sought safety in county-operated evacuation shelters, and more than 2,000 county employees worked before, during, and after the storm to aid in preparation, response, and recovery.
Damage across unincorporated Sarasota County was significant, with losses to residential and commercial property estimated at more than $1.1 billion. To help residents recover, Sarasota County distributed flood relief and cleanup supplies through five neighborhood points of distribution.
Emergency Services Director Rich Collins stressed the importance of preparation as hurricane season continues through Nov. 30.
“Being prepared and staying vigilant and well informed throughout the entirety of hurricane season is one of the best things you can do to protect your loved ones and property,” Collins said. “Don’t wait—take those actions now so you’re ready if another storm approaches our area.”
Officials remind residents that Sarasota County was outside the National Hurricane Center’s forecast cone for Helene yet still experienced major impacts. The county continues to apply lessons learned from both Hurricanes Helene and Debby to strengthen preparedness efforts.
Recovery support remains available through the Resilient SRQ program, which assists low-to-moderate income households with unmet needs from the 2024 storms, and the Long-Term Recovery Group, which provides resources and guidance for families still rebuilding.
Residents are urged to stay ready by creating an emergency kit, making a plan, and signing up for county emergency alerts at AlertSarasotaCounty.com.
For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 3-1-1 or visit scgov.net.