Sarasota County is coming under fire after it was revealed they spent more than $130,000 to feed its staff during Hurricane Irma- more than $120,000 more than it cost Manatee County. The reason? Back in 2015, the county’s disaster preparedness plan included a contract for emergency feeding. But in June, the county broke its contract with the vendor. Fast forward just 60 days or so later, and they now needed prepared food for staff staying at the center during Irma. Their former vendor- who was responding to Harvey in Texas- suggested the county use Mattison’s for catering. That cost? Roughly $26 per person, per meal. Emergency Services Director Rich Collins, though, said the county will get reimbursed from FEMA because of a declared state of Emergency.
