In addition to its previously announced planned dates for sandbag operations, Sarasota County is offering sandbag operations 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., today, Wednesday, July 2.

The county is monitoring potential tropical development from the Southern Atlantic coast to the northeastern Gulf; water temperatures in both bodies of water are in the 80 degrees Fahrenheit range and high enough to support the development of a tropical storm.

No matter what, our region will likely see heavy rain and thunderstorms over the holiday weekend, according to AccuWeather forecasts. And if you're heading to the beach, watch out for high surf, rip currents and potentially hazardous boating conditions outside of the Intracoastal Waterway. 

To help residents prepare for potentially inclement weather, self-service sandbags will be offered to Sarasota County residents at the following locations: 

• Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota
• Ed Smith Stadium (parking lot), 2700 12th St., Sarasota 
• South County Fleet Services, 4571 S.R. 776/Englewood Road, Venice
• George Mullen Activity Center, 1602 Kramer Way, North Port

There is a limit of 10 bags per vehicle. Bags and sand will be provided, and individuals are asked to bring their shovels.

Weather updates and more information will be available at scgov.net and on the @SRQCountyGov social media pages.