Sarasota County encourages vigilance ahead of Tropical Depression 9

Sarasota County crews are currently preparing for the possibility of flooding, high tides and beach erosion as Tropical Depression 9 makes its way toward Florida. 

County officials expect Tropical Depression 9 to make landfall early on Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm will likely hit north of Sarasota in the western panhandle region. However, there is still the possibility that the storm direction will change and affect the Tampa Bay area. Though Sarasota County is not within the storms projected path, the National Weather Service warns there are still significant threats outside the the cone of uncertainty. 

At the moment, Tropical Depression 9 is moving northwest at only 7 mph, but Sarasota County Emergency Services Director Rich Collins warns that a cold front moving south could cause the storm to pick up speed as it moves toward Florida.

“It’s kind of slow right now, but once it starts they are expecting it to move fairly quickly,” Collins said.

Collins said county crews have lowered water levels in the celery fields to accommodate higher water levels as the storm approaches. 

Sarasota County is also offering sandbags to residents wishing to fortify their homes. Residents can pick up the sandbags between 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. today at Newtown Estates, Twin Lakes Park or the South County Fleet Facility. Sandbags will also be available tomorrow between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The system has not yet been upgraded to a tropical storm, but Collins is encouraging people to remain vigilant as the storm develops in the next 24 hours. 

"This storm has been that storm that is and then isn’t. It was big in the news last week and went away for the weekend and now it’s back," Collins said. "I think it’s important for residents to have a plan and be prepared."