SARASOTA COUNTY - Sarasota County has installed two colorful poles on Siesta and Manasota beaches, with a third pole planned for North Jetty Beach this spring, in an effort to improve individuals’ understanding of the risks associated with storm surge and how deep water levels could potentially rise above the ground when storm surge occurs.

A display is installed next to each pole with more information about how the colors align with the National Hurricane Center’s storm risk map system. Each color represents three feet of water above ground level.

• Red: Greater than 9 feet above ground
• Orange: 6–9 feet above ground
• Yellow: 3–6 feet above ground
• Blue: 1–3 feet above ground

Storm surge is one of the most dangerous elements of hurricanes and can create life-threatening conditions, shoreline erosion, road and bridge damage, and building destruction along the coast.

Areas along the Gulf Coast are vulnerable, but storm surge is not exclusively a beachfront problem. It can also travel up rivers and canals, reaching well inland from the coastline.

In 2024, Hurricane Helene brought 4–7 feet of storm surge to the Gulf Coast of Sarasota County. This was followed less than two weeks later by Hurricane Milton, which produced an isolated peak of 10 feet of storm surge in the southernmost areas of the county and 4–9 feet along other parts of the Sarasota County coastline.

“These storm surge poles provide a visual representation of potential storm surge height that we could see here in Sarasota County,” said Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi. “Storm surge can travel far inland, so we hope residents who live in an evacuation zone will prepare an evacuation plan before the start of hurricane season.”

“When we call for evacuations, it’s for the safety of everyone in those areas. Know what evacuation level you’re in, listen for evacuation instructions, and always remember that every storm is different, so it’s vital to be ready year-round,” said Sarasota County Emergency Services Director Rich Collins. “We hope these poles help residents and visitors better understand the dangers of storm surge and make decisions for their loved ones.”

To stay informed throughout hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, sign up for emergency alerts at AlertSarasotaCounty.com, follow Sarasota County Government and Sarasota County Emergency Services on social media, and keep a weather radio on hand.

For more detailed information about the project, how to prepare for hurricane season, and the impacts that storm surge and flooding can have, visit scgov.net/beprepared. 

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About Sarasota County Emergency Management:

Sarasota County Emergency Management is an accredited agency responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing countywide disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.