Sarasota County on Florida's Gulf Coast faces serious hurricane and storm surge risk. Hurricane Ian in 2022 produced significant surge and flooding in the county even though it made landfall to the south. The county's barrier islands — including Siesta Key, ranked among America's best beaches — are extremely vulnerable to direct hurricane strikes.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
- Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
- Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
- Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
* We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 8 / 10 High Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Hurricane / Storm Surge |
| Secondary Hazard | Flooding |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone AE (High Risk) |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 50 |
| Last Major Event | Hurricane Ian (2022) |
| Event Frequency | Major event every 4–5 years |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (941) 861-5000 |
| Emergency Shelters | 26 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | I-75 North, US-41 North, SR-72 East |
// County Profile
| County | Sarasota County FL |
| State | Florida (FL) |
| Population | 433,742 |
| Area | 572 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | Zone AE (High Risk) |
// Major Cities
// Cities in This County
// Other Florida Counties
// Nearby Infrastructure Risks
Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.
Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.