With hurricane season set to begin June 1, Sarasota County is hosting a community event on Thursday, May 8, to help residents prepare and stay informed. Officials will also discuss the region’s ongoing recovery from last year’s storms.

Leaders from FEMA, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, the Small Business Administration, public works, and local food banks will be on-site to answer questions and provide guidance.

The event, titled Community Conversation: Hurricane Preparedness, will take place at 6 p.m. at Riverview High School in Sarasota. Doors open at 5 p.m.

State and local officials acknowledge that some residents are still navigating the federal aid process following the impacts of hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.

“If anyone is still struggling with their FEMA applications from last year, we’ll have people available to help walk them through any challenges,” said Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Sarasota County’s emergency operations chief.

Tapfumaneyi noted that emergency managers are focusing on improving storm surge warnings this year and strongly urge residents to evacuate when instructed. For those sheltering in place, she emphasized the importance of early preparation.

“Now is the time to check your disaster supplies,” she said. “Practice using items like your propane tank for a camping stove—make sure it works and you know where it is.”

The 2025 hurricane season is forecast to be active, with 17 named storms expected, including at least five major hurricanes.

Click here to pre-register for the event.

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(Image credit: NOAA)

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