North Port Shuts Down City Facilities Ahead of Tropical Storm Helene

North Port Shuts Down City Facilities Ahead of Tropical Storm HelenePhoto byStock Image

By Kristy Tallman

NORTH PORT, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2024) — In preparation for Tropical Storm Helene, the City of North Port announced it will close all city facilities, including Parks & Recreation services and records and fingerprinting at the North Port Police station, on Wednesday and Thursday.

Solid waste services will also be suspended Thursday, Sept. 26, and will resume Friday for all of Thursday's scheduled trash, recycling, and yard waste pickups. Friday's pickups will be completed on Saturday, depending on the Sarasota County landfill’s operational status.

Sarasota County will issue a mandatory evacuation order for Level A and manufactured home communities beginning Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 7 a.m. Evacuation centers will open at noon the same day. North Port residents in Zone A are reminded that the evacuation is mandatory.

"If you do not leave Zone A, there is a strong likelihood you would be inaccessible by emergency services for the duration of the storm and multiple days following," said North Port Fire Chief Scott Titus. "You will likely be without power and could face high water levels and hazards in your home that endanger life and health."

Residents can find their evacuation level and the nearest shelter on Sarasota County’s website at SCGov.net.

The North Port City Commission is expected to declare a local state of emergency during its regular meeting at 6 p.m. today, allowing access to emergency funding for potential repairs.

Sandbags Available
A self-serve sandbag station is now open for North Port residents at the Larry Thoennissen Athletic Fields behind the George Mullen Activity Center. There is a limit of 10 bags per vehicle, and residents are asked to bring their own shovels.

Stormwater Management
The Department of Public Works has lowered water levels citywide in anticipation of increased storm-related rainfall to enhance capacity. Residents can learn more about North Port's stormwater system by visiting NorthPortFL.gov/Stormwater.

Stay Informed and Prepared
Residents are urged to finalize their family plans, prepare disaster kits, and register with AlertSarasotaCounty.com for critical public safety updates. For the latest information on City services and storm preparedness resources, visit NorthPortFL.gov/Alerts.

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By Kristy Tallman, Sept. 24, 2024
The Republic News
Source: City of North Port

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