Sarasota County Schools will remain closed "until further notice" due to damage sustained from Hurricane Ian—including power outages, downed lines, flooding, cellular and cable outages, basic water and plumbing issues, and damage to many school structures.

"We will reopen once we can ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our students and employees," school leadership wrote in announcement on Sarasota County Schools' website.

Additionally, Tatum Ridge Elementary is still being used as a shelter for medically dependent people who were forced to evacuate due to Ian and Phillippi Shores is still being used as a shelter for the general population. The county is also in the process of transporting people who were sheltering in South County evacuation centers to Phillippi Shores for a more stable environment. South County is still dealing with rising water and road closures due to Ian.

The county also announced a group of donation sites for those who want to donate supplies for local families and individuals in need.

Donation Sites

Grace Community Church

8000 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota

Drop-off date and time: Sunday, October 2 to Sunday, October 9, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

First Sarasota: The Downtown Baptist Church

1661 Main Street, Sarasota

Drop-off date and time: Sunday, October 2, noon-4 p.m.

South Shore Community Church

1899 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota

Drop-off date and time: Sunday, October 2, 3-7 p.m.

CoastLife Church

 2235 Seaboard Ave., Venice

Drop-off date and time: Monday, Oct. 3, 8-1o a.m. and 4-7 p.m.

CoastLife Church will also be hosting a barbecue dinner for those in need on Monday, Oct. 3, from 4-7 p.m. at its campus in Venice.

Riverside Church

8660 Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers

Drop-off date and time: Monday, Oct. 3-Thursday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota

Drop-off date and time: Monday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Supplies Needed

"There are varying levels and types of need in our community right now and a wide variety of care items would be helpful," the school district says. They include:

• Basic toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste, hairbrushes and toothbrushes, body wash & soap
• Clothing items like shirts, skirts, pants, hoodies/jackets, socks, and shoes
• Blankets, sheets, sleeping bags and pillows
• Nonperishable food items such as peanut butter, canned vegetables, canned soup, & cereal
• Bottled water, juice boxes
• Comfort items, like stuffed animals, books, and games