Sarasota County is engaging its community to shape a $210 million hurricane recovery plan, involving input from residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and Tropical Storm Debby in 2024. 

The county has initiated the “Resilient SRQ Unmet Needs Survey” and is hosting public meetings to gather this crucial feedback. The next scheduled public meeting is set for Saturday, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Gulf Gate Library, where county staff will outline the survey’s goals and broader recovery objectives.

Efforts to Accelerate Recovery

While Sarasota seeks public input, local nonprofits are also working on accelerating the recovery timeline. Over 40 nonprofits and government bodies recently convened at a “Regional Recovery Acceleration Program” to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic delays. 

Heather Hackett, founder of Local Relief, a tech-focused nonprofit, emphasized the necessity of recovery acceleration. “Recovery acceleration is great, and I think it’s necessary to move the residents that have been impacted forward,” she stated. She highlighted the complexity of recovery, involving funding, permits, contractors, and more.

J.R. Sanderson of the St. Bernard Project (SBP), a disaster recovery nonprofit born from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, criticized the slow pace of recovery. “It is embarrassing for us as a nation to wait this long and have that much federal money tied up,” Sanderson commented. SBP is collaborating with various groups in Sarasota to push for faster recovery processes, advocating for quicker governmental action.

This initiative is partnered with United Way of South Sarasota County, AT&T, and Farmers Insurance, aiming to facilitate a swift, efficient recovery post-disasters through shared best practices and lessons learned.

Urgency and Community Preservation

The discussions among experts have underscored the need to balance quick recovery with sustainable, long-term solutions to preserve community integrity. Sanderson warned of the consequences of residents leaving due to repeated disasters, which could erode the local tax base and essential services.

Hackett also pointed out the perpetual urgency in Florida due to the looming hurricane seasons: “We are Florida, so we are against the clock. Not only are we up against timelines and trying to get people back in their homes, but we need to prepare for the next storm season. We don’t know what that will bring.”

As these efforts continue, Sarasota County residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Resilient SRQ meeting to contribute to a recovery plan that reflects the community’s diverse needs and experiences.

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