Hurricane Debby Recovery Still Ongoing

Hello Everyone, Hurricane Debby was a storm like no other in Sarasota. Approximately 100 single family homes in the Bellevue Terrace neighborhood and 80 mobile homes in SaraLake estates were severely impacted with as much as 4-5 feet of flood waters from Phillippi Creek. Multiple first responder agencies from the region, including the Sarasota Police Department, Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Six, North Port Police and Fire Departments, Charlotte County Fire Department, Englewood Fire Department, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Sarasota County Emergency descended on the area, and with high-water rescue vehicles safely evacuated hundreds to higher ground. We are immensely grateful for their selfless response to help our community.

We have many updates to share regarding storm recovery:

Community Meeting 

Within days of the storm, City personnel hosted a community meeting last Saturday to share with affected homeowners the next steps and how to safely return to their flood damaged homes. Representatives from our Building and Permitting divisions, and Public Works and Utilities departments answered questions and shared information about processes. Building permit fees will be waived for all Hurricane Debbyrelated damage.

Guidance for affected individuals in SaraLake Estates will be different due to it being a commercial property. Our Emergency Management team is in contact with the property manager and establishing a recovery path for that area.

FEMA Assistance FEMA approved a major disaster declaration for ten counties in Florida, including Sarasota. This means individual assistance will be available. The assistance could help with temporary housing, basic homes repair costs, personal property loss or other disastercaused needs. Affected individuals can start the application process now by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 from 7a.m. to 11 p.m. daily or via the FEMA mobile app. We anticipate FEMA will open an inperson Disaster Recovery Center in Sarasota soon and we will share that information as soon as it’s announced including on social media and our alerts page at www. Sarasotafl.gov/Alerts

Debris Collection Pickup started just three days a fte r the storm. To have structure flooded storm debris picked up, city residents should call 941-2636170. Vegetative debris should be prepared according to the City’s regular yard waste requirements.

Unlicensed Contractors

Be vigilant when hiring contractors. We encourage you to protect yourself and verify all contractors have a license.

Unlicensed contractors should be reported to the Department of Business & Professional Regulation at 866-532-1440 or email ULA@myfloridalicense.com

Through an interlocal agreement, Sarasota County handles all stormwater management for the City. We’re very