Venice and North Port plan hurricane expos in May

Staff Report
·2 min read
Rainfall from Hurricane Ian and post-storm flooding as inland water flowed downstream through the Myakkahatchee Creek prompted record flooding in North Port. Shown here, homes and streets flooded along Lady Slipper Avenue, off of Sumter Boulevard. The cities of North Port and Venice are planning Hurricane Expos in May to help residents prepare for the 2023 hurricane season.

The cities of North Port and Venice are each offering Hurricane Expos in May, to help residents prepare for the 2023 hurricane season.

The North Port expo is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 13 at the George Mullen Activity Center. The Venice expo is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 19 at the Venice Community Center. The six-month hurricane season begins June 1.

Both municipalities suffered significant damage from Hurricane Ian last September, and the expos offer residents access to a variety of vendors and other experts who can offer tips on preparing for hurricanes.

The North Port expo at the George Mullen Activity Center, 1602 Kramer Way, includes representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, Red Cross, National Weather Service and WKDW Radio.

Earlier: 'We're surrounded by water': North Port residents flee as floodwaters keep rising

Local and regional emergency management officials will be on hand for presentations as well.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive information on topics such as flood zones, evacuation routes, emergency kits, storm protection and more.

Related: Where are Sarasota-Manatee hurricane shelters? What's my Sarasota-Manatee evacuation zone?

“It’s more important than ever to be prepared this hurricane season,” North Port Emergency Manager Mike Ryan said in a prepared statement. “The expo will make hurricane-related services and information available to ensure North Port residents are ready and equipped.”

Wind from Hurricane Ian tore about the fly loft and damaged the main stage of the Venice Theatre in downtown Venice. The cities of North Port and Venice are planning Hurricane Expos in May to help residents prepare for the 2023 hurricane season.
Wind from Hurricane Ian tore about the fly loft and damaged the main stage of the Venice Theatre in downtown Venice. The cities of North Port and Venice are planning Hurricane Expos in May to help residents prepare for the 2023 hurricane season.

The Venice expo at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S., will include presentations by Venice Fire Chief Frank Giddens, Venice Police Lt. Louis White and City Engineer Kathleen Weeden.

Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Ed McCrane will also speak, along with ABC-7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan, who emphasized, “We’re here to prepare you, not scare you.”

Jansen Shutters will be sharing tips from the business community.

Speaker topics will include information gained and lessons learned from Hurricane Ian, storm prep, the role of emergency services, stormwater/flooding, evacuation centers and the County transportation plan, common myths and misconceptions, and what to do following a hurricane.

Limited space is still available for vendors at the Venice expo – for information call .941-207-1220 by April 26.

Bot expos are free and open to the public.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Hurricane expos in North Port and Venice offer tips to prep for season