Following the tropical storm this weekend and subsequent flooding across Sarasota County, we wanted to check on our neighbors in the Bee Ridge neighborhood, especially those in communities that are reported to be experiencing the greatest amount of storm related damage.
For those of you who live either in Artistry, Laurel Lakes or Laurel Meadows we would like to extend our sympathy for what you are going through right now and our best wishes for better days ahead. Our initial assessment is that this was avoidable, and as much a manmade as it was a natural disaster.
After consulting yesterday with Alex Coe, candidate for a seat on the Board of County Commissioners for District 1 who is in communication with the County Administrator and has also experienced flooding at her property, if you have not already done so we would like to suggest that you report any flooding to Sarasota County and create a Flood Ticket by dialing 311 or 941-861-5000. This information will be helpful for the County, as they mobilize local, state and federal resources to help with the recovery and rebuilding.
We would also like to hear from you, when you get a chance as well as any of your neighbors, especially in the most directly impacted communities who wish to share their experience about the damage that was done to your homes and personal property.
If there are any immediate needs that you have, we would be happy to pass requests on to get answers. Some of this information about water damage and its location will assist us at SEERD in our data collection as we look into the various causes of this tragedy. With the information aggregated so as not to compromise privacy of individuals, we intend to factor what we are able to learn into our advocacy work intended to improve land use planning and growth management and continue to hold our local officials and developers accountable for protecting the health, safety and welfare of our residents.
Thanks for your attention during this difficult time.
Miles Toder Ph.D.
President, Sarasota East Enders for Responsible Development
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