SARASOTA COUNTY - Speakers from local, state and federal agencies will lead the Community Conversation: Hurricane Preparedness on Thursday, May 8, hosted by Sarasota County at Riverview High School, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota.

Speakers will share vital information on disaster preparedness, recovery resources and insights from the 2024 hurricane season. Speakers include:

• Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief.
• Kevin Guthrie, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director.
• Ileana M. Alamo Garay, U.S. Small Business Administration Public Affairs Specialist.
• Jennifer Hubbard, National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist.
• John Brogan, Federal Emergency Management Association Federal Coordinating Officer.

More information on the speakers can be found at scgov.net/CommunityConversations. The program will be moderated by Sarasota County Emergency Services Director Rich Collins.

Doors open for the Community Conversations at 5 p.m. Attendees should arrive early to pass through the school security system. The discussion will begin at 6 p.m.

“This event is a great opportunity for residents to learn more and hear directly from experts about where we are in the long-term recovery process from the 2024 hurricane season,” said Tapfumaneyi. “There will be a lot of information on disaster recovery resources and how to be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.”

In addition to the discussion, attendees will be able to speak with representatives from municipalities, local, state and federal organizations at various booths before, during and after the event.

The event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged. Participating organizations include:

• Sarasota County departments:
  • Breeze Transit.
  • Emergency Management.
  • Fire Prevention.
  • Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.
  • Public Works.
  • Resilient SRQ.
• City of North Port.
• All Faith's Food Bank.
• Red Cross.
• Salvation Army.
• SRQ Strong.
• Small Business Administration.
• Long Term Recovery Group and Community Organizations Active in Disasters.

Attendees may submit questions for speakers as part of the registration process. Register and learn more at scgov.net/CommunityConversations.