Sarasota and Manatee counties will have sandbags available for residents ahead of Tropical Storm Ian. Note that changes in weather could impact operational times, so be sure to check before you head out.

Sandbags that have come into contact with floodwaters may be contaminated with bacteria, so do not dispose of any sand or sandbags in your regular trash. Do not use leftover sand in a child’s sandbox; it often includes granules of all different sizes, including coarse grains that can clog storm drains. If the sandbags have not come into contact with floodwaters, recycle the sand by spreading it on lawns or landscape beds. Keep and store clean sandbags for preparation for future weather events.

Sand will be available at the following locations. It's prohibited to remove sand from county-owned public beaches.

Sarasota County

Ed Smith Stadium

2700 12th St., Sarasota

Available Sunday,  Sept. 25, from noon-6 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Limit 10 bags per vehicle. Sandbags and shovels are provided.

Twin Lakes Park

6700 Clark Road, Sarasota

Available Sunday,  Sept. 25, from noon-6 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Limit 10 bags per vehicle. Sandbags and shovels are provided.

South County Fleet

4571 FL-776, Venice

Available Sunday,  Sept. 25, from noon-6 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Limit 10 bags per vehicle. Sandbags and shovels are provided.

Manatee County

Bennett Park

400 Cypress Creek Blvd., Bradenton

Self-service site; open Sept. 24-26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Bradenton Area Convention Service

1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto

Full-service distribution site; open Sept. 25-26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Buffalo Creek Park

7550 69th St. E., Palmetto

Pre-filled distribution site; open Sept. 24-Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

G.T. Bray Park Parking Lot

5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton

Full-service distribution site; open Sept.25-Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Manatee Beach Parking Lot

4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

Pre-filled distribution site open Sept. 24-Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Myakka Community Center

10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City

Self-service site; open Sept. 24-Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Rubonia Community Center

1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto

Self-service site; open Sept. 24-Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Coquina Beach (South Bayside, Near Guardrail)

2650 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach

Pre-filled distribution site; open Sept. 24-Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Bayfront Park

310 North Bay Blvd., Anna Maria Island

Pre-filled distribution site; open Sept. 24-Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.