SARASOTA COUNTY - Sarasota County Government is preparing for Tropical Storm Idalia.

Out of an abundance of caution, Sarasota County is calling for the evacuation of Level A in response to potential impacts which include barrier islands, mobile homes, and those living on vessels. 

Sarasota County Government began emergency roles Monday afternoon as the county works to support the Emergency Operations Center and the community.

Additional Sarasota County updates include: 

• Sarasota County schools will be closed Tuesday, Aug. 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 30.
• General population evacuation centers will open at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29.To see a full list, visit scgov.net/beprepared.
• Starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday, those needing transportation to a rally point or evacuation center may call 311.   
• Regular county operations are closed Tuesday, Aug. 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 30. Board of County Commissioners meetings will be rescheduled to a later date.
• Sarasota County 311 will be open until 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29.
• Sandbag operations will be 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, at the following locations: 
• Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th Street, Sarasota.
• Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota.
• South County Fleet, 4571 SR 776/Englewood Road, Venice.
• Limit 10 sandbags per vehicle. Shovels and bags will be available onsite. Changes in weather patterns may impact sandbag operation times.
• After 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, all items currently placed at the curb, including collection containers and bulk items, should be brought inside for the duration of the storm.
• All solid waste collection services scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 29, have been cancelled for residents of unincorporated Sarasota County.
• Collection services for garbage, recycling and yard waste for the remainder of the week will be delayed by at least one day. Changes to service schedules will appear on scgov.net and the Sarasota County social media channels. 
• Sarasota County Fire Department will reschedule the series of informational meetings about proposed changes to the fire assessment rates. 

Visit this link for the latest update from Sarasota County. Continue to follow Sarasota County Government on social media for updates.

To receive emergency alerts from Sarasota County, text SRQCounty to 888777 or sign up at AlertSarasotaCounty.com. See today's newsletter here and subscribe to emergency newsletters here.

For more information, call 311 or visit scgov.net.