Ongoing updates for Sarasota County residents as Hurricane Irma impacts Florida.
Additional information can be found at www.scgov.net or by calling the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000.
TRASH & BRUSH REMOVAL:
Garbage collection resumes on Wednesday, September 13 for Sarasota County and the cities of Venice and North Port.
Regular garbage and recycling collection schedules will resume Thursday, September 14. Carts, as well as additional trash bags, placed curbside will be picked up on the regular collection day.
Residents are encouraged to place storm debris at the curb away from mailboxes, fire hydrants, light poles etc. Please keep storm debris separated from other waste.
A storm debris collection schedule is being compiled by the contractor, Ceres Environmental, and will be announced soon. It is anticipated storm debris collection will begin next week.
For more information please contact Todd Kucharski, Public Works General Manager: 941-365-2200 ext. 6303.
DAMAGES:
Power outages are the biggest challenge. There are more than 100 traffic signals out. Officials said they are trying to put up stop signs, but to treat each of these intersections as a four-way stop. They ask residents to compile their yard waste, but don't put them out on the curb until a trash pick-up schedule has been announced.
Downed power lines are still being reported around the county. Officials say if you don't need to be on the road, stay off the road.
EVACUATIONS:
City of North Port is issuing a voluntary evacuation notice for residents in the North Port Estates and any areas adjacent to the Myakkahatchee Creek. The creek and connected waterways may continue to rise in the following days.
WATER:
Crews are actively repairing 11 water main breaks. Affected neighborhoods will be notified by flyer of any boil water advisory.
ROADS:
Tolls on all Florida roadways are suspended as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, September 5.
Manasota Key Road is closed between 6725 and 6780, due to a washout.
SCHOOLS STATUS:
Sarasota County school officials announced schools will reopen on Monday, September 18.
CLOSINGS:
Sarasota County beaches will close beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 8.
Barrier islands are open for access to the public.'
County parks have reopened as of 10:50 a.m. on Monday, September 11.
OTHER INFORMATION:
SCAT resumes regular service on Wednesday, September 13.
You can get information directly from the Sarasota County EOC at: https://www.scgov.net/government/departments/emergency-services