Hurricane Helene Evacuations Underway In Sarasota County: Officials

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — As Hurricane Helene churns in the Gulf, making its way to Florida, a mandatory evacuation was ordered Wednesday morning for everyone in Evacuation Zone A and all mobile homes and boats throughout Sarasota County, officials said in a news release.

The evacuation order includes several specific neighborhoods as well, including Forked Creek in Englewood, Curry Creek in Venice and Hatchett Creek in Venice.

A storm surge warning, hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are in effect for Sarasota County.

Though Helene’s current forecast has it passing offshore of the county, it is expected to bring tropical storm force winds, life-threatening storm surge flooding of 4 to 7 feet and flash flooding to the area on Thursday.

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The following county-run evacuation centers open at noon.

• Atwater Elementary School, 4701 Huntsville Ave., North Port
• Booker High School, 3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota
• Brookside Middle School, 3636 South Shade Ave., Sarasota
• Fruitville Elementary School, 601 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota
• Gulf Gate Elementary School, 6500 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota
• Heron Creek Middle School, 6501 W. Price Blvd., North Port
• North Port High School, 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port
• Phillippi Shores Elementary School, 4747 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
• Riverview High School, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota
• Southside Elementary School, 1901 Webber Street, Sarasota
• Taylor Ranch Elementary School, 2500 Taylor Ranch Trail, Venice
• Woodland Middle School, 2700 Panacea Blvd., North Port

Learn more about Sarasota County evacuation centers here.

Residents can find their evacuation level at www.scgov.net/beprepared.

Public Transportation

Sarasota County Breeze routes will operate regular service until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. At that time buses and trolleys will carry passengers through the end of the route before closing service for the day.

Fares are waived for the remainder of Wednesday.

Breeze Plus will honor only medically-necessary trips. Breeze OnDemand will be closed to the general public all day.

Breeze OnDemand resources will be assisting evacuation efforts. Transportation to an evacuation center may be secured by calling 311.

All Breeze Transit services will be closed Thursday.

Sandbags

Sandag operations continue Tuesday Wednesday until 6 p.m. at the following locations:

• Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road.
• Ed Smith Stadium (parking lot), 2700 12th St.
• South County Fleet Services, 4571 State Road 776/Englewood Road.

There is a 10-bags per-vehicle limit.

Sarasota County Schools

All Sarasota County Schools are closed Wednesday through Friday.

Other County Closures

Sarasota County government offices are closed Wednesday and Thursday.
All Sarasota County trash collection services are suspended Thursday.