The Climate Connection

Climate Change Is Making Extreme Weather More Common and More Dangerous

This year's storms were the latest in a string of extreme weather events that have struck our area in recent years.

11/20/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Aftermath

Local Residents and Business Owners Pick Up the Pieces After a Catastrophic Hurricane Season

“You jump the first hurdle, then get a giant kick to the gut. That’s what’s been so traumatizing.”

11/20/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Gone But Not Forgotten

Hurricane Helene Destroyed the Iconic, Architecturally Significant Sanderling Cabanas on Siesta Key

For the families who gathered at the Paul Rudolph-designed cabanas, all that remains are the memories.

11/20/2024 By Ruth Lando

Beach Bound

Lido Beach Will Reopen Nov. 2

And Anna Maria Beach and Manatee Beach have welcomed back visitors, too.

11/01/2024 By Staff

A Star Is Reborn

After Being Closed for More Than a Month, Cortez's Star Fish Company Will Reopen Tomorrow

"It’s never looked better," says owner Karen Bell.

10/30/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Sand-tastic!

Some Sarasota Beaches Will Reopen This Weekend

Siesta, Nokomis, North and South Brohard and Maxine Barrit beaches will reopen on Saturday, Oct. 26.

10/24/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Not Again

Several Inches of Rain May Come This Weekend. Here's Where You Can Get Sandbags.

Sarasota County is opening three sites.

10/03/2024 By Staff

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

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

Disaster Relief

What to Know About Hurricane Helene Recovery: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024

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

10/02/2024 By Megan McDonald

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

Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene: Resources, Recovery and More

On Sept. 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene brought never-before-seen storm surge and flooding to Sarasota's barrier islands and coastal communities.

10/02/2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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