Community encouraged to register for Alert Sarasota County

To help residents stay informed, Sarasota County is launching a mass-notification system called Alert Sarasota County, hosted by Everbridge, as part of a partnership with the state of Florida, the cities of Sarasota, Venice, North Port and Town of Longboat Key.

Alert Sarasota County, which replaces the CodeRED notification system, will be used to communicate public health and safety topics affecting Sarasota County. Available alerts include severe weather, sewage spills, mosquito management and boil water notices.

"Coming together for this important collaboration with our local municipalities allows us to bring our community vital information about their safety in a timely manner," said Sarasota County Emergency Services Director Rich Collins.

Users can choose the types of alerts and how to receive them when registering their new account. These options can be changed at any time. Users can also sign up to receive a message when new types of alerts are available. Alert Sarasota County can send alerts to users via landline phone, cell phone, text message, email, TDD/TTY, smartphone app push notification, or a combination of these methods.

Users can sign up for alerts by registering with their home address. County and municipality alerts can differ. To start receiving alerts, sign up in the following ways:

• Download the free Everbridge mobile app. In the app, select "find organization or subscription," type your jurisdiction in to the search bar and log in or register a new account.
• Create an account at alertsarasotacounty.com.

The app will also allow for alerts from surrounding cities an