To help the community prepare for storms during the 2025 hurricane season, Sarasota County will open three free, voluntary, self-service sandbag locations on three separate dates throughout the summer so residents can protecting their homes and property from potential tropical weather.  

Each self-service station will have empty bags and sand free of charge at three locations.

Sandbag operations will be held at the following locations on June 14, July 19 and Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.:  

• Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota. 
• Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota. 
• South County Fleet, 4571 S.R. 776/Englewood Road, Venice. 

The monthly opportunities aim to supplement the county’s existing sandbag operations, which are activated prior to the arrival of a storm. Residents are encouraged to utilize the opportunities to help safeguard their homes from potential flooding and storm impacts. 

Residents will fill and load their own sandbags into their vehicles, and should bring their own shovels and gloves; limited shovels will be available for use on-site. Each vehicle will be provided 10 empty sandbags to fill.