I Didn’t Know That: Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Pre-Storm Preparations

Q: Who is responsible for hanging my hurricane shutters when there is a threat of a hurricane and removal after the storm?
A: The homeowner is responsible. If you have not arranged to have someone install hurricane shutters, you are encouraged to do so now for any future storm threats. Please note, the VGRC (including the POA, CDD, and Community Association) and the Hurricane Response Team do not get involved in installing shutters nor identifying or recommending individuals or companies that will assist you. The policy is that the responsibility rests with the homeowners to make the arrangements. Your best source of information will be (1) your neighbors, (2) word of mouth or (3) Next-door Neighbor (https://nextdoor.com)

Q: When can I hang my hurricane shutters?
A: The shutters may be installed when Sarasota County issues a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning + (POA 1.4 Declaration 6.29), Raymond Juan, the General Manager of the VGRC Property Owners Association, will send out an email alerting the community as to when the shutters may be installed and the date by which they should be removed.

Q: I live alone. Could someone check on me?
A: Yes. The Hurricane Response Team has a team called the Reach Out program. If you contact Mary Rau-Foster at maryraufoster@gmail.com or call her cell at 615-481-9761, she will put you on the contact list. Someone will call you to interview you and then follow up with you after the storm.

Q: Is there a hurricane evacuation shelter in Venice?
A. Yes. It is located at Taylor Ranch Elementary School, 2500 Taylor Ranch Trail, Venice. It is pet friendly, but you will need to bring your pet in a pet carrier. 

Q: I have medical issues. Is there a hurricane evacuation shelter for those with medical needs?
A: Yes, but you must sign up with Sarasota County in advance of any storm. For specific information, click here.

Q: Is there a notification process that will alert me to emergencies in my area? 
A: Yes, Sarasota County has an app that is used for rapid emergency updates. (See https://www.alertsarasotacounty.com) The Alert Sarasota County app will alert you to storms that may affect our area. You can sign up for the alerts for Venice by entering your information here.

Q: Is there a discount for flood insurance in our area?
A: Yes. Venice is part of the Community Rating System, so residents should receive an automatic 20% discount on their flood insurance. Contact your insurance agent to ask about the discount that is available for National Insurance Program policyholders. Contact information: 941-882-7412, or floodsmart.gov. (source: 6/2024 Venice Citizen Newsletter)

Q: Is there a possibility that my water could be turned off?
A: Yes, if there is damage to any of the water lines or if there is a water leak

Q: How should I prepare if my water should be turned off?
A: You should have either bottled water or water stored in containers before the hurricane. It recommended that you have one gallon per person per day for two weeks (14 days). In addition, you should have water for any pets.

Q: Do I need to fill up my bathtub with water and why? 
A: Yes. It is possible that the water may be turned off by the city. You will need water to flush the toilet and for bathing. If you have a pool, you may be able to use that water to flush the toilet.

Q: If I am without power after a storm, is there somewhere I can go to charge my cell phone?
A: Yes, a list will be provided by a community email of the members of the Hurricane Response Team who have generators and would welcome you if you needed to charge your phone.

Q: For how long should I have food, water, medications and other disaster supplies?
A: The Hurricane Ian experience has led to a recommendation that you now have two weeks (14 days) supply of these items. 

Q: How do I properly secure my windows?

A: The windows on a great many VGRC homes have three locking devices on each side, which can make things confusing.  The locks are labeled on this photo below.  Although the “conventional” locks will prevent the window from being opened, they may not prevent the upper and lower sashes from separating and blowing in if hurricane force winds strike.  The “tilt for cleaning” lock provides additional security by having spring-loaded tabs that extend into the window frame (the cleaning feature may be used when the other two locks are in the open position by squeezing the cleaning tabs inward and tilting the lower window toward you for cleaning). Despite these two locks (conventional and cleaning), maximum wind resistance is not achieved unless we also secure the small  “Hurricane lock” shown.  Note how its small tabs go into a slot that is part of the outer part of the frame, while the cleaning lock only mates with the inner part of the frame.  The hurricane lock tabs must be pushed outward until they fully enter the holes in the frame. You may note a second hole in the frame about 2 inches above the hole used in the fully closed position.  We assume this was provided in the event one wanted to leave a window open a couple inches for ventilation but still ensure no one could break in.  With the rain and humidity in our location, we do not believe this feature is commonly used. If your windows do not match this design, you might consult manufacturer’s recommendations or speak with a window installer — and please let us know if you discover information that may be helpful to others.

Q: How does the City of Venice prepare for a storm?
A: When a hurricane watch is issued, the City of Venice activates its Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

Decision-makers convene: The City’s Emergency Services collaborate with Sarasota County’s Emergency Services Department to begin emergency planning, according to the storm’s intensity and path.

Communications: Once a storm warning or watch has been issued, the City transitions all emergency related communications on social media to the City’s Facebook page @CityofVeniceFlorida.

Closures: City Hall, customer service areas, Humphries Park at the South Jetty, the Venice Fishing Pier, and other public city facilities are closed as determined by city officials.

Securing City-owned items: Public Works secures and gathers City-owned items including trash cans, street furniture, and benches in parks and at the South Jetty. The Solid Waste division continues trash collection until it’s unsafe due to high winds. Residents are advised to bring in trash cans and recycling containers from curbs to prevent them from being blown away.

Preparations: City departments initiate emergency preparations for operational continuity. Sarasota County Emergency Management decides when evacuation centers will open and activates the transportation plan for these centers.

Drainage preparation: Stormwater personnel ensure outfalls are functioning properly.

Contractor notification: Within 24 hours of a hurricane watch being issued, all construction materials must be secured. The Building Department issues a notification to project managers and the City’s building inspectors canvas the area notifying people to secure their sites.

Declaration of emergency: The City declares a state of emergency in coordination with Sarasota County to facilitate reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the storm.

EOC activation: The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) coordinates with Sarasota County’s EOC to acquire and distribute local, state, and federal resources, personnel, supplies, and information for operational continuity and expedited recovery.

Safety priority: Emergency services halts dispatching services once winds reach a sustained 45 mph due to the hazard of flying debris and other safety concerns. All 911 calls are still recorded and prioritized; dispatchers assess and provide verbal instruction for emergencies when applicable.

Recovery phase: Post-storm recovery efforts focus on health, safety, and welfare. Public safety and City departments conduct damage assessments, and TFIT “Tactical First In Teams” clear main roads. Utilities employees ensure lift stations and water pipes are functioning, while Venice Airport personnel clear runways for relief efforts.

Power restoration: Florida Power & Light (FPL) initiates power restoration to residents and businesses without power. The City has backup power sources for critical facilities to maintain operations.

Debris management: Debris cleanup prioritizes health and safety needs, with the process varying in duration based on storm severity.

Emergency management plan: The City of Venice prioritizes mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery in its emergency management plan to ensure a sound and functional government. The City conducts an After Action Report (AAR) following each gray sky event to implement lessons learned for any changes.

During and Post-Storm

Q: How many storm retention ponds are located on property? 
A: There are 69 ponds located throughout the subdivision.

Q: Where does the excess water flow from the retention ponds?
A: Through outlets to the Myakka River.

Q: Is there a website where I can go to see the water level of the Myakka River? 
A: Yes, see U.S. G.S. (U.S. Geological Survey).

Q: If we need medical or fire assistance in the middle of a storm, will the EMTs, paramedics and firemen and women come? 
A: Not until wind speed is below 45 mph sustained. You can still call 911 and get on the list for call backs. The police department ceases operation at 50 mph sustained winds and returns to service once the sustained winds drop below 50 mph.

Q: Will the River Club be open during a storm? 
A: No. The River Club will be closed when the management leaves the premises and will remain closed until the management team returns and is again open for business.

Q: The Venetian Golf Club was opened during the 2017 Hurricane Irma. Will it be open again as a temporary shelter? 
A: No. If you feel that you are not safe at home, you will need to make other arrangements including: evacuation to another location, seek shelter at local hotels or the hurricane shelters located in Venice or Sarasota.

Q: A tree is down on my property. Who is responsible for removing it? 
A: The answer to this question depends upon where you live in the VGRC community. Typically, if a tree is located on your property and falls down, you are responsible for getting it removed. If you live in the areas under an HOA or POA governance, you will need to contact the president of those areas to obtain information about who will be responsible. If the tree is located on community property, or the Golf Club, the management will be responsible for arranging for the tree removal.

Q: When will the storm debris be picked up?
A: With Hurricane Ian, it was a few weeks before all storm debris was removed from the sidewalk areas. The City of Venice had to contract with outside vendors to remove the debris. In addition, the FEMA regulations impacted on the timeliness of debris removal.