Sandbag operation open in Longboat Key ahead of weeklong rainfall

The town of Longboat Key announced that sandbag operations will be available starting Friday, Aug. 23 and through the weekend due to the excessive rain expected to come. 

According to a release from the town, a weather front has moved toward the area and will bring excessive rainfall to Longboat Key over the next seven days. Current forecasts predict the area could see 8-12 inches of rain during this timeframe. 

"With already saturated ground from the flooding impacts associated with Hurricane Debby there is a concern for additional flooding from this system," the statement said. 

Sandbags can be picked up Friday until 4 p.m. at the town's Public Works Department at 600 General Harris Street. To obtain sandbags, residents must show proof of residency, like a driver's license or utility bill.  There is a limit of 10 bags per household, but residents may also bring their own bags. 

Sand will also be available at the self-filling sandbag station at the Broadway Beach Access over the weekend. This sand is meant for Longboat Key residents, property owners and commercial business owners. 

High tides are also expected to impact the severity of the coming rainfall, so the town encourages residents to keep track of the tides over the next week. 

The statement said that town staff will monitor the rain event and coordinate with the Sarasota County Emergency Management team as needed.