New Roof, New Hope: Sarasota Homeowners Fortify Against the Storm
SARASOTA, Fla. — The sound of hammers echoed through Sarasota’s 24th Street neighborhood today as Rebuilding Together Greater Florida (RTGFL) kicked off the installation of a FORTIFIED roof for residents Sheila and Johnnie Cantrell. The effort is part of RTGFL’s Disaster Readiness & Recovery Program, a growing initiative that helps protect Florida’s most vulnerable homeowners ahead of hurricane season.
“At Rebuilding Together Greater Florida, our mission is to ensure families have safe and healthy homes—especially as we prepare for hurricane season,”
said Jose Garcia, CEO of Rebuilding Together Greater Florida. “By implementing FORTIFIED roof repair methods, we’re able to strengthen homes without the cost of a full roof replacement. This approach allows us to stretch our resources further, reach more households, and better protect our communities against hurricane-strength winds.”
The Cantrells, who’ve lived in their home for 25 years, received a new FORTIFIED roof. They were among several residents gathered for the event, where local leaders and roofing crews joined forces to spotlight the urgent need for better housing.
“Knowing our roof can now stand up to a storm is a blessing,” said Sheila Cantrell. “We’ve seen hurricanes rip through this area, and we’ve never felt as safe as we do today. It feels like someone finally showed up for us.”
With 15 new roofs completed this year in Sarasota County and more underway, RTGFL’s work is gaining momentum. The FORTIFIED upgrades are supported in part by a grant from Travelers and partners like Volunteer Florida and the Florida Disaster Fund, whose vital support ensures more residents receive the critical upgrades they need to have more resilient homes.
Today’s press event featured remarks from James Buchanan, House Representative, District 74, and Mark Smith, Sarasota County Commissioner, and additional community partners on how working together is key to making communities more resilient for this hurricane season and beyond.
As hurricane season intensifies, RTGFL says its mission remains simple: make sure every family has a safe and resilient home to return to after a storm. If you’re interested in learning more about the resiliency work Rebuilding Together Greater Florida offers, click here: www.rtgfl.org.
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About Rebuilding Together Greater Florida, formerly known as Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay
Celebrating 25 years of service, Rebuilding Together Greater Florida repairs homes, revitalizes communities, and rebuilds lives. We provide free critical repairs, safety upgrades, affordable housing, and education while leading long-term disaster recovery and relief efforts across Southwest, Northern, and Central Florida. Designated the lead affiliate after Hurricane Ian, RTGFL will continue helping with hurricane recovery efforts for the most vulnerable to rebuild stronger, safer homes. Learn more at www.rtgfl.org.
