The National Weather Service has forecasted several inches of rain for the Sarasota area over the weekend. As coastal residents and businesses are in the midst of recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, flooding could result.

To help residents, Sarasota County is opening three self-service sandbag sites from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, at these locations:

• Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota
• Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota
• Sarasota South County Fleet Services, 4571 State Road 776, Venice
• City of Venice, 252 Seaboard Ave., Venice

Residents are limited to 10 bags per vehicle. 

In Manatee County, sandbags are available at the following locations:

• Buffalo Creek Park, 7550 69th St. E., Palmetto
• Dam Road, 1505 Dam Road, Bradenton, 34212
• Greenbrook Park, 6655 Greenbrook Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, 34202
• Lakewood Ranch Park, 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, 34211
• Myakka Community Center, 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City, 34251
• Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish, 34219
• Stormwater Facility, 5511 39th St. E., Bradenton, 34203