In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall near Siesta Key on October 9, 2024, the residents of Sarasota, Florida are in need of immediate aid. As the community begins to recover from the widespread devastation, several supply points of distribution (PODs) have been established to ensure access to essential supplies, including water, food, and other critical resources. These distribution sites and comfort stations are providing critical relief to help residents rebuild and recover. Below, we provide detailed information on the supply points available as of October 15, 2024, in Sarasota County.
Neighborhood Points of Distribution (PODs)
Four Points of Distribution (PODs) have been established across Sarasota County, and they are currently operational to provide essential supplies to those impacted by Hurricane Milton. The PODs are crucial in distributing necessities such as bottled water, non-perishable food items, and tarps to cover damaged roofs. These sites are open from 7 am to 7 pm or until supplies are exhausted.
1. Venice Community Center
Address: 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice, FL
Services: Bottled water, packaged meals, tarps
Hours of Operation: 7 am to 7 pm, while supplies last
Located in Venice, this distribution center is catering to residents in the southern part of Sarasota County. The Venice Community Center has been a central hub for disaster relief, providing a steady stream of bottled water, ready-to-eat meals, and emergency supplies to locals in need.
2. San Pedro Catholic Church
Address: 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL
Services: Water, food, basic medical aid
Hours of Operation: 7 am to 7 pm, while supplies last
This POD is set up at San Pedro Catholic Church in North Port, offering food, water, and limited medical assistance. Volunteers at this location are also distributing baby formula and personal hygiene products, which are in high demand for families with small children.
3. Englewood Sports Complex
Address: 1300 S. River Road, Englewood, FL
Services: Food, water, tarps
Hours of Operation: 7 am to 7 pm, while supplies last
The Englewood Sports Complex has been transformed into a major distribution point, where affected residents can receive critical items such as water, meals, and emergency tarps to cover storm-damaged roofs. This POD is serving a large part of Englewood, one of the hardest-hit areas by Hurricane Milton.
4. Glebe Park
Address: 1000 Glebe Lane, Sarasota, FL
Services: Water, food, clothing donations
Hours of Operation: 7 am to 7 pm, while supplies last
In the Sarasota area, Glebe Park is the designated POD, offering essential supplies to local residents. In addition to water and food, this site is receiving clothing donations for those whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed in the storm.
Comfort Stations Providing Shelter and Meals
In addition to the PODs, three Comfort Stations have been established throughout Sarasota County. These facilities provide air-conditioned spaces, allowing residents to charge devices, receive warm meals, and find a moment of relief during this challenging time.
1. Streets of Paradise
Location: 734 Central Ave., Sarasota, FL
Hours of Operation: 9 am to 5 pm
Services: Meals, food drive-thru, charging stations
Streets of Paradise has opened its doors to help those impacted by the hurricane, providing meals and charging stations for residents who may be without power. This location is also operating a drive-thru food distribution, where volunteers hand out boxed meals to residents in need.
2. Bayside Community Church – Lakewood Ranch Campus
Location: 15800 E. Route 64, Bradenton, FL
Hours of Operation: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm (through October 18)
Services: Meals, comfort space
The Lakewood Ranch Campus of Bayside Community Church is open for residents needing meals and a place to charge their devices. The site is offering two meal services each day, ensuring those affected can receive both lunch and dinner.
3. Bayside Community Church – Bee Ridge Campus
Location: 8200 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL
Hours of Operation: Noon to 7 pm (October 12 – 18)
Services: Meals, charging stations
At the Bee Ridge Campus of Bayside Community Church, affected individuals can enjoy meals and air-conditioned spaces to rest and charge their electronics. This site remains open through October 18, offering continuous support for those displaced or without power due to the storm.
Free Fuel Distribution in Sarasota County
As fuel shortages continue to be a concern for residents, a state-run fuel distribution site has been set up to provide free gasoline. Residents are allowed to receive up to 10 gallons of fuel at no cost, which is essential for those who are relying on generators or need fuel for their vehicles to seek further aid.
Suncoast Technical College Fuel Distribution Site
Location: 4445 Career Lane, North Port, FL
Hours of Operation: 10 am to 7 pm
Services: Up to 10 gallons of free gasoline per resident
This site is located at Suncoast Technical College in North Port. Residents should bring containers for fuel or arrive with vehicles ready to be filled. The site will operate as long as there are supplies available, and all residents in the affected areas are encouraged to take advantage of this free fuel distribution.
Essential Relief Efforts in Sarasota County
The combined efforts of local organizations, government agencies, and volunteers have been instrumental in delivering the critical relief needed by residents affected by Hurricane Milton. In the days following the storm, these Points of Distribution, Comfort Stations, and fuel distribution sites are providing life-saving resources to help residents rebuild their lives and their community.
These distribution efforts will continue to operate as long as necessary, ensuring that every resident impacted by Hurricane Milton receives the support they need. From food and water to shelter and fuel, Sarasota County is working tirelessly to bring its community back to strength.
