Residents should bring their own shovels and gloves, though limited supply of shovels will be available at each event
To help residents protect their homes and property from potential storms during the 2025 hurricane season, which began June 1, Sarasota County staff “is introducing free, voluntary, self-service sandbag locations,” staff announced this week.
Each of three self-service stations will have empty bags and sand available free of charge, a news release points out.
The sandbag operations will be held at the following locations on June 14, July 19 and Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the release notes:
- Ed Smith Stadium, which stands at 2700 12th St. in Sarasota.
- Twin Lakes Park, which is located at 6700 Clark Road in Sarasota.
- South County Fleet, which stands at 4571 SR 776/Englewood Road in Venice.
“These monthly opportunities will supplement the county’s existing sandbag operations, which are activated prior to the arrival of a storm,” the release adds.
Residents will be expected to fill their own sandbags and load them into their vehicles, the release says, so they should bring their own shovels and gloves. For individuals who do not have shovels at home, a limited supply of shovels will be available for use on-site, the release notes. Occupants of each vehicle at each event will be provided 10 empty sandbags to fill, the release points out.
For more information on Sarasota County’s hurricane preparedness programs, visit scgov.net.