SARASOTA COUNTY - In what was already an active hurricane season for Sarasota County, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Siesta Key one year ago on Oct. 9, 2024. The Category 3 hurricane came just 13 days after Hurricane Helene and was the first storm to make landfall in Sarasota County since 1944.

Historic evacuations were called for Levels A, B and C ahead of the storm. Hurricane Milton brought estimated wind speeds of 115 mph., storm surge inundation 6-9 feet above ground level (AGL) from Venice south to Boca Grande, with an isolated peak near 10 feet AGL estimated at the southern end of Manasota Key. Storm surge and hurricane-force winds from Milton resulted in significant and widespread damage across the County, with the most significant impacts experienced in South County. Many were still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Combined recovery efforts from both storms continue for residents and businesses across the county.

• Evacuation centers provided shelter for 9,013 evacuees and their pets.
• Six neighborhood points of distribution, three comfort stations with laundry and showering facilities provided supplies and resources to those in need.
• Over 2.4 million cubic yards of storm debris, including displaced sand, vegetative matter, household goods, and construction and demolition materials was collected in 90 days in unincorporated Sarasota County.
• The county partnered with the Florida Division of Emergency Management to coordinate the removal of approximately 7,200 cubic yards of waterway debris, including derelict vessels.
• More than 2,000 county employees who had been working continuously since before Hurricane Helene, continued their efforts to serve the community in all aspects of preparation and response.
• Dozens of governmental, non-profit, and private sector organizations from across the United States deployed to Sarasota County to provide support services and assist with the response and recovery efforts.

Sarasota County continues to apply lessons learned from the entirety of the 2024 hurricane season to help prepare the community and response to future storms.

“The 2024 hurricane season was one that saw our community impacted repeatedly. These back-to-back storms and the experiences created a battle-hardened team at the Emergency Operations Center sharpening our response and recovery efforts,” said Sarasota County Emergency Services Director Rich Collins. “Taking those lessons learned and putting them into action for this hurricane season and future possible storm impacts has been a priority for staff to help us better serve our residents and visitors.”

“All storms are different, and residents should not make evacuation decisions based on their previous experience in other storms, like Milton,” said Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi. “If or when you are told your area is being evacuated, it is time to leave. These evacuations are being made to help keep you and your loved ones safe.”

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season taught us to be prepared and the many hazards these storms can present to our community. Hurricane season lasts until Nov. 30. Make sure your emergency preparedness kit is stocked. Know your plan. Sign up now to receive emergency alerts at AlertSarasotaCounty.com.

As many in the community recovery and mitigation efforts from the 2024 storms, the Resilient SRQ program is here to assist through programs that are intended to best meet the unmet needs of Sarasota County, focusing on supporting low-to-moderate income households. The Long-Term Recovery Group in Sarasota County also guides the community through the aftermath of major storms by providing long-term assistance and resources to individuals and families affected by disasters.