Damages from tornado reach $12 million

County officials updated a preliminary damage estimate on Jan. 18, reporting that damages from the tornado that struck Siesta Key and neighborhoods on the mainland nearby early in the morning of Jan. 17 had reached $12 million.

Earlier, Sarasota County damage assessment teams had carried out inspections of more than 1,000 properties as of Sunday and reported damages had reached $3 million, affecting more than 60 properties throughout the county, according to Sarasota County spokesman Drew Winchester.

Winchester said the county's efforts are now focused on debris removal, and that trash removal and pickup would continue on schedule, though some delays could be expected due to increased volume. 

The county is opening a resource center at Phillippi Estates Parks today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be staff on site to assist residents affected and to answer questions.