Guide to Local Relief Efforts in Sarasota & Beyond

In response to the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton and the earlier impacts of Hurricane Helene, organizations across Sarasota and all along our Gulf Coast have mobilized to provide relief. Below is a guide to local resources and ways to engage in the recovery process. As new information becomes available, we will add to the list.

Michael Saunders & Company welcomes residents to visit any of our below offices for free WiFi, water, snacks, and a welcoming space where you'll always find a friendly face:

Downtown Sarasota (1605 Main Street)
Lakewood Ranch (8325 Lakewood Ranch Blvd)
Bradenton (4400 Manatee Ave W)
Palmer Ranch (8660 S Tamiami Trl)
Siesta Key (5100 Ocean Blvd)
Longboat Key ( 440 Gulf of Mexico Dr)
Plantation (490 Rockley Blvd)
Venice (110 Nokomis Ave N)
Punta Gorda (101 Taylor Street)

Local Comfort Stations

Comfort stations with food, drinks and emergency supplies provided by the Salvation Army will open locally, today, October 16th.

Starts Wednesday, October 16th at 1:00 pm *While supplies last

• Post 8118 Comfort Center - 832 E Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285
• POD Venice Community Center - 326 Nokomis Ave, Venice, FL 34285
• North Port Comfort Center - 1602 Kramer Way, North Port, FL 34286
• Trail Plaza Comfort Station - 3333 North Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34234
• Longboat Key Comfort Station - 4052 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
• FEMA Site Sarasota Municipal Auditorium - 801 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
• Walmart - 13140 S Tamiami Trl, Osprey, FL 34236

Starts Wednesday, October 16th, at 12:00 pm *While supplies last

• Bradenton Beach Roaming - 12306 46th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34215
• Bradenton Beach Roaming - 36th Ave and 117th St W, Bradenton, FL 34209

Community Foundation of Sarasota County: Season of Sharing Fund

The Season of Sharing campaign has launched early this year to support residents displaced or affected by job disruptions. For nearly 25 years, this initiative has provided critical financial assistance for housing, utilities, childcare, transportation, and more across Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties. In collaboration with caseworkers, the fund helps families cover one-time emergency expenses. Make a contribution to support the campaign here ​.

The Community Foundation's Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund, investing in equitable and holistic recovery, is also accepting donations. The fund will be an essential resource for long-term recovery in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties responding to unmet needs once immediate emergency relief efforts have concluded.

On October 8, the Community Foundation in partnership with The Patterson Foundation announced a contribution of up to $3 million in new disaster relief and recovery funding.

Additionally, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has compiled a list of resources, including its Hurricane Milton Grant Inquiry Form, on their Resources and Support page. Nonprofits offering essential services to the community are encouraged to submit inquiries for grant opportunities, which are being closely monitored​.

For additional volunteer opportunities in Sarasota County, you can fill out the the Volunteer Interest Form: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/527e23f6c12a4b9db9dd379d95311cab

Manatee Community Foundation: Donations and Drop-Off Locations

The Manatee Community Foundation is actively collecting essential items, including non-perishable foods, bottled water, bleach, cleaning supplies, and plastic storage bins. Updated donation drop-off locations will be announced as recovery efforts progress.

To contribute financially, visit their website for more information.

Anna Maria Island Relief Coordination

An Anna Maria Island Hurricane Relief Facebook group has been established to coordinate rebuilding efforts, share resources, and bring together neighbors in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Residents are encouraged to join the group to participate in volunteer activities and recovery initiatives.

YMCA of Southwest Florida: Community Hubs

In response to Hurricane Milton, YMCA branches in Sarasota and Manatee counties have reopened as community hubs, offering essential services such as showers, WiFi access, charging stations, and shelter.

• Venice YMCA: 701 Center Road, Venice, FL 34285
• Sarasota City YMCA: 1075 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
• Palmer Ranch YMCA: 8301 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota, FL 34238
• Lakewood Ranch YMCA: 5100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34211

Volunteer Opportunities: Keep Manatee Beautiful

The Keep Manatee Beautiful initiative is organizing daily volunteer clean-ups in Bradenton, Palmetto, and surrounding barrier islands through the end of October. Volunteer shifts run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, focusing on clearing debris and restoring public spaces. Interested individuals can sign up online​.

Florida Power & Light (FPL) Outage Relief Sites

FPL has established Outage Relief Sites providing WiFi, phone charging stations, and outage updates at these locations:

• 5359 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota
• 4381 Cattleman Rd., Sarasota
• 2875 University Pkwy., Sarasota

Operation Blue Roof Program

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District has opened Operation Blue Roof through Tuesday, November 5.

Operation Blue Roof is available to impacted residents in Manatee and Sarasota County.

This program is a free service for homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties, providing fiber-reinforced, industrial-strength sheeting to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs. This service is available to both homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties.

To register, visit blueroof.gov or call (888) 766-3258.

Support for Pets and Pet Owners

The Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC), in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, is matching donations up to $5,000. Contributions will support pets and families affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene by funding lifesaving services such as free pet food assistance, veterinary care, transport, and spay/neuter programs.

Donate to HSSC at hssc.org/donate-now​

The efforts of these organizations highlight the strength of our community's spirit and resilience. Florida's Gulf Coast stands together in recovery, ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone.

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