County: Sarasota
ZIP Codes: 34293, 34284
South Venice, Florida, due to its position on the Gulf Coast, is at high-risk for direct impacts from hurricanes and their associated effects, including storm surge, high winds, and rains, which often lead to flooding. With its close proximity to the coast, the city is susceptible to storm surges, a change caused by the physical push of the sea water by the hurricane's winds. The region is predominantly flat with a low elevation, making it vulnerable to flooding. In addition, many of the homes and infrastructure are not elevated, meaning flooding can cause widespread property damage. Over the last century, this region has experienced significant rainfall from tropical storms and hurricanes, contributing to historical flood risk. Within the last 30 years, South Venice has endured several major hurricanes and severe storms, such as Hurricane Charley in 2004, and Hurricane Irma in 2017. Both resulted in extensive property damage, power outages, and flooding. The repeated battering from storms of this magnitude over the years has demonstrated the need for continued vigilance in hurricane planning and preparation. Emergency management officials in the region should therefore prioritize storm surge and flooding preparedness, including infrastructure development and reinforcement, evacuation planning, and flood insurance coverage.