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Here are some things to know about Hurricane Milton recovery in Sarasota and Manatee counties:
The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport remains closed while emergency repairs are made to the roof. It is expected to reopen Wednesday morning.
Sarasota County students return to school on Wednesday. Manatee County will announce a decision by 5 p.m. today.
Manatee and Sarasota counties are both operating distribution sites that can provide water, ice, meals, tarps and other necessities. Here is the list for Manatee County and Sarasota County.
Fueling stations will be open in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties today.
See the latest updates below:
Booker Middle School to be site of mobile food pantry Tuesday for district and school employees
Booker Middle School, 2250 Myrtle St., Sarasota, will host a pop-up mobile food pantry Tuesday, Oct. 15 for district and school employees and families that have been impacted by Hurricane Milton. The pantry will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
6 p.m.: Manatee Schools to reopen Tuesday
The School District of Manatee County will reopen to students, Tuesday, Oct. 15, the district announced Monday evening.
The district reported that all Manatee County schools have power, including Manatee Technical College. In a press release, district leaders said they welcomed students back to campuses after a week off from classes because of the approach and aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
"Our operations teams have been busy assessing and repairing facilities while cleaning the 17 schools that served as shelters. We are thankful to everyone involved in these efforts, as well as all the employees who selflessly put in the many hours to host more than 11,000 residents and evacuees in our schools during the storm," the statement said.
Manatee district officials noted that schools may be operational but that parents and students should be aware that some schools may still be in clean-up mode, some bus routes may have delays and that schools could experience short power outages as work continues on campuses.
"There could be unexpected outages of power or air-conditioning at various times and schools. We ask for your patience and grace in these situations, and we especially encourage everyone to exercise additional caution on our roads and around our school buses," officials said.
Tuesday marks the first day of the second quarter of the calendar year.
Residents in Englewood still in early stages of recovery
Englewood is still in the early stages of recovering from Hurricane Milton.
Darren Brown, whose family owns four homes in the Englewood area near Indian Mound Park, flew in from Ohio to help empty the contents of his mother’s home on Monday. Where Helene’s storm surge brought six inches of water into the home, he said, Milton brought three feet.
“This is mom’s fifth hurricane,” he said, adding that he’s long tried to build her an accessible house in Ohio.
“She finally said Sunday, I can’t do one more.”
5 p.m.: Englewood Water District partially rescinds boil water notice
The Englewood Water District partially rescinded its precautionary boil water notice Monday, with the exception of the barrier islands of Sandpiper Key and Manasota Key. Those two areas will remain under the boil water requirement until further notice. The pressure within the remaining section of the system has been restored, and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.For more information, Englewood Water District’s customer service department at 941-474-3217.
Garbage, recycling and yard waste collection resumes in Venice
Garbage, recycling, and yard waste collections for residents in the Venice have resumed regular collection schedules for roadways that are accessible to collection vehicles. Properly prepared yard waste (no plastic bags) will be collected as part of normal collection. Bulk yard waste collection is being paused citywide in preparation for storm debris collections starting this week. Remember to place trash and recycling carts separately from other materials so that collection vehicles can access them.
Storm debris collection to resume in Venice
Later this week, Venice debris vendors will resume collection of both construction and vegetative debris in the city. The vendors will begin collection work in the Level A evacuation level areas first and then move through all other eligible areas. Venice residents should focus now on the proper preparation of storm debris, including separating white goods from construction and demolition, and vegetative debris. The city plans to collect storm debris curbside from all city properties deemed eligible for collection. FEMA has currently authorized the pickup of storm debris on Venice-owned residential streets and that is where collection activities will begin. Venice will be requesting approval from the FEMA to collect debris from manufactured home communities and mobile home parks, condominiums, and private streets. It will announce if and when this approval is granted.White goods (appliances) will be collected from impacted areas by the city of Venice Solid Waste staff.
Public drop-off site for Venice vegetative debris open
The following public drop-off sites will open for residents living in both Venice and unincorporated Sarasota County who would like to self-transport vegetative storm debris. Residents can drop off at no cost starting Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The drop-off sites will continue to be open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including Jackson Road Transfer Station, 250 S. Jackson Road, Venice; Rothenbach Park, 8650 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Proof of Sarasota County residency is required (i.e. driver's license, tax bill, utility bill, etc.). Residents must self-unload all vegetative storm debris.
Volunteer groups may haul and unload vegetative storm materials on behalf of a resident. A completed Hurricane Milton Public Drop-off Site Verification Form for Sarasota County Residents must be presented by volunteer groups at the time of disposal otherwise materials will not be accepted.No commercial debris or vehicles will be permitted to use the sites.A link to the form can be found at https://loom.ly/4bNBvsg
Free laundry serve offered to first responders, electric utility workers, FEMA and others
Tide Cleaners is offering services to help first responders during the Hurricane Milton recovery in the Sarasota area. Through Oct. 25, 2024, Tide Loads of Hope, powered by Tide Cleaners, is offering free laundry and dry-cleaning services to police officers, firefighters, electric utility workers, FEMA staff and other front-line responders at 12 Tide Cleaners locations across the West Coast of Florida, including Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples.
The program provides responders with one free bag of laundry (up to 13 gallons) per household as they continue helping communities recover. Locations will be open for drop-offs seven days a week. Drop off times are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sarasota drop off locations are at 8452 Tuttle Ave., 1760 Main Street and 4325 S. Tamiami Trail.
4 p.m.: Manatee-FEMA Disaster Recovery Center set up at GT Bray Park
A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is being set up at GT Bray Park gymnasium, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton. Monday's hours are 1 to 7 p.m. The DRC is a one-stop location, designed to help answer residents' questions about disaster recovery and give referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance and status of application(s) being processed by FEMA or other agencies.
When applying for FEMA assistance after multiple disasters, people should be ready to describe what damage occurred and on what date to ensure federal disaster assistance from storms is not duplicated. Keep all receipts for expenses associated with each disaster, including home repairs, repairs to septic system, water well or private road; purchase of a generator or chainsaw; replacement of personal property items such as appliances; rehicle repairs or replacement, insurance settlement or denial.
FEMA assistance will not cover losses already covered from a previous disaster but can help with new damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Eligible survivors affected by multiple hurricanes can receive Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance in multiple incidents.If you have already created a Login.gov account, you may use that same account to access both applications.
FEMA is reaching out to applicants who may have been affected by multiple storms to provide necessary support for their recovery. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers. If you are concerned about verifying that FEMA is trying to reach you, call the helpline at 800-621-3362.
Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews, housing inspectors, and other officials will be working in areas that have been impacted. These individuals will carry official photo identification badges.
FEMA representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. Their services are free. Don’t believe anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for payment. Don’t give your banking information to a person claiming to be a FEMA housing inspector. FEMA inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police department or sheriff's office, or contact Florida’s Office of the Attorney General by calling 866-9-NO-SCAM (866-966-7226) or visit myfloridalegal.com. To file a fraud complaint, go online to Scam Report.
If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, or abuse, you can report these tips – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. You can also email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov to report a tip.
2:30 p.m.: New Sarasota Disaster Recovery Center opens
A new Disaster Recovery Center opened Monday at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, replacing the DRC site at the Sarasota Christian Church, which is no longer open. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. This site has FEMA representatives available in person to assist with applications and answer questions. Applications can also be made online at isasterassistance.gov.For more information about available resources and storm recovery efforts, visit scgov.net/storm and continue to follow Sarasota County on social media @SRQCountyGov.
All Faiths Food Bank opening distribution points for Milton aid
All Faiths Food Bank is opening countywide food distribution points for Hurricane Milton food aid. Pre-registration is suggested before arrival but not required. All distribution sites are updated regularly and a full directory can be found on the pantry's website at https://allfaithsfoodbank.org/foodfinder/.
SOUTH SARASOTA COUNTYTuesday, Oct. 15South County food pantry121 Warfield Ave.9 a.m. – 12 p.m.Awaken Church food pantry4940 Pan American Blvd.9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Community Assistance Ministry4365 State Road 7769 – 10:30 a.m.Wednesday, Oct. 16South County food pantry121 Warfield Ave.9 a.m. – 12 p.m.Awaken Church food pantry4940 Pan American Blvd.3 – 6:30 p.m.Englewood Helping Hand700 E Dearborn St.8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.Thursday, Oct. 17Community Assistance Ministry4365 State Road 7769 – 10:30 a.m.South County food pantry121 Warfield Ave.9 a.m. – 12 p.m.Awaken Church food pantry4940 Pan American Blvd.9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Laurel Civic Association509 Collins Rd.10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4 – 6 p.m.Englewood Helping Hand700 E Dearborn St.8 a.m. – 1 p.mFriday, Oct. 18Awaken Church Food Pantry4940 Pan American Blvd.8:30 – 11:30 a.m.South County food pantry121 Warfield Ave.9 a.m. – 12 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 19Awaken Church Food Pantry4940 Pan American Blvd.9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
NORTH SARASOTA OPEN DISTRIBUTIONS
Monday, Oct. 14 – Friday, Oct. 18Caritas Food Ministry1661 Main St.10 a.m. – 12 p.m.Monday, Oct. 14GraceLife food pantry1801 N Lockwood Ridge Rd.12 – 1:30 p.m.Tuesday, Oct. 15Booker Middle School2250 Myrtle St.11 a.m. – 1 p.m.Gulf Gate Elementary6500 S Lockwood Ridge Rd.5 – 6:30 p.m.Wednesday, Oct. 16Church of Palms – groceries3224 Bee Ridge Rd.10 a.m. – 1 p.m.Church of Palms – produce3224 Bee Ridge Rd.10:30 – 11:30 a.m.New Life Worship Center2105 Worrington St.5 – 6 p.m.St. Jude Catholic Church3930 17th St.5 – 6:30 p.m.Fruitville Elementary601 Honore Ave.5: 6:30 p.m.Thursday, Oct. 17First Presbyterian Church2050 Oak St.9:30 – 11 a.m.The Harvest food pantry3650 17th St.10 a.m. – 12 p.m.Church of Palms – groceries3224 Bee Ridge Rd.10 a.m. – 1 p.m.St. Thomas More Catholic Church2506 Gulf Gate Dr.3 – 6 p.m.Friday, Oct. 18Glasser Schoenbaum Center1750 17th St.9 – 11 a.m.Church of Palms – groceries3224 Bee Ridge Rd.10 a.m. – 1 p.m.Restoration Fellowship5614 Richardson Rd.10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.St. Wilfred Episcopal Church3773 Wilkinson Rd.1 – 3 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 19St. Jude Catholic Church3930 17th St.8:30 – 9:30 a.m.St. Paul Lutheran Church2256 Bahia Vista St.9 – 10:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m.: Selby Gardens plans phased reopening beginning Tuesday
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has announced it will have a phased reopening, starting on Tuesday with the Green Orchid restaurant, as well as the Museum of Botany and the Arts. On Thursday, the gardens will reopen the Tropical Conservatory to allow patrons to visit The Orchid Show 2024: Purple! But the full grounds will not be opened yet as staff cleans up damage.
12:15 p.m.: Free food in Englewood
Operation BBQ is serving free hot meals at Merchants Crossing, 1500 Placida Road, starting at noon Monday, until the food runs out. From noon to 3 p.m. Monday, RescueMe Massage is providing free hot dogs, fruit, water and sweet tea – 3630 N Access Road.At 5 p.m. Monday, as long as supplies last, Artisanal Cravings is providing fresh homemade food at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, 601 S. Indiana Avenue.
12 p.m.: Sarasota County planning new Disaster Recovery Center
Sarasota County said it is working to establish a new Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). The previous DRC at Sarasota Christian Church, 2923 Ashton Rd. is no longer operating. The county expects to provide an update later today.
10 a.m.: Fueling stations will be open in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties today
Florida Department of Emergency Management fuel sites will be open today in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (unless otherwise specified). There is a limit of 10 gallons per vehicle.
Suncoast Technical College, 4445 Career Lane, North Port
Tropicana Rail Yard, 1706 9th St. E., Bradenton
New College of Florida, 500 College Dr., Sarasota
South Florida State College – Desoto Center, 2251 NE Turner Ave., Arcadia (10 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
Bradenton Motorsports Park, 21000 E. State Road 64, Bradenton (10 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
9:40 a.m.: Water service restored to Bird Key, Lido Key, St. Armands, Siesta Key
The City of Sarasota has resumed water service to the barrier islands it serves, including Bird Key, St. Armands, Lido Key and Siesta Key.
"A boil water advisory is in place for the barrier islands for approximately 72 hours or until test results are clear," reads the announcement.
Update: Oct. 14 - 9:20 a.m.
𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝
Water service to City of Sarasota customers on the barrier islands, including Bird Key, St. Armands Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key has been restored. pic.twitter.com/pjGFoLlxyz
— City of Sarasota (@CityofSarasota) October 14, 2024
9 a.m.: Sarasota County public schools will reopen for students Wednesday; no decision yet for Manatee County
Sarasota County Schools announced on Sunday that district-managed schools will reopen for students on Wednesday. Friday will remain a professional day, with students off, as previously scheduled.
The School District of Manatee County has not made a decision about when public schools will reopen to students. They expect to release a decision by 5 p.m. today.
SCS REOPENING PLAN: We understand that the upcoming week may pose challenges for some families and employees. While we are eager to return to our routines, our schools and systems require additional time to fully reset for normal operations. If your family is facing circumstances… pic.twitter.com/8yDwJg4OpI
— Sarasota Schools (@sarasotaschools) October 14, 2024
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota and Manatee counties recover from Hurricane Milton damage