Disaster Response & Resources

Disaster Response Analysis Report

Before Hurricane Ian struck in 2022, The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and The Patterson Foundation created the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund to address such emergencies. Following the hurricane, the Community Foundation analyzed data to develop a formal framework for disaster response funding, and the Community Foundation’s approach to supporting long-term recovery efforts. CLICK HERE to view or download the Disaster Response Analysis report developed to guide our community response strategies.

Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund

While it was established in 2022 in response to Hurricane Ian’s catastrophic impacts across the region, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Suncoast Disaster Recover Fund is evolving to support disaster responses beyond any single named storm or moment in time. The Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund focuses on mental and behavioral health, legal services, case management, children, youth services, and efforts identified by Long Term Recovery Groups within each county.  

Season of Sharing

For relief with immediate needs, the Community Foundation’s nearly 25-year-old initiative Season of Sharing is a way to support housing, transportation, utility, and childcare needs. Those in need should call 2-1-1 to be directed to support from Season of Sharing and other services.

Other Disaster Resources

Charlotte County:

https://charlotte.floridahealth.gov/

Alert Charlotte County:

https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/public-safety/emergency-management/alert-charlotte.stml  

Charlotte County COAD:

https://www.coadfl.org/

DeSoto County:

https://desoto.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/index.html

Alert DeSoto County:

https://desotobocc.com/news_dept/emergency_management/desoto-alerts

Desoto County Emergency Management Department:

https://desotobocc.com/departments/emergency_management

Manatee County:

https://manatee.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/infectious-disease-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/index.html

Alert Manatee County: https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/emergency_management/alertmanatee 

Manatee Emergency Management Recovery Plan:

https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/emergency_management/recovery_plan

Sarasota County contact:

John Livingston, Community Organizations Active in Disaster at jlivingston@uwssc.org

Chris Johnson, Long Term Recovery Group at CJohnson@uwssc.org

Alert Sarasota County:

https://www.alertsarasotacounty.com/ 

Sarasota Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD):

https://sarasota.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/community-partners/sarasota-coad.html

State of Florida disaster updates and response: https://www.floridadisaster.org/ 

National Hurricane Center updates, alerts, and maps: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/  

Making An Impact's Disaster Recover Guide: https://disasterrecovery.making-an-impact.org/  

Florida traffic maps, closures, routes, and alerts: https://fl511.com/   

Federal Emergency Management Agency alerts and response: https://www.fema.gov/  

National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/tbw/TropicalEventSummary

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program: FloridaJobs.org/EBL

For any assistance or disaster need, please contact HOPE Florida at 850-300-HOPE or Hope Florida | Florida DCF (myflfamilies.com)  may help with hotels and other needs.

Dial 311 on your phone to be connected to Sarasota County 311 non-emergency service requests.