Diabetes and Neuropathy Treatment in South Sarasota, FL
Living with neuropathy and diabetes is a challenge that millions of Americans face every day. Neuropathy - which comes in several forms and manifests in many ways - can affect any person. In the United States, neuropathy and diabetes often go hand-in-hand, with about 50% of people with diabetes suffering from the condition. In fact, the number of people with neuropathy is only increasing as diabetes becomes more common and the population ages.
People who suffer from these conditions must endure painful and disruptive symptoms, such as:
- Intense Bouts of Sharp, Burning Pain
- Numbness, Prickling, or Tingling in the Hands and Feet
- Decreased Muscle Strength and Paralysis
- Trouble with Balance and Coordination
- Unusually High Sensitivity to Touch
- Digestive and Bladder Control Issues
While some patients are at a greater risk of developing certain types of neuropathy, it doesn't discriminate between sex, race, age, or medical history. Fortunately, neuropathy and diabetes awareness are growing. By proxy, so are new and exciting treatment options that show dramatic improvements in both conditions.
If you've been suffering from the symptoms of diabetes or neuropathy and are in search of a truly effective solution, Sarasota Neuropathy Center can help. Unlike some clinics, our commitment is to offer more than temporary relief. As a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in South Sarasota, FL, we aim to rectify the distinct root causes underlying each patient's symptoms.
But to understand how we're able to accomplish that goal, you've got to first understand the nuances of neuropathy and diabetes.
There are several types of diabetes of which you should be aware:
Other types of diabetes can include:
- Monogenic Diabetes
- Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes
- Secondary Diabetes
Service Areas
Neuropathy 101
Neuropathy is a medical condition that arises when the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body, fail to function correctly due to damage or disease. These nerves are essential for detecting sensations such as warmth, cold, and pain, as well as regulating muscle movement and carrying out automatic processes like digestion and heartbeat without our conscious involvement.
What Causes Neuropathy?
When patients speak with a nerve pain doctor for the first time, they have a lot of questions, and rightfully so. At Sarasota Neuropathy Center, one of the most frequently asked questions we hear centers around the factors causing neuropathy. If you're reading this article, chances are you have similar questions. While we can't pinpoint what's causing your neuropathy without proper testing, here are a few of the most common factors that can cause neuropathy to manifest:
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of diabetes in adults - especially when a person has dealt with high blood sugar levels over long periods of time. When diabetes harms your nerves, it can lead to diabetic neuropathy and create a recurring trigger for this type of nerve damage.
Lack of Vitamins
Your nerves require certain vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B12, B6, and vitamin E, to function correctly. Without a balanced diet or supplementation, deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to nerve damage over time.
Autoimmune Disorders
In certain instances, a person's immune system accidentally attacks its own cells, including nerve tissues. When this happens, neuropathy often follows. Diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome come under this category, where the immune system's misguided attack on nerves causes dysfunction and pain.
Genetics
Neuropathy can be inherited in some families, meaning it is passed down from one generation to another. When this occurs, peripheral nerves can be affected by genetic forms of the condition, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Infections in the Body
There are certain viruses and bacteria that have the ability to attack nerve tissues and also cause conditions that can result in nerve damage. Examples of such infections include Lyme disease, HIV, and hepatitis C. These illnesses have the potential to either initiate or worsen existing neuropathy.
Physical Trauma
Physical injuries, whether caused by accidents, repetitive movements, or falls, can lead to nerve damage. Such injuries can result in neuropathy, causing loss of function and painful sensations in the affected region of the body.
What are the Different Types of Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that can affect one nerve, a group of related nerves, or multiple nerves in different parts of the body. The symptoms can vary depending on which type of nerve signals are affected. Keep reading for a closer look at the various types of neuropathies and how they affect you. If one of the categories below sounds familiar, make a mental note to discuss it with your diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in South Sarasota, FL.
Peripheral Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain in Your Arms and Legs
Of all the different types of neuropathies, this is the kind that you're probably most familiar with, as it's the most common form treated in the U.S.It occurs most often when the nerves responsible for transmitting messages of touch and movement between your brain and your extremities don't function properly.
Symptoms can include:
- Sensations of Pins and Needles
- Numbness
- Soreness
- Cramping
- Shooting Pains
As the condition progresses, muscle weakness can occur, making it difficult to perform precise movements and walk without assistance. Balance problems are also common.
Focal Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain in a Specific Area
Focal neuropathy can sometimes result in damage to a single nerve or a cluster of nerves in a particular region, leading to localized pain or weakness. For instance, carpal tunnel syndrome can affect the wrist, causing numbness or weakness in the hand. Similarly, Bell's palsy can impact the face, resulting in droopiness or stiffness on one side of the face.
Other symptoms can include:
- Muscles Don't Work Correctly
- Sharp Pains
- Localized Pain and Weakness
Autonomic Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain That Controls Automatic Body Functions
This type of neuropathy affects the nerves that control involuntary bodily functions, such as heartbeat, digestion, and bladder control. When these nerves are damaged
You may experience symptoms such as:
- Dizziness When Standing Quickly
- Issues with Sexual Intercourse
- Constipation
- Issues Regulating Body Temperature
Compression Neuropathy:
Nerve Pain from Your Nerves Being Squeezed
This type of neuropathy happens when a nerve is pinched or squeezed. It happens most often when you are injured or have to repeat actions over and over again for work or sports purposes. Some examples include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and sciatica. Symptoms can include:
Symptoms can include:
- Sharp Shooting Pain
- Weakness in the Affected Body Part
- Numbness
Whether you or someone you love are trying to live with neuropathy, you know that it can significantly alter lifestyles, making it difficult to perform day-to-day activities, work, or engage in hobbies. That's why it's so important to understand the underlying causes of your nerve pain, so that you can receive appropriate treatment and improve your quality of life. Taking care of the root problem, as well as managing the pain and other symptoms, is key to helping you stay active and comfortable. That's where working with a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in South Sarasota, FL, becomes crucial.
Addressing the Root Causes of Your Neuropathy
Sarasota Neuropathy Center is a nerve pain clinic that provides patients with a comprehensive, rewarding journey toward healing. It begins with a thorough evaluation that involves in-depth laboratory tests and analyses. This introductory step helps us identify the specific factors that contribute to your peripheral neuropathy. Our team of neuropathy treatment specialists then creates a personalized treatment plan tailored exclusively to your body and symptoms.
By providing you with a wide range of strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of your condition, you can achieve lasting relief and may even be able to reverse the effects of peripheral neuropathy.
Our advanced therapeutic options include:
Nerve Regeneration Equipment
We use cutting-edge machinery like laser light therapy and electromagnetic impulses to stimulate your nerves, encourage repair, and foster nerve tissue regeneration.
Vaso-Pulse Technology
This FDA-approved treatment sends signals through your feet and around your spine, which helps us highlight and rectify areas where nerve and vascular damage are present.
Antioxidants
By incorporating antioxidants into your treatment plan, we can better mitigate nerve damage and counteract oxidative stress.
Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
Inflammation exacerbates nerve damage and pain. Our neuropathy specialists use anti-inflammatory agents to help alleviate your symptoms
Minerals and Vitamins
Nutritional deficiencies impact nerve health. We supplement those deficiencies with vitamins and minerals to help nerve repair.
Immunomodulators
For neuropathies linked to autoimmune disorders, we employ immunomodulators that help regulate the immune system's activity to prevent it from attacking the body's own nerve tissues.
Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Changing your diet and incorporating exercise into your daily routine are two of the best ways to support nerve health.
Through a personalized, natural, and comprehensive treatment plan from Sarasota Neuropathy Center, reclaiming your life doesn't have to be a dream - it can be a true possibility.
Diabetes 101
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of sugar in the blood. This happens when the body is unable to produce or use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating its absorption into cells for energy or storage.
There are several types of diabetes of which you should be aware:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, resulting in little to no insulin production. This condition usually develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. Patients who suffer from Type 1 Diabetes have to depend on daily insulin administration to manage their blood sugar levels.
The exact cause of this autoimmune reaction is not fully understood, although it is believed that genetic and environmental factors may contribute to it. Contact your diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in South Sarasota, FL to learn more about this disease.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is mainly caused by lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. In this condition, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells don't use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes can sometimes be managed or reversed with lifestyle changes, although some people may still need medications or insulin therapy.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and typically goes away after giving birth. However, it can give an indication of a woman's future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The condition is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that make the body's cells more resistant to insulin. It's important to manage Gestational Diabetes to prevent complications for both mother and baby.
Other types of diabetes can include:
- Monogenic Diabetes
- Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes
- Secondary Diabetes
Genetics
You can have genetic links to both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. These links make you predisposed to the condition.
Lifestyle
Poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity all contribute to insulin resistance, which causes diabetes
Autoimmune
Your immune system mistakenly targets and eliminates insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production and Type 1 Diabetes.
Insulin Resistance
The most prevalent type of diabetes - Type 2 Diabetes - arises when cells resist insulin's effect, causing a spike in blood sugar levels.
The Sarasota Neuropathy Approach to Diabetes Care
As a diabetic and neuropathy treatment specialist in South Sarasota, FL, we are committed to offering a groundbreaking approach for Type 2 Diabetes, which focuses on reversing the condition by addressing the root causes rather than just managing the symptoms. Our innovative strategy goes beyond conventional treatment paradigms and delves into the underlying factors that contribute to Type 2 Diabetes.
We use a holistic methodology that includes comprehensive lifestyle interventions, nutritional counseling, and personalized medical oversight. This approach has consistently demonstrated remarkable efficacy in significantly reducing blood glucose levels among our patients.
Key highlights of our diabetes treatment include:
Book Appointment
The Path to Relief Starts with a Diabetic and Neuropathy Treatment Specialist in South Sarasota, FL
At Sarasota Diabetes & Neuropathy Center, our mission is to empower you to overcome neuropathy, Type 2 Diabetes, or both by embarking on a transformative journey to wellness. By integrating advanced medical care with comprehensive lifestyle interventions, we help you achieve better health outcomes and a renewed sense of hope and control over your journey to a healthy life.
Latest News in South Sarasota, FL
South Sarasota County hospital under HCA names new CEO
Elizabeth Kinghttps://www.businessobserverfl.com/news/2024/nov/04/hca-florida-englewood-names-new-ceo/
An executive at one of HCA Florida’s biggest hospitals has been named the new CEO at HCA Florida Englewood.Kelly Lindsay, who had been COO at HCA Florida Brandon for the last four years, was promoted to CEO of the Englewood hospital as of Nov. 1.“Her experience at one of our largest hospitals with strong emergency and cardiac services and spearheading the division’s EMS Governance Council will be instrumental in supporting Englewood Hospital’s ongoing success as we expand emergency services to communitie...
An executive at one of HCA Florida’s biggest hospitals has been named the new CEO at HCA Florida Englewood.
Kelly Lindsay, who had been COO at HCA Florida Brandon for the last four years, was promoted to CEO of the Englewood hospital as of Nov. 1.
“Her experience at one of our largest hospitals with strong emergency and cardiac services and spearheading the division’s EMS Governance Council will be instrumental in supporting Englewood Hospital’s ongoing success as we expand emergency services to communities like North Port,” President of HCA Healthcare West Florida Division Jyric Sims says in a statement.
At HCA Florida Brandon, Lindsay led the 479-bed hospital’s emergency services transformation while achieving top rankings in key performance measures, according to the statement. The Brandon hospital has adult and pediatric centers on its main campus as well as five freestanding emergency rooms and an intra-facility transport program. Lindsay also focused on cardiovascular services, which achieved the highest mark of quality from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
HCA Florida Englewood has a 100-bed hospital and offers cardiac, orthopedic, stroke and surgical care. Currently it is building a $31 million freestanding emergency room called Wellen Park Emergency in North Port that is expected to open in spring 2025.
Lindsay, who will be at the helm during HCA Florida Englewood's growth, has an "18-year track record of outstanding leadership, focused on the delivery of superior patient care,” Sims says.
Before working at HCA Florida Brandon, Lindsay was the COO at HCA Healthcare’s Coliseum Medical Center in Macon, Georgia. She also worked for HCA Healthcare’s Memorial Hospital and Orange Park Medical Center in Jacksonville,, where she helped grow the cardiovascular service line into an industry leader in the region, according to the statement.
Lindsay has a bachelor’s degree in cardiopulmonary science from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in management with a concentration in leadership and organizational effectiveness from Troy University. She is currently working on her doctorate in organizational leadership and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
HCA Florida named Lindsay as CEO after her predecessor at HCA Florida Englewood was promoted Oct. 30 to CEO of HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.
Hurricane Milton devastated Sarasota, Manatee County in Florida. How you can donate to help
Kim Lucianihttps://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2024/10/15/hurricane-milton-how-donate-sarasota-manatee-florida/75676021007/
Hurricane Milton devastated Florida and many are wondering how they can donate to hurricane relief efforts.Milton barrelled across Florida after ...
Hurricane Milton devastated Florida and many are wondering how they can donate to hurricane relief efforts.
Milton barrelled across Florida after landfall near Siesta Key, a barrier island in Sarasota County, on Wednesday, Oct. 9, as a Category 3 hurricane with 120-mph winds, leaving a trail of death and destruction from tornadoes, storm surge, wind and flooding rains.
At least 24 deaths have been attributed to the storm, according to USA TODAY Network reports.
Sarasota and Manatee counties, still reeling from Hurricane Helene's impact two weeks earlier, were among the hardest-hit areas.
Here's how you can donate to help those affected by Hurricane Milton:
Verified GoFundMe fundraisers
Donations can be made to these verified GoFundMe fundraisers:
Donations for Hurricane Milton relief
Donations can be made to these organizations:
Photos of Hurricane Milton damage across Sarasota, Manatee County
See Hurricane Milton destruction on Anna Maria Island
Hurricane Milton damage on Bradenton Beach
Manasota Key, Englewood damage from Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton damage in Venice
Photos: Hurricane Milton damage in Cortez Historic Fishing Village
Hurricane Milton coverage
Support local journalism by subscribing to the Herald-Tribune.
Category 3 Hurricane Milton not as severe as feared for Sarasota, Bradenton area
Heather Bushmanhttps://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2024/10/10/hurricane-milton-made-landfall-near-siesta-key-bringing-more-surge/75603103007/
President Biden calls Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert with offer of assistance prior to landfallEarle Kimel Christian CasaleSarasota Herald-Tribune0:000:55Hurricane Mi...
President Biden calls Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert with offer of assistance prior to landfall
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Hurricane Milton, with 120 mph winds, made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9. It was the first hurricane to make landfall in the Sarasota-Bradenton area in more than a century.
The potential impact of the fearsome storm prompted President Joe Biden to call Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert with an offer of assistance.
Emergency Management officials and first responders are still assessing Milton’s impact, but early assessments indicated that aside from south Sarasota County, which seemed to take the brunt of the storm surge from the storm, the area escaped with far less damage than had been feared.
“Now that day has broken we're seeing the level of damage across the area as crews are getting out to assess the roads,” said Jennifer Hubbard, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Ruskin.
Hubbard said Milton was more of a wind and a rain event in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, while the landfall near Siesta Key meant that much of the potentially record-breaking storm surge would happen south of Osprey, along the shores of Venice, South Venice, Englewood and Manasota Key.
The city of Venice and South Venice in unincorporated Sarasota County appear to have suffered the worst storm surge damage from Hurricane Milton, according to briefings from the National Weather Service in Ruskin.
A flood watch continued through 8 p.m. Thursday for the entire area.
Storm surge, especially down south, is a major concern
The highest recorded surge reported by the National Weather Service was 7.45 feet above the mean higher high water line, at Shamrock Park and Nature Center, which is part of the unincorporated neighborhood of South Venice, which includes Alligator Creek.
The next highest surge was 5.32 feet above the mean higher high water line recorded by the United States Geological Survey at Venice.
Both Sarasota and Manatee counties sent damage assessment teams out at first light Thursday morning. Though it’s still too early to make any definitive statements on the extent of the damage, the general sentiment among local officials is a sigh of relief: It could’ve been a lot worse.
Weather experts predicted up to 15 feet of storm surge along the Sarasota area’s coastlines, but early assessments indicate it didn’t come to pass. Manatee County spokesperson Bill Logan said Milton’s late shifts in its path helped prevent what could have been catastrophic damage.
“Every little jog it took to the right seemed like it was working in Manatee County’s favor,” Logan said. “It was not nothing, but it was not nearly what folks worried themselves over.”
Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi reported similar findings, noting that the county experienced around 7-8 feet of storm surge on first assessment — mostly on the barrier islands but some inland. As the back end of the storm eroded when it crossed the county, Tapfumaneyi said, it mitigated the more powerful storm bands that could have caused the record surge.
Both counties are reporting downed power lines and trees, broken traffic signals and widespread tree and other debris as they make these early assessments. Almost 214,00 in Sarasota County and more than 162,000 in Manatee County are without power, according to the Florida Power and Light’s outage map.
Local officials encouraged residents and potential “disaster tourists” to avoid the area to let emergency services through.
“We just ask that you please stay put,” Tapfumaneyi said. “Allow crews the opportunity to clear the roads.”
Access to the following barrier islands will remain closed, with entrances monitored by Sarasota County personel:
• John Ringling Causeway, just west of Golden Gate Point in Sarasota • Siesta Drive Bridge, 1400 Siesta Drive in Sarasota • Stickney Point Road Bridge, 1512 Stickney Point Road in Sarasota • Blackburn Point Swing Bridge, 733 Blackburn Point Road in Osprey • Albee Road Bridge, 913 Albee Road in Nokomis • Manasota Beach Road Bridge, 2055 Manasota Beach Road in Englewood.
The downtown Sarasota bayfront seemed to have sustained only minimal flooding, but debris from Milton’s substantial winds littered every nook and cranny.
Business owners took down the boards over their windows and inspected the damage to their canopies. Some just fluttered with the morning wind. Others were completely razed, blocking the entrance.
At the city’s Bayfront early Thursday morning, onlookers gawked at the boats either twisted in the water or sitting in the middle of the park, as if they’ve always been there.
A huge black and white yacht called the Indigo sat partially jammed up on the curb, stuck during the morning’s high tide.
One full dock was lifted off the marina and onto the ground yards away. A small, blue shack for Suntex Boating Club and a motor boat laid dry at the park entrance.
The Carpe Diem II - a much smaller recreational boat - sat in the grass about 10 yards away. At the tip of Bayfront Park, the Alamar sat in the gravel, tied to several trees.
By 10:30 a.m. city crews had begun to dissemble the trees blocking Main Street.
More than 100 mph wind gust recorded at airport
The highest wind gusts reported on land in the area was 102 mph at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, where the gauge later stopped working Wednesday night.
In Charlotte County, a gust of 85 mph was reported at Grove City at 10:45 p.m. Wednesday; and a gust of 81 mph was reported at Punta Gorda at 7:59 p.m.
A gust of 96 mph was reported at 9:30 p.m, Wednesday in Bradenton; while in Sarasota a gust of 83 mph was reported at 9:55 p.m. and a gust of 77 mph at 7:26 p.m.
The Maritime station at Egmont Channel recorded 105 mph at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday and the station at the Skyway Fishing Pier recorded 103 mph at 8;30 p.m.
The highest reported rainfall of 18.75 inches came at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport
At Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, 7.55 inches of rain was recorded, while 6.08 inches was recorded at Siesta Key and 3.95 inches in Charlotte County.
Third hurricane to cause damage in area since August
Milton came on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which caused record storm surge damage along the Sarasota-Manatee coastline, on the way to making landfall in Florida's Big Bend Sept. 26.
In August, Hurricane Debby – which was a tropical storm when it passed by Sarasota and Manatee counties – brought record rainfall and flooding to Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
The only other named storm to make landfall in the area – Tropical Storm Gabrielle – did so in September 2001 at Siesta Key.
The wind speeds of Gabrielle were just under hurricane force. The fast-developing storm hit the area in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Sarasota Memorial and HCA Florida Doctors hospitals are open and seeing patients
Sarasota Memorial Hospital suffered some minor damage at both the Sarasota and Venice campuses but both facilities are up and running.
“All in all we did pretty well,” said David Verinder, president and CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.
“We were a little nervous about this one as probably everyone else on the Suncoast was,” he added, since Milton was at times a Category 5 storm.
“We’ve had three named storms now in a month so we have a little bit of muscle memory to put through the paces,” he added.
The hospital staff is transitioning through to its “B” team of fresh personnel, who took over at both campuses at 10 a.m.
SMH is assessing the status of the various urgent cares and doctors offices. Verinder said people should check the SMH website to see what is open.HCA Sarasota Doctors Hospital, had some tree limbs down on its campus but it is open and caring for patients, spokeswoman Monica Yadav said by email.
The status of HCA Englewood Hospital, which had started transferring patients to other facilities in anticipation of Milton’s arrival, was not available at press time.
Street flooding reported in Venice
City of Venice tactical first-in teams reported street flooding of several roads, including: North Indies Circle, Tarpon Center Drive, The Esplanade North, Flamingo Drive, Villas Drive, Gardenia Drive, Harbor Drive at Sorrento Street, Alhambra Road and Castile Street.
Localized street ponding in North Port
The city of North Port tactical first-in teams started assessing the city at 2:30 a.m. Thursday.
All the main arterial streets were clear, according to an email from a city spokeswoman.
Some side residential roads are seeing some localized ponding. There are several traffic lights out, downed power lines and ponding on roads.
North Port EMS have responded to all people who called during the storm and are back to regular emergency response.
City public works was also monitoring water levels in the Myakkahatchee Creek and canals, because of potential secondary downstream flooding impacts as water flows into the Myakka River watershed.
Sarasota County officials say the time to evacuate is now
Jacob Ogleshttps://floridapolitics.com/archives/700662-sarasota-county-officials-say-the-time-to-evacuate-is-now/
Flood zones A, B and C have evacuation orders, as does every mobile or manufactured home in the county.With Hurricane Milton forecasts showing a greater likelihood of landfall near Sarasota, officials there are urging anyone planning to evacuate to do so now.“We don’t have much time left to take protective actions,” said Sarasota County Emergency Management...
Flood zones A, B and C have evacuation orders, as does every mobile or manufactured home in the county.
With Hurricane Milton forecasts showing a greater likelihood of landfall near Sarasota, officials there are urging anyone planning to evacuate to do so now.
“We don’t have much time left to take protective actions,” said Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi in a video online. “And if you are in an evacuation level A, B, C or you are in a mobile or manufactured home anywhere in the county, or if you live on a boat, you need to evacuate. You don’t have much time left.”
While Hurricane Milton isn’t expected to make landfall until early Thursday morning, winds are expected to strike the region sometime this afternoon.
Tapfumaneyi emphasized concerns about storm surge, saying forecasts now say parts of Sarasota County could see as much as 15 feet of storm surge.
An updated map shows many parts of coastal Sarasota County, including all of Longboat Key on the coast, will see 9-15 feet of storm surge. All of St. Armands Circle could experience flooding as well, and downtown Sarasota will likely see flooding.
Siesta Key could also see up to 9 feet of storm surge.
Tapfumaneyi stressed that the storm won’t stop at the coast and is expected to cross the Florida mainland. That brings the concern of hurricane-force winds and of storm surge in creek areas and other lowlands.
Much of Osprey, a Zone C evacuation area, could see significant flooding despite being inland compared to barrier island communities, she said. A map showed a potential for widespread flooding in low-lying Nokomis.
She also said parts of Interstate 75 are low-lying enough that they could flood. But much of South Sarasota County could see inland flooding depending on Milton’s storm track. Much of North Port could see flooding, especially along the Myakka River.
Tapfumaneyi noted that even if houses remain safe from flooding in some areas, roads could still see water. Officials advise against driving through flowing water.
“You are going to be an island inside your house for a while,” she said. “This is why we want you to evacuate out of this area.”
Suncoast shelters, availability
ABC7 Staffhttps://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/10/08/suncoast-shelters-availability/
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Full list of shelters near you, for Hurricane MiltonSarasota County/ Venice- 11 Locations, all pet friendlySarasota County shelters open Oct, 8 at 10 a.m.Atwater Elementary School, 4701 Huntsville Ave.North Port, FL 34288Booker High school, ...
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Full list of shelters near you, for Hurricane Milton
Sarasota County/ Venice- 11 Locations, all pet friendly
Sarasota County shelters open Oct, 8 at 10 a.m.
Atwater Elementary School, 4701 Huntsville Ave.North Port, FL 34288
Booker High school, 3201 N. Orange Ave.Sarasota, FL 34234
Brookside Middle school, 3636 South Shade Ave.Sarasota, FL 34239
Fruitville Elementary School, 601 Honore Ave.Sarasota, FL 34232
Gulf gate Elementary School, 6500 S. Lockwood Ridge RoadSarasota, FL 34231
Heron Creek Middle School, 6501 W. Price BlvdNorth Port, FL 34291
North Port High School, 6400 West Price BlvdNorth Port, FL 34291
Philippi Shores Elementary School, 4747 S. Tamiami TrailSarasota, FL 34231
Southside Elementary School, 1901 Webber StreetSarasota, FL 34239
Taylor Ranch Elementary School, 2500 Taylor Ranch TrailVenice, FL 34293
Manatee County:
There’s plenty of space at all of our shelters (ALL PET FRIENDLY):
Virgil Mills Elementary School, 7200 69th St. E., Palmetto
Jessie P. Miller Elementary School, 601 43rd St. W., Bradenton
Myakka Elementary School, 37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka City
W D Sugg Middle School, 5602 38th Ave. W., Bradenton
Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School, 8610 115th Ave. E., Parrish
B D Gullett Elementary School, 12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton
Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School, 6325 Lorraine Rd., Lakewood Ranch
Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, 12205 44th Ave. E., Bradenton
Go to mymanatee.org/storm for updates.
Additional information from the City of Venice:
Evacuation centers will open today, Tuesday Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. Please view the list of evacuation centers before heading to one here. Please note that Riverview High School is no longer an evacuation center.
Sarasota County is aware that several evacuation centers are located within Level C. After a close evaluation and based on current projected weather conditions, officials have determined that centers in this level are safe and viable options.
Remember that evacuation centers should be your last resort. If you are in an evacuation level, get out of the area. If possible, stay with friends or family somewhere else.
When heading to an evacuation center, prepare your checklist of items. All evacuation centers are pet-friendly, but you must bring all supplies including a crate. Remember: Evacuation centers cannot provide chairs, bedding, cots, blankets or pet supplies.
View more information and the checklist at: //scgov.net/storm
Polk County - 16 locations (3 pet friendly)
Polk County shelters open at Noon on Tuesday, Oct. 8
Pet friendly shelters:
Charlotte County - 4 locations
Charlotte County shelters open Monday, Oct 7 at 2 p.m.
DeSoto County
DeSoto County shelters open Tuesday, 10/8/24, starting at 12 PM Noon.
Special Needs Shelter is South Florida State College at 2251 NE Turner Ave #2700, Arcadia, FL 34266
General Population Shelter will be at the Turner Center: 2250 NE Roan St, Arcadia, FL 34266.
If you or someone you love is electrically dependent, please register for the special needs shelter ASAP at snr.flhealthresponse.com or in person at 2200 NE Roan St, Arcadia, FL 34266.
Copyright 2024 WWSB. All rights reserved.