La Casa

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Sarasota County issued mandatory evacuation order September 9, 2017

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submitted by Jill Palmer
 
Sarasota County officials issued a mandatory evacuation today for low-lying areas and mobile home residents.
 
The mandatory evacuation applies to those living in mobile homes and anyone in the County’s evacuation Zone A, including areas near the coast, rivers including Myakka, streams and low-lying areas.
 
For evacuating residents, the following shelters are opened now: 
Booker High – 3201 N Orange Ave, Sarasota;
Woodland Middle (pet-friendly) – 2700 Panacea Blvd, North Port;
Atwater Elementary – 4701 Huntsville Ave, North Port; 
Brookside Middle (pet-friendly) – 3636 S Shade Ave, Sarasota. 
In addition, two shelters will open for those residents with special needs who have registered with the county.
More shelter openings will be announced as needed. Residents can find more information and determine which evacuation level they live by selecting “Know Your Evacuation Zone” at www.scgov.net.

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Preparing for Hurricane Matthew — Oct. 2016

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Hurricane Matthew is a significant hurricane which will be affecting the East Coast of Florida starting today. Although we are some distance from the eye, we could still experience bands of heavy rains and gusty winds.

Residents have a responsibility to secure their properties, including any loose items outside around their homes. If your property damages another home because you didn’t secure it, you could be liable for damages.

Be a good neighbor and secure any loose items around your home. You may wish to close your hurricane shutters as a precaution, as gusty winds could damage them or pull them from your house.

Please do NOT be complacent because you don’t think this hurricane will affect us. A slight change in the storm’s projected path could result in rapidly deteriorating weather here. Check your home and check on your neighbors who are disabled or unable to secure their homes. 

First Tropical Development of the 2016 Hurricane Season — Updated

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Our first possible tropical development of the 2016 hurricane season to affect Florida is gaining strength off the coast of Mexico.

Although it is not expected to become a hurricane, the system will bring heavy rains to the Florida peninsula, including our area. There is also a likelihood of gusty winds with this system. As it strengthens it will be named Colin, the third named storm of this early tropical season.

Residents are encouraged to check around their houses and secure lightweight items or put them indoors. Also, check your gutters and downspouts for debris like leaves or pine needles and remove it. A flooding gutter can damage your home, so now is the time to check.

The latest National Hurricane Center discussion on this system can be found at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov

— The Editor

Reported Tornado and Damage near La Casa – January 24, 2015

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The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning this morning abbot 4:00 AM. A tornado (probably Doppler radar indicated) was reported near Warm Mineral Springs, during a period of heavy rain and wind. The National Weather Service issued a second Warning for North Port, indicating the tornado was over North Port moving toward the northeast and I-75 a few minutes later.

A second report from the NWS was for a report of damage to a home and ranger station just eat of Englewood, or directly south of La Casa.

Thunderstorms, and occasionally tornadoes, are a common part of living here in Florida. Severe storms at night are more dangerous, because residents are normally asleep, and darkness hides a severe storm or tornado. Adding to the risk was the heavy rain and wind occurring during this morning’s tornado report, an effect called embedding. Embedded tornadoes occur inside severe thunderstorms, making them impossible to see even during the day.

What should you do if a tornado warning occurs? Living in manufactured homes, about the best thing to do is move to an interior closet or small bathroom, preferably with no windows. Even if your home is not hit directly by the tornado, a great risk occurs from flying debris that can pierce your home’s exterior walls. Keeping additional walls between you and the outdoors improves your chances of not being injured by flying objects or broken window glass.

You should also consider buying a weather alert radio, or downloading a tornado app for your smartphone. Many companies sell weather radios that can be placed in standby mode — when a tornado or severe storm approaches, the National Weather Service issues a tone and alert. The special tone will activate your radio and allow you to hear the alert. 

Another option is using your smartphone as a tornado warning device. This is what alerted your Editor this morning. An excellent app is the American Red Cross Tornado app. You can review the app, and download it if you wish, at The American Red Cross Tornado App.

Regardless of the method you use, make sure you leave your radio on standby, or keep the ringer volume up on your phone. The alerts will only help you if you can hear them.

Stay safe!

Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday – thru June 8, 2014

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Sales tax holiday begins May 31st in Florida for Hurricane Supplies

high winds

Beginning Saturday, May 31st and ending at 11:50 p.m. on Sunday, June 8th, qualifying hurricane supply items and related preparedness are exempt from sales tax.

The tax holiday will permit residents to purchase items for hurricane season preparedness without a sales tax penalty.

There are a wide range of items, too numerous to list here, that qualify for the tax holiday. Some of the items include:

Battery-powered flashlights and lanterns
Candles
Batteries
Coolers and ice chests
First aid kits
Tarps and plastic sheeting
Portable and weather band radios
Generators
The entire tax holiday document can be found and downloaded at http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/tips/tip14a01-03.pdf

Submitted by Randy Burlison on behalf of the HOA