News & Insights

“It only takes one storm to change your life and your community.”
— National Hurricane Center

In 2024, Florida saw 19 named storms, and while Sarasota and Manatee counties were spared the worst, everyone knew it could’ve been different.

Related Page: Personal Loans For Hurricane Preparedness

Now, as we enter the 2025 hurricane season—which officially runs from June 1 to November 30—local governments, emergency services, and residents are stepping up their game. From updated evacuation zones to smarter sandbag distribution, the region is preparing with a blend of old-school readiness and new technology.

So what’s different this year? What should you be doing now—not just when the storm is already spinning in the Gulf?

This post breaks it down.

No fluff. No panic. Just clear, local, and incredibly practical information.

Let’s get you storm-ready—Sarasota-Manatee style.

What Experts Are Saying About the 2025 Hurricane Season

The Colorado State University forecast calls for another above-average season, with:

• 23 named storms
• 11 hurricanes
• 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger)

Warmer ocean temperatures and a shift in atmospheric conditions post-El Niño are creating a more active environment in the Atlantic. For residents of Florida’s Gulf Coast, this means staying informed, prepared, and proactive.

Both Sarasota County Emergency Management and the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center have already launched public outreach campaigns and updated their storm response plans.

2025 Evacuation Zone Updates in Sarasota & Manatee

This year, both counties updated their evacuation zones using new flood risk data and road capacity assessments.

Sarasota County

• Osprey
• Gulf Gate Estates
• Parts of Siesta Key

Check your zone in Sarasota Florida

Use the interactive map or search your address.

Manatee County

• New subdivisions in Lakewood Ranch and Parrish have moved into higher-risk zones (Zone B from C)
• Zones integrate with Google Maps & Waze for live traffic-aware routing during evacuations

Check your zone in Manatee County

Action step: Look up your zone. Write it down. Know where you’re going before the order comes.

2025 Sandbag Distribution:
More Locations, Less Chaos

Let’s be honest. Sandbag pickup in past years? A mess. Long lines. Frustrated residents. This year, counties are taking a smarter approach.

Sarasota County

• Sandbag resources
• Drive-thru pickup available for seniors or mobility-limited residents
• Locations include:
  
  
  • Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota
  • Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota
  • South County Fleet, 4571 State Road 776/Englewood Road, Venice
    

Tip: Bring gloves and a sturdy small shovel.

Manatee County

• Sandbag resources
• Locations include:
  
  
  • Blackstone Park – 2112 14th Ave. W., Palmetto
  • Myakka Community Center – 10060 Wauchula Rd., Myakka City
  • Palma Sola Park – 7815 40th Ave. W., Bradenton
  • Parrish Park Overflow Parking – 77550 Ft. Hamer Rd., Parrish
  • Rubonia Community Center – 1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto
  • Rye Preserve – 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish
  • Manatee County Stormwater Facility – 5511 39th St. E., Bradenton
    
    

Real-time updates will be available on mymanatee.org and social media.

Flood Zone Revisions:
Don’t Assume You’re Safe

Flooding remains the #1 cause of hurricane-related property damage—not wind.

Thanks to FEMA’s updated maps and local hydrology studies, flood zones in 2025 now include:

• Myakka City and Riverfront areas
• Philippi Creek neighborhoods
• Inland areas of Lakewood Ranch and East Bradenton
  
  

What to do now:

• Sarasota: https://www.scgov.net/government/public-works/flood-maps
• Manatee: https://www.mymanatee.org/services-and-amenities/service-listing/service-details/find-my-flood-zone
  

Remember: There’s a 30-day waiting period on most flood insurance.

Shelters for Families, Pets & Special Needs

When the order to evacuate comes, know where to go. Sarasota and Manatee have increased shelter capacity and added new pet-friendly and medically-dependent shelters.

Sarasota County Shelters

• Booker High School – General population
• Riverview High School – Pet-friendly
• North Port High School – Special needs (registration required)
  
  

Manatee County Shelters

• Miller Elementary School – Pet-friendly
• Braden River High School – General population
• Southeast High School – Special needs
  
  

Local Info: Shelters don’t provide food for pets—bring enough for 72 hours, plus leashes and crates.

Emergency Alerts: Your Lifeline in a Fast-Changing Situation

The fastest way to get official, accurate, and local storm info? Emergency text and phone alerts.

Sarasota County: Alert Sarasota (Replaced CodeRED)

• Sign up here: https://www.alertsarasotacounty.com/
• Customize alerts by topic (evacuations, water outages, etc.)
  
  

Manatee County: Alert Manatee

• Sign up: https://www.mymanatee.org/services-and-amenities/service-listing/service-details/sign-up-for-alert-manatee
• Text "MANATEEREADY" to 888777 to anonymously sign up you will not receive location based alerts. No charge but Msg & Data rates may apply. Msg freq varies.
  
  

Pro tip: Add these numbers to your phone now so you don’t ignore the call during the storm.

How Local HOAs & Retirement Communities Are Preparing

Sarasota-Manatee has dozens of retirement communities, mobile home parks, and HOA-run subdivisions—many in flood-prone or high-wind areas.

Trends in 2025:

• HOA bulk contracts for tree trimming and generator maintenance
• Onsite shelters for residents with mobility issues
• Community-wide text alert systems and WhatsApp groups
• Evacuation shuttle sign-ups for assisted living residents
  
  

Check with your HOA or property manager to see what storm prep policies are in place—and whether you're on any emergency call lists.

Prep Like a Local: The Smart List

Skip the bottled water panic and long generator lines. Here’s what local emergency planners actually recommend:

Core Hurricane Kit (72 Hours Minimum):

• 1 gallon of water per person per day
• Manual can opener
• NOAA battery-powered radio
• Headlamps (free up your hands!)
• 2-week supply of medications
• Extension cords for generator use
• External battery banks
• Pet food, leashes, vet records
• Copies of ID, insurance, and prescriptions in a waterproof folder
  
  

Avoid: candles (fire hazard), overly frozen meats (they spoil fast in outages), or relying on ATM cash (local banks often go online-only temporarily).

Insurance Check-In: Premiums Are Up. Coverage Still Matters.

In 2025, Florida homeowners insurance has continued to climb, but many local agents are finding workarounds with:

• Private flood carriers with lower deductibles
• Bundled home + auto discounts
• Advising clients to install wind mitigation upgrades (like impact windows or roof straps)
  
  

Talk to your agent about:

• Your hurricane deductible (it’s often different from your standard deductible)
• Coverage for loss of use (temporary housing)
• Alternative markets if your carrier pulled out of Florida
  
  

Don’t wait until June. Some policies may take 15–30 days to bind or renew.

Local Help: Nonprofits & Volunteer Response Teams

When disaster hits, Sarasota and Manatee’s community response shines.

Nonprofits:

• The Salvation Army (Bradenton + Sarasota) – Emergency meal distribution
• All Faiths Food Bank – Disaster pantry kits
• Senior Friendship Centers – Daily check-ins for isolated seniors
  
  

Sarasota & Manatee Are Ready.
Are You?

The calm before the storm is when the real preparation happens.

Sarasota and Manatee leaders have improved the tools. They’ve expanded resources. They’re keeping the public informed.

Now it’s your turn to do the same.

✅ Know your zone
✅ Build your kit
✅ Review your insurance
✅ Share this post with a neighbor who may need a hand

It only takes one storm—but it also only takes one plan to protect everything that matters.