Sarasota, Manatee counties offer free sandbags

In preparation for the 2025 hurricane season, Sarasota and Manatee counties are offering self-service sandbags at multiple locations. Each location will provide empty bags and sand free of charge.

The preemptive sandbag operations in Sarasota county will be June 14, July 19 and Aug. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Locations are:

• Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota.
• Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota.
• South County Fleet, 4571 SR 776/Englewood Road, Venice.

Beginning immediately and continuing through Nov. 30, Manatee County residents can access sand and bags at the following locations daily from dawn to dusk:

• Blackstone Park, 2112 14th Ave. W., Palmetto.
• Myakka Community Center, 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City.
• Palma Sola Park, 7815 40th Ave. W., Bradenton.
• Parrish Park Overflow Parking, 77550 Ft. Hamer Road., Parrish.
• Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto.
• Rye Preserve, 905 Rye Wilderness Trail, Parrish.
• Manatee County Stormwater Facility, 5511 39th St. E., Bradenton.

For both counties, each location is self-service. Residents should bring their own shovels and be prepared to fill and transport the sandbags themselves. Bags and sand are provided at the locations while supplies last. Each vehicle will be provided 10 empty sandbags to fill.