Operation StormStrong Launches: Sarasota County’s Community-Led Hurricane Cleanup Initiative

Powered by the People, Organized by Jansen Shutters & Specialties, StormStrong Is Mobilizing Local Volunteers for Immediate Community Support and Recovery.

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Jansen Shutters & Specialties (JSS), a trusted local provider of hurricane protection and storm preparedness, is proud to announce the official launch of Operation StormStrong. A community-driven initiative dedicated exclusively to local storm cleanup, recovery, and community connection efforts during hurricane season.

Unlike traditional disaster response efforts that often face delays, StormStrong empowers Sarasota County residents to take immediate, meaningful action after a storm passes. The volunteer-powered initiative emphasizes neighbors helping neighbors through practical tasks such as debris removal, resource sharing, and offering support to families in need.

Hurricane Ian, which hit in 2022, resulted in approximately $1.25 billion in insurance losses and over 60,000 filed claims in Sarasota County alone. One of the most urgent needs post-storm was debris removal, especially critical for our elderly community who often face significant challenges in clearing hazardous materials and damaged property from their homes and neighborhoods.

Pictured: Phil Jansen (left), Travis Jansen (right)

"We're not promising miracles," explains Travis Jansen, founder of JSS. "But we’re promising a real, tangible difference exactly when and where our community needs it most."

Operation StormStrong volunteers will be trained alongside JSS experts, ensuring they can safely and effectively assist their neighbors, particularly addressing the critical debris removal tasks crucial to safeguarding our elderly community members.

The initiative clearly defines its role—rapid response and community cleanup—not emergency rescue or medical services. “Our purpose is straightforward: quick, reliable support, stronger community connections, and faster local recovery,” says Ashley Jansen, Founder of StormStrong and Operation StormStrong Coordinator.

Pictured: Ashley Jansen (left), Travis Jansen (right)

Residents and businesses across Sarasota County are encouraged to join as volunteers, become sponsors, or request assistance to help with 2025 Hurricane Cleanup in Sarasota. This is an opportunity to proactively prepare and directly impact your community’s resilience and well-being.

StormStrong’s official training launch party will be held on July 12th, 2025, at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Florida, providing valuable skills and knowledge to volunteers ahead of the 2025 hurricane season.

Pictured: Plantation Golf & Country Club

Here's how you can join us in making a difference right here in our community:

• Volunteer: Sign up for free training and join our volunteer force.

• Request Assistance: If your home or business requires storm cleanup support, connect directly with our volunteer crews.

• Become a Sponsor: Local businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor and support community resilience.

Operation Storm Strong_ Community Hurricane Response

0:00

For more information, visit: www.JansenShutters.com/StormStrong

Together, we are stronger. Be proactive, Be prepared, and Be StormStrong.

How many pounds of debris do you think were removed from Florida's waterways following Hurricane Ian?

• A) 500 million pounds
• B) 800 million pounds
• C) 1.3 billion pounds
• D) 2 billion pounds

You can vote for more than one answer.