County: Sarasota
ZIP Codes: 34231
South Sarasota, Florida, being a coastal town, is highly vulnerable to the devastating impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms. Its geographical location makes it a primary target for these weather disturbances. Considerations must include strong winds capable of damaging infrastructure, storm surges that could lead to massive flooding, and copious amounts of rainfall that could inundate the area. South Sarasota's relatively flat terrain and low elevation also increase its flood risk. While the city has implemented flood control measures, these may not be enough to combat the effects of a major hurricane. As for historical data, South Sarasota has weathered several major hurricanes in the past 30 years. The most impactful storms include Hurricane Charley in 2004 and Hurricane Irma in 2017. Charley, a Category 4 storm, damaged a large number of homes and businesses, knocked out power for weeks, and caused several fatalities. Irma, a Category 5 hurricane, inundated the region with heavy rainfall and storm surge flooding, leading to road closures, power outages, and significant property damage. Given this history, local residents must be prepared for the possibility of similar storms in the future, and state and local authorities must also remain vigilant in improving the town's storm readiness and resilience.