Disaster Relief

How to Give and Get Help After Hurricane Helene

We'll keep this list updated as more services and resources become available.

09/30/2024 By Staff

Disaster Relief

Supply Distribution Locations Open in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Supplies available include water, ice, sports drinks, tarps, flood buckets, non-perishable food items and Meals-Ready-To-Eat (MREs).

09/28/2024 By Megan McDonald

Helping the Helpers

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Partners With Southern Smoke Foundation to Support Food and Beverage Workers

The Southern Smoke Foundation will provide bridge funding fueled by Gulf Coast's Rapid Response Fund to ensure life-sustaining support for those in areas of greatest need.

10/03/2024 By Staff

Hurricane Helene

Island Residents Reflect on Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

We spoke to business owners and residents from the barrier islands about the effects of the hurricane's historic storm surge, its aftermath and what comes next.

10/01/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Better Together

In the Wake of Hurricane Helene, Coastal Restaurants and Their Employees Have a Long Road to Recovery

From Manasota Key to Anna Maria Island, restaurants near the water are working tirelessly to reopen.

10/01/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Disaster Relief

Property Tax Relief Available for Homeowners Who Lost Their Residences Due to Hurricane Helene

The Florida Department of Revenue will pro-rate property taxes for homeowners who apply for a refund and provide documentation that their home was uninhabitable for 30 days or more due to Helene.

10/02/2024 By Megan McDonald

Hurricane Helene

Here Are the Latest Local Road Closures Due to Hurricane Helene

Avoid the barrier islands and coastline communities in Sarasota and Manatee counties. We'll keep this list updated as we learn more.

09/30/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Disaster Relief

FEMA Payments, Clean and Sanitize Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance Available

Two Disaster Recovery Centers are also open in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.

09/30/2024 By Staff

Hurricanes

Ahead of Helene, Sarasota County Announces Evacuations for Residents in Level A, Mobile Homes

The county will send out an evacuation alert for Level A and manufactured home communities starting Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 7 a.m.

09/24/2024 By Staff

Weather

As Hurricane Helene Nears, the Potential for Flooding Looms

We talked to the executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to learn more about potential flooding in the area.

09/24/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Hurricanes

Tropical Storm Helene Takes Shape

We could see 24 hours or more of gale-force winds, 5 or more inches of rain, and storm surge after the eye passes.

09/23/2024 By Bob Bunting

Weather

Where to Get Sandbags in Sarasota County and Manatee County

Ahead of Tropical Cyclone Nine, both counties have opened sandbag operations this week.

09/23/2024 By Staff

Weather

DeSantis Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Tropical Cyclone Nine

The declaration affects 41 counties, including Sarasota and Manatee.

09/23/2024 By Staff

To the Rescue

Grey Bull Rescue Helped Florida Residents as Hurricane Helene Struck

The Tampa-based, veteran-led nonprofit team—which has done rescue missions in Ukraine, Lebanon, Sudan and Russia—made its way to Sarasota to provide aid.

09/30/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Philanthropy

Foundations Provide Funding for Disaster Relief in Sarasota-Manatee

The Patterson Foundation has initiated major support for two initiatives managed by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

10/01/2024 By Staff

Impact Report

Ca' d'Zan Sustained Major Damage During Hurricane Helene

The rest of the museum campus made it through unscathed, but the mansion's dock was battered by untethered boats and its basement flooded, causing its mechanical systems to fail.

10/02/2024 By Megan McDonald

The Economy

Hurricane Helene Has Caused Tens of Billions of Dollars in Damage, Economic Loss

Those numbers could rise as we learn more about the storm's path of devastation.

09/30/2024 By Staff

Disaster Relief

What to Know About Hurricane Helene Recovery: Monday, Sept. 30, 2024

The Town of Longboat Key asks that residents restrict wastewater usage, free medical services will be available in Manatee County this week, and debris clean-up begins.

09/30/2024 By Megan McDonald

Disaster Relief

What to Know About Hurricane Helene Recovery: Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024

Access to Bradenton Beach will begin tomorrow, plus updates on cleanup efforts, water restoration, emergency disaster declarations, small bridge loans and more.

09/29/2024 By Megan McDonald

Hurricane Recovery

What to Know About Hurricane Helene Recovery: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024

Local governments continued to restore water and power, and limited re-entry was permitted to the barrier islands. A curfew remains in place throughout all of Anna Maria.

09/28/2024 By Staff

Disaster Relief

What to Know About Hurricane Helene Recovery: Friday, Sept. 27, 2024

Information on debris pickup and more.

09/27/2024 By Staff

This Blows

What Exactly Does Storm Surge Mean?

And how are hurricanes classified? We're answering your questions.

09/25/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Hurricane Season

Do You Know Your Evacuation Zone?

Use Sarasota and Manatee counties' interactive tools to find evacuation levels and routes, shelters and more.

09/24/2024 By Megan McDonald

Essential Intelligence

What Exactly Is a Flash Flood?

It's a term that gets used a lot around these parts.

06/12/2024 By Megan McDonald

Hurricane Season

Where to Find a Hurricane Shelter

If you need to evacuate, here is a list of local shelters in both Sarasota and Manatee counties and what to do and bring before you go. All Sarasota County shelters are pet-friendly. Uber is also offering free rides to shelters with code MILTONRELIEF.

10/08/2024 By Megan McDonald

Weather

Sarasota County Schools to Close From Sept. 25 to Sept. 27 Due to Tropical Storm Helene

Manatee County schools, Ringling College and New College also announced closures.

09/24/2024 By Staff

Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene Is Causing Widespread Flooding Throughout the Region

Flood and storm surge warnings are in effect, and a tornado watch has also been issued for the region. Here's what else to know tonight.

09/26/2024 By Staff