Sarasota Sheriff's Office warns of storm debris scams

Sarasota County officials say water service has been restored throughout the county and all boil water orders have been rescinded.

Public Utilities staff is asking residents to call 311 or 941-861-5000 if you do not have service or are dealing with potential service leaks. Other news from the county includes: 

Sand removal guidelines being finalized

Sarasota County is collaborating with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for additional guidance on regulations and requirements for sand removal. As the guidance and resources are finalized, information will be shared with the community.

Scammers are out and about, authorities say

After every storm, The Sarastoa County Sheriff's Office warns of construction scams. Recently, the sheriff's office says is learning residents are being approached by some who warn that "debris needs to be tested for contamination before removal," and then charge for testing and removal of "contaminated" debris. 

Deputies say testing of debris is not required, and paying someone to test or remove your contaminated debris is just another type of scam. 

If you think you might be getting scammed, please report the issue to local law enforcement. 

Before you hire, look for these red flags that you are falling for a construction/storm-related SCAM:

• Missing license information
• Extremely low prices
• Using a PO Box instead of a street address
• Requests for large upfront payments
• Unmarked vehicles with out-of-state tags
• Trying to avoid pulling a permit
• Won't provide a written agreement

Additional reminders:

There is no requirement for debris to be "tested for contamination." There is no requirement for paid removal of "contaminated" debris.

Business recovery resources available

Sarasota County stands ready to support the business community as recovery from Hurricane Helene continues.

For business recovery assistance, email [email protected].

Assistance and information are available in-person at the local Business Recovery Center, which is co-located within the Disaster Recovery Center at Sarasota Christian Church, 2923 Ashton Road, Sarasota. The center is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The Florida SBDC at USF will be on-site at CareerSource Suncoast, 3660 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota, this week to assist businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. Open until Friday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Floodwater can pose health risks

Post Hurricane Helene, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County urges residents to be aware of the health risks associated with flooding and other issues. Skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk. 

However, health hazards are a concern when waters are or become contaminated with bacteria or contain dangerous debris.

The Florida Department of Health recommends the following to prevent illness or injury from flood waters.

Basic hygiene is critical. If you are under a boil water notice, use commercially bottled water for mixing baby formula. Wash your hands with soap and either disinfected or boiled and cooled water, especially before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after handling a soiled diaper, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling objects contaminated with flood water or sewage.

Avoid eating for drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.

Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts or sores.

If you have any open cuts or sores and come in contact with flood waters, wash the area well with soap to prevent infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.

Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds are encouraged to contact their primary health care provider to make sure they are current on their tetanus vaccine and possibly get a booster.

DOH-Sarasota reminds the community to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking these basic precautions:

• Protect yourself with repellent by applying it to exposed skin.
• Drain standing water around your home.
• Keep screens on all windows and repair any holes.

DOH-Sarasota also recommends these post-storm tips for mold clean-up:

• Any items soaked with floor waters that can't be cleaned or dried completely within 24 to 48 hours should be disposed of.
• Open all doors and windows when removing wet or moldy items to avoid exposure.
• Scrub wet surfaces with detergent and water to remove visible mold.
• Remove visible mold before painting or caulking.
• Never mix bleach with other cleansers or ammonia to avoid health issues.

For more information, call 941-861-2900 or visit Sarasota.FloridaHealth.gov.