The Ringling College Emergency Response Team (ERT) is continuing to meet and assess the damage to our campuses following Hurricane Milton. We hope this message continues to find our entire campus community safe and well.
We are pleased to report that power has been restored to the majority of the Main Campus and remains stable.
Our plan remains the same: We will open the Main Campus for all students who are able to return starting on Tuesday (10/15) at noon.
First-year Students:
All first-year students are welcome to return to campus as early as Tuesday (10/15) at noon.
All Upperclassmen:
The majority of upperclass residences now have power restored. However, there are still a few spaces that are without power and/or incurred damages and therefore, we cannot allow these residents to move back in at this time. Please continue to monitor your emails closely with specific housing updates from Residence Life.
Students who are unable to move back into their residences should check with friends and peers who are allowed back into their spaces and stay with them on campus where possible. If you are unable to move back to campus, please contact Residence Life directly at reslife@ringling.edu.
Dining Services:
Dining services will begin on Tuesday evening (10/15) with dinner being the first meal served. Brunch and dinner will be served Wednesday (10/16) through Sunday (10/20). A normal dining schedule will resume when classes begin on Monday (10/21).
Health Services:
Both on-campus medical and counseling services will be available at the Health Center and Peterson Counseling Center from Tuesday (10/15).
Academic Continuity:
Academic Affairs will not plan to resume classes until Monday, October 21, 2024. Classes will remain suspended October 14-18. At this time, it is anticipated that the fall term will end as planned at the conclusion of our Hurricane Days on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Conversations about potential impact to the spring term are ongoing.
Further communications from Academic Affairs and Residence Life will be forthcoming. Please continue to monitor your emails.
Faculty and Staff: Main Campus offices will reopen for normal business on Tuesday morning (10/15). Please check with your supervisors if you have specific issues with your plan to return.
Cunniffe Commons will remain open tomorrow, Monday (10/14) from 10 am-4 pm, for charging devices, AC, and respite.
Sarasota Art Museum and the Museum Campus:
The Museum is planning to reopen to staff and the public on Tuesday (10/15). Admission will be free for the remainder of the week and assorted family activities will be offered.
The Bistro will be serving free coffee, water, and soup while supplies last. www.sarasotaartmuseum.org
OLLI classes will remain suspended this week and will resume on Monday (10/21).
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus next week.
Update 6:00 pm 10/12
The Ringling College Emergency Response Team (ERT) is continuing to meet and assess the damage to our campuses following Hurricane Milton. We hope this message continues to find our entire campus community safe and well.
Power has been restored to portions of the Main Campus and remains stable. However, there are still several office buildings and student residences that remain without power.
We will open the Main Campus for all those who are able to return starting on Tuesday (10/15) at noon.
First-year Students:
We are able to welcome all first-year students back to campus, as Goldstein and Greensboro Halls have power fully restored and services are online. These students can plan to return to campus as early as Tuesday (10/15) at noon.
All Upperclassmen:
Residence Life will email a detailed list of residences with power, which are safe to return to as early as Tuesday (10/15) at noon. However, there are several residences that are still without power and therefore, we cannot allow these residents to move back in at this time.
Students who are unable to move back into their residences should check with friends and peers who are allowed back into their spaces and stay with them on campus where possible. If you are unable to move back to campus, please contact Residence Life directly at reslife@ringling.edu.
As the upperclassmen residences have power restored, we will continue to update these students.
Dining Services:
Dining services will begin on Tuesday evening (10/15) with dinner being the first meal served.
Academic Continuity:
Academic Affairs will not plan to resume classes until Monday, October 21, 2024. Classes will remain suspended October 14-18. At this time, it is anticipated that the fall term will end as planned at the conclusion of our Hurricane Days on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Conversations about potential impact to the spring term are ongoing.
Further communications from Academic Affairs and Residence Life will be forthcoming. Please continue to monitor your emails.
Faculty and Staff: Main Campus offices with power will reopen for normal business on Tuesday morning (10/15). Please check with your supervisors if you have specific issues with your plan to return.
Cunniffe Commons will be open and available Sunday (10/13) and Monday (10/14) from 10 am-4 pm for charging devices, AC, and respite.
Facilities, IT, Public Safety, and Residence Life have been working diligently to secure and test power and IT services to the Main Campus. ERT will next meet at 4:30 pm tomorrow (10/13).
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as the situation continues to evolve.
Update: 10:00am 10/12
The Ringling College Emergency Response Team (ERT) is continuing to meet and assess the damage to our campuses following Hurricane Milton. We hope this message continues to find our entire campus community safe and well.
We have promising news: Power has been restored to portions of the Main Campus.
Unfortunately, due to the large amount of debris, downed power lines, and other dangers, it is still not safe to return to campus. Campus offices will continue to remain closed to faculty and staff through Monday, 10/14.
Students, Faculty, and Staff: Please DO NOT return to campus at this time. Only staff designated as Essential Personnel should be present on campus at this time.
Academic Continuity Update:
Academic Affairs will not plan to resume classes until Monday, October 21, 2024 at the earliest. Classes will remain suspended October 14-18. At this time, it is anticipated that the fall term will end as planned at the conclusion of our Hurricane Days on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Conversations about potential impact to the spring term are ongoing.
Further communications from Academic Affairs and Residence Life will be forthcoming. Please continue to monitor your emails.
Facilities, IT, Public Safety, and Residence Life have been working diligently to secure and test power and IT services to the Main Campus. We will continue to meet and update the campus community as the situation evolves. ERT will next meet at 5:30 pm tonight (10/12).
We understand that many local faculty and staff are still without power and internet access. We also know that we need to allow sufficient time for students and employees to return to campus once it is safe to do so.
Airport information:
Sarasota-Bradenton International (closed until Weds, Oct 16 at 9 am)
Tampa International (open and operational)
St. Pete-Clearwater International (reopening Sat, Oct 12 at 4:30 am)
Further local resources can be found on the Sarasota County and Manatee County websites.
For more information about Hurricane Milton and the tropics, visit the National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Please report any emergencies to Public Safety at 941-359-7500 (ext. 7500 from a campus phone) or call 911.
UPDATE: 6:00 pm 10/11
The Ringling College Emergency Response Team (ERT) is continuing to meet and assess the damage to our campuses following Hurricane Milton. We hope this message continues to find our entire campus community safe and well.
Due to the lack of power on our Main Campus and widespread power outages throughout the region (and unknown timeline of restoration), we cannot reopen the institution for students, faculty, or staff at this time. Please DO NOT make plans to return to campus until we communicate it is safe to do so.
Once power is restored, we feel confident the College can reopen within 48 hours following full restoration. We are monitoring the situation very closely and will inform the campus community as soon as we know power has been restored. FPL announced their estimate of 95% restoration for Manatee and Sarasota counties by Thursday, October 17.
The College offices will remain closed to all staff through Monday, 10/14. We will continue to assess the situation and provide updates.
Additional information about classes and academic continuity will be forthcoming. Once again, please do not plan or book any return travel until we have confirmed it is safe to do so.
**Family Weekend
Given the circumstances, we have made the decision to cancel our planned Family Weekend, which was scheduled for October 18-20, 2024. We hope to reschedule for a new date in the spring semester.
Following further assessments today, here is an update on campus conditions:
Ringling College Main Campus
- The College offices will remain closed to all staff through Monday, 10/14
- Power remains out at most campus buildings and student residences
- Debris cleanup is underway; the primary goal is to clear the roads, parking lots, and pedestrian pathways
- Building assessments are completed; repairs are beginning as contractors and materials are available
Sarasota Art Museum and the Museum Campus
- The Museum Campus will remain closed to staff and the public through Sunday, 10/13
- Power has been restored
- Grounds cleanup has started
- Tree removal will take several days
Englewood Art Center
- Power has been restored, however there is an issue. FPL has been notified and an electrician has been contacted to check.
- Fencing needs to be replaced
- No known building damage
We understand that many local faculty and staff are still without power and internet access. We also know that we need to allow sufficient time for students and employees to return to campus once it is safe to do so.
This situation for Ringling College is unprecedented. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we continue to make the best decisions possible, given the current circumstances.
Airport information:
Sarasota-Bradenton International (closed until Weds, Oct 16 at 9 am)
Tampa International (open and operational)
St. Pete-Clearwater International (reopening Sat, Oct 12 at 4:30 pm)
Further local resources can be found on the Sarasota County and Manatee County websites.
For more information about Hurricane Milton and the tropics, visit the National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Please report any emergencies to Public Safety at 941-359-7500 (ext. 7500 from a campus phone) or call 911.
Update 6:00 pm 10/10
The Ringling College Emergency Response Team (ERT) is continuing to meet and assess the damage to our campuses following Hurricane Milton. We hope this message finds our entire campus community safe and well.
We are grateful to report that damage to the Main Campus, Museum Campus, and Englewood Art Center was serious in areas but not devastating.
However, due to debris on the roads, campuses, and full power outages, please DO NOT make plans to return to campus until we communicate it is safe to do so.
Our current plan for returning / reopening is entirely dependent on when power can be restored to the Main Campus and the majority of the debris has been cleared.
We will continue to meet and provide updates for the campus community.
Here are the current campus conditions:
Ringling College Main Campus:
- No power anywhere on the main campus
- Most campus residences are habitable once power has been restored, we will follow-up with further updates
- No major damage from storm surge/flooding
- Lots of debris, cleanup scheduled to start tomorrow
IT Services:
- No visible water damage in the Data Center
Sarasota Art Museum and the Museum Campus:
- The Museum Campus currently has power
- Trees and debris down
- Minor water damage sustained
- The Museum Campus will remain closed through Saturday, with plans to reopen to staff and the public on Sunday, 10/13
Englewood Art Center:
- No major structural or water damage
- Still confirming status of power
- World Central Kitchen will be distributing meals for those in need in the EAC parking lot
We understand that many of you, especially local faculty and staff, have experienced major damage to your homes and properties, from both Helene and now Milton. Please reach out to your supervisors and colleagues and let us know how we can help you.
We also understand that many students, faculty, and staff evacuated both in- and out-of-state and that it will take you time to get back to Sarasota. Please keep an eye on airport reopenings.
Airport information:
Sarasota-Bradenton International (closed through Friday, 10/11)
Tampa International (reopen 8 am Friday, 10/11)
St. Pete-Clearwater International (closed through Thursday, 10/10-check for updates)
Emergency response teams have been going into the barrier island communities to assess conditions. Until that is complete, no access will be allowed to Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, St. Armands, and Bird Key.
Further local resources can be found on the Sarasota County and Manatee County websites.
For more information about Hurricane Milton and the tropics, visit the National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Please report any emergencies to Public Safety at 941-359-7500 (ext. 7500 from a campus phone) or call 911.
Update: 5:00 pm 10/8
The Ringling College Emergency Response Team (ERT) continues to monitor the development of Hurricane Milton.
Although Milton is still expected to weaken before making landfall, it is likely to be a very strong Category 3 or 4 storm on track to hit the Gulf Coast in the early hours of Thursday morning (10/10).
The College campuses have been fully evacuated and the entire campus is under evacuation orders. The nearest evacuation shelter is Booker High School located at 3201 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota. No students were taken to local shelters. Residences, facilities, IT and campus services have finalized preparations in advance of the storm’s arrival.
The ERT will continue to meet throughout the storm event as long as services are available.
Please do not expect any campus messaging during the main storm event tomorrow through Thursday morning. Pending available power, services, and Wi-Fi following the storm, we will do our best to send communications as early as possible on Thursday.
Please do not make any plans to return to campus until we communicate it is safe to do so.
Thank you to our entire campus community for your cooperation, swift evacuations, and help with storm prep. Please stay safe and check in on each other.
For more information about Hurricane Milton, visit the National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Further local resources can be found on the Sarasota County and Manatee County websites.
Additional resources:
2024 SARASOTA COUNTY HURRICANE EVACUATION ZONE
2024 SARASOTA COUNTY FLOOD ZONES
Airport information:
Sarasota-Bradenton International
St. Pete-Clearwater International
Please report any emergencies to Public Safety at 941-359-7500 (ext. 7500 from a campus phone) or call 911.
Update 10:00 am 10/8
Continuing to monitor Hurricane Milton
The Ringling College Emergency Response Team (ERT) continues to monitor the development of Hurricane Milton.
Although Milton is expected to weaken before making landfall, it is still likely to be a very strong Category 3 or 4 storm on track to hit the Gulf Coast late Wednesday into Thursday.
The College campuses have been fully evacuated and the entire campus is under evacuation orders. The nearest evacuation shelter is Booker High School located at 3201 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota. No students were taken to local shelters. Residences, facilities, IT and campus services are finalizing preparations in advance of the storm’s arrival.
The ERT will continue to meet throughout the storm event as long as services are available. We will update the campus community later today after the 5:30 pm meeting.
Please do not expect any campus messaging during the main storm event on Wednesday. Pending available power, services, and Wi-Fi following the storm, we will do our best to send communications as early as possible on Thursday.
Thank you to our entire campus community for your cooperation, swift evacuations, and help with storm prep. Please stay safe and check in on each other.
For more information about Hurricane Milton, visit the National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Further local resources can be found on the Sarasota County and Manatee County websites.
Additional resources:
2024 SARASOTA COUNTY HURRICANE EVACUATION ZONE
2024 SARASOTA COUNTY FLOOD ZONES
Airport information:
Sarasota-Bradenton International
St. Pete-Clearwater International
Please report any emergencies to Public Safety at 941-359-7500 (ext. 7500 from a campus phone) or call 911.
Update: 6:10 pm 10/7
The Ringling College Emergency Response Team (ERT) continues to monitor the development of Hurricane Milton, which strengthened to a Category 5 storm this afternoon.
Although Milton is expected to weaken before making landfall, it is still likely to be a very strong Category 3 or 4 storm on track to hit the Gulf Coast mid-week. Portions of the campus are now under a mandatory evacuation order.
The ERT will continue to meet throughout the storm event as long as services are available. We will provide another update to the campus community tomorrow.
To confirm, students are required to enact their hurricane plans and evacuate campus by 10 am TOMORROW morning (Tuesday, 10/8). Beginning at 10 am tomorrow, College personnel will be checking all residential spaces and ID card access will be turned off at this time.
Students should plan to take with them all necessary technology and equipment when they evacuate, in the event that classes need to switch temporarily to an online delivery.
Please closely monitor all surrounding airport closures, as they will be closing tomorrow and canceling flights. Sarasota-Bradenton International; Tampa International; St. Pete-Clearwater International
Any students remaining on campus who do not have a current evacuation plan will be taken to a local shelter via shuttle. The shuttle will leave from the Goldstein Hall lobby at 9:30 am TOMORROW morning (Tuesday, 10/8).
Students: please remember that the following virtual resources will still be available while campus is closed.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text “988” 24/7 to immediately connect with support or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor 24/7.
All enrolled students have access to TELUS. The Student Support Program provides immediate and confidential counseling support 24/7/365 in your preferred language. Access immediate support and initiate ongoing support with an Advisor via text, chat or phone call. Please see the attachments for further access details.
Please email counseling@ringling.edu with any questions.
Ringling College’s campuses and offices are now closed through Friday, 10/11. We will plan to announce all reopening plans pending campus assessments for safety and damage after the storm.
In advance of the weather conditions worsening, the following weather precautions are recommended:
- Stay indoors during the peak of the severe weather
- If you are walking, remain vigilant of falling/flying debris and flooding
- Make any necessary trips off campus prior to the storm’s arrival
- When driving, be mindful of ponding water on the roadway and road edges
- Ensure cell phones and laptops are fully charged
- Download a weather app such as AccuWeather, Windy, or MyRadar for updates
- Avoid any downed power lines or broken tree limbs
We will continue to monitor the situation and notify members of our College community. We encourage you to share these updates with concerned families and friends.
Please continue to monitor your emails for updated messaging.
For more information about Hurricane Milton, visit the National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Further local resources can be found on the Sarasota County and Manatee County websites.
Additional resources:
2024 SARASOTA COUNTY HURRICANE EVACUATION ZONE
2024 SARASOTA COUNTY FLOOD ZONES
Please Report any emergencies to Public Safety at 941-359-7500 (ext. 7500 from a campus phone) or call 911.
Update 10:46 am 10/7
The Ringling College Emergency Response Team (ERT) continues to monitor the development of Hurricane Milton, which has strengthened to a Category 4 storm.
Milton is expected to continue to intensify as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to make landfall somewhere near Florida’s central Gulf Coast on Wednesday evening as a Category 3 or 4 storm.
The ERT will continue to meet throughout the storm event as long as services are available. We will continue to update the campus community during this time.
To confirm, students are required to enact their hurricane plans and evacuate campus by 10 am Tuesday morning (10/8). Beginning at 10 am Tuesday, College personnel will be checking all residential spaces and ID card access will be turned off at this time.
Students should plan to take with them all necessary technology and equipment when they evacuate, in the event that classes need to switch temporarily to an online delivery.
Any students remaining on campus who do not have a current evacuation plan will be taken to a local shelter via shuttle. The shuttle will leave from the Goldstein Hall lobby at 9:30 am on Tuesday (10/8) morning.
For students who need to pick up prescription medication, Medical Services will be available until noon TODAY (Monday, 10/7). After that point, medications can be accessed through Walgreens at 1921 Waldemere Street, 941-955-6012 (directions on how to transfer prescriptions are attached if you need to pick them up in another location).
Faculty and staff are expected to report to work TODAY (Monday, 10/7), to ensure workstations/office spaces are prepped and files are backed up. Please take laptops and chargers with you. Offices will be closed by noon today through Friday.
In advance of the weather conditions worsening, the following weather precautions are recommended:
- Stay indoors during the peak of the severe weather
- If you are walking, remain vigilant of falling/flying debris and flooding
- Make any necessary trips off campus prior to the storm’s arrival
- When driving, be mindful of ponding water on the roadway and road edges
- Ensure cell phones and laptops are fully charged
- Download a weather app such as AccuWeather, Windy, or MyRadar for updates
- Avoid any downed power lines or broken tree limbs
All residential students should make the following preparations to their residences before evacuating campus:
- Close and secure all windows and doors
- Secure all outdoor furniture by bringing it indoors, if possible
- Secure all trash containers (houses have chains installed to secure the outdoor trash containers)
- Move as much furniture and equipment off of the floor as possible for first floor residences
- For students with spaces in Studios North and Glen, raise everything off of the floor to countertop height
We will continue to monitor the situation and notify members of our College community. We encourage you to share these updates with concerned families and friends.
Please continue to monitor your emails for updated messaging.
For more information about Hurricane Milton, visit the National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Further local resources can be found on the Sarasota County and Manatee County websites.
Additional resources:
2024 SARASOTA COUNTY HURRICANE EVACUATION ZONE
2024 SARASOTA COUNTY FLOOD ZONES
Please Report any emergencies to Public Safety at 941-359-7500 (ext. 7500 from a campus phone) or call 911.
Update: 6:12 pm 10/6
The Ringling College Emergency Response Team (ERT) continues to monitor the development of Hurricane Milton, which was upgraded to hurricane status this afternoon.
Milton is expected to continue to intensify as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters are expecting it to become a major hurricane as it approaches Florida’s coast by the middle of the week.
To confirm, students are required to enact their hurricane plans and evacuate campus by 10 am Tuesday morning (10/8). Beginning at 10 am Tuesday, College personnel will be checking all residential spaces and ID card access will be turned off at this time.
Students should plan to take with them all necessary technology and equipment when they evacuate, in the event that classes need to switch temporarily to an online delivery.
Any students remaining on campus who do not have a current evacuation plan will be taken to a local shelter via shuttle. The shuttle will leave from the Goldstein Hall lobby at 9:30 am on Tuesday (10/8) morning.
For students who need to pick up prescription medication, Medical Services will be available until noon on Monday (10/7). After that point, medications can be accessed through Walgreens at 1921 Waldemere Street, 941-955-6012 (directions on how to transfer prescriptions are attached if you need to pick them up in another location).
Faculty and staff are expected to report to work tomorrow morning (Monday, 10/7), to ensure workstations/office spaces are prepped and files are backed up. Please take laptops and chargers with you. Offices will be closed by noon tomorrow through Friday.
In advance of the weather conditions worsening, the following weather precautions are recommended:
- Stay indoors during the peak of the severe weather
- If you are walking, remain vigilant of falling/flying debris and flooding
- Make any necessary trips off campus prior to the storm’s arrival
- When driving, be mindful of ponding water on the roadway and road edges
- Ensure cell phone and laptops are fully charged
- Download a weather app such as AccuWeather, Windy, or MyRadar for updates
- Avoid any downed power lines or broken tree limbs
All residential students should make the following preparations to their residences before evacuating campus:
- Close and secure all windows and doors
- Secure all outdoor furniture by bringing it indoors, if possible
- Secure all trash containers (houses have chains installed to secure the outdoor trash containers)
- Move as much furniture and equipment off of the floor as possible for first floor residences
- For students with spaces in Studios North and Glen, raise everything off of the floor to countertop height
We will continue to monitor the situation and notify members of our College community. We encourage you to share these updates with concerned families and friends.
Please continue to monitor your emails for updated messaging.
For more information about Hurricane Milton, visit the National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Further local resources can be found on the Sarasota County and Manatee County websites.
Please Report any emergencies to Public Safety at 941-359-7500 (ext. 7500 from a campus phone) or call 911.
Update 11:06AM 10/6
The Ringling College Emergency Response Team (ERT) continues to monitor the development of Tropical Storm Milton.
Milton is forecast to rapidly strengthen as it moves eastward to northeastward across the Gulf of Mexico and become a major hurricane before making landfall. Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches will likely be in effect later today.
As the storm approaches, we encourage everyone to make decisions based on their own safety, and we further encourage you to establish a line of communication with colleagues for after-storm support, where needed.
Out of an abundance of caution, the College has made the following decisions:
Classes will be canceled Monday (10/7), Tuesday, (10/8), Wednesday (10/9), Thursday (10/10), and Friday (10/11). Students are required to enact their hurricane plans and evacuate campus no later than 10 am on Tuesday morning.
Students should plan to return to campus for their Monday (10/14) classes to resume as normal, pending an assessment to campus facilities following the storm.
Students should plan to take with them all necessary technology and equipment when they evacuate, in the event that classes need to switch temporarily to an online delivery.
Cunniffe Commons and The Market will be closed after dinner service on Monday (10/7). To-go options for Tuesday breakfast will be available to take away on Monday evening. Brickman Cafe will be closed Monday-Friday (10/7-10/11). Please continue to monitor your emails for updates about housing and dining reopening pending campus assessments.
The College’s Main Campus offices will be closed from noon on Monday (10/7) through Friday (10/11) for all faculty and staff. Please plan to raise as many items as possible off of the floor to countertop level, including computers. Further instructions for workstations will be forthcoming from IT. We plan to reopen offices on Monday (10/14) pending campus assessments for safety and damage.
For all Essential Personnel: Essential Personnel may be required to report to or remain at work if directed to do so by a supervisor or other College official in order to (1) ensure the continuation of critical College operations; (2) attend to the needs of students and other members of the College community; and (3) protect the College’s assets.
Essential Personnel who are activated during a suspension of normal operations will vary depending upon the circumstances, nature, and severity of the event. Supervisors will determine and communicate which functions are essential and if any Essential Personnel will be excused from reporting to work. Depending upon the nature of the event, Essential Personnel may be called to return to campus earlier than non-essential staff.
It is also the responsibility of all Essential Personnel to monitor official Ringling College communications related to an emergency and to respond as appropriate.
The Sarasota Art Museum and Museum Campus will be closed from noon on Monday (10/7) for all staff and the public through Friday (10/11). We will plan to reopen the Museum Campus on Saturday (10/12) pending campus assessments for safety and damage.
The Englewood Art Center will be closed Tuesday (10/8) through Friday (10/11). We will plan to reopen the EAC on Saturday (10/12) pending assessments for safety and damage.
We anticipate completing campus safety assessments by Friday afternoon and will communicate plans for reopening as soon as those assessments are complete.
In advance of the weather conditions worsening, the following weather precautions are recommended:
- Stay indoors during the peak of the severe weather
- If you are walking, remain vigilant of falling/flying debris and flooding
- Make any necessary trips off campus prior to the storm’s arrival
- When driving, be mindful of ponding water on the roadway and road edges
- Ensure cell phone and laptops are fully charged
- Download a weather app such as AccuWeather, Windy, or MyRadar for updates
- Avoid any downed power lines or broken tree limbs
All residential students should make the following preparations to their residences before evacuating campus:
- Close and secure all windows and doors
- Secure all outdoor furniture by bringing it indoors, if possible
- Secure all trash containers (houses have chains installed to secure the outdoor trash containers)
- Please move as much furniture and equipment off of the floor as possible for first floor residences
- For students with spaces in Studios North and Glen, please ensure you raise everything off of the floor to counter height
We will continue to monitor the situation and notify members of our College community. We encourage you to share these updates with concerned families and friends.
Please continue to monitor your emails and ringling.edu for updated messaging.
For more information about Tropical Storm Milton, visit the National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Please Report any emergencies to Public Safety at 941-359-7500 (ext. 7500 from a campus phone) or call 911.
Update 4:31pm 10/5
The Ringling College Emergency Response Team (ERT) continues to monitor the development of Tropical Storm Milton, which formed quickly over the Gulf of Mexico today.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm is expected to “quickly intensify while it moves eastward to northeastward across the Gulf of Mexico and be at or near major hurricane strength when it reaches the west coast of the Florida Peninsula mid week.”
As of Saturday afternoon, it is expected to make landfall in Florida as at least a Category 2 hurricane. Hurricane watches, as well as storm surge watches, will likely be issued for portions of the Florida coast by Sunday.
Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our area is likely to be more susceptible to severe flooding. Faculty and staff should take the necessary precautions this weekend in order to prepare as best you can. Further local resources can be found on the Sarasota County and Manatee County websites.
Students should review their hurricane evacuation plans in the event the campus needs to close this coming week. Most hotel reservations can be made in advance and canceled if not needed. If the storm continues on its current trajectory, it is possible classes could be canceled next week as early as Tuesday. Presently, we are planning for Monday classes to meet as usual.
We will have more information tomorrow morning following the ERT meeting that will review the National Hurricane Center’s 8 am update, and will update the campus community accordingly.
Please monitor your emails for the most recent updates. Messaging will also be posted on the Ringling College homepage (www.ringling.edu) and the Ringling College Alerts page (www.ringling.edu/alert).
For more information about Tropical Storm Milton, visit the National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Please Report any emergencies to Public Safety at 941-359-7500 (ext. 7500 from a campus phone) or call 911.
Update 10:52am
The Ringling College Emergency Response Team (ERT) is currently monitoring the developing tropical disturbance as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend.
This system is predicted to bring heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding to our area beginning on Sunday (10/6) and continuing through Thursday (10/10). The area predicted to be most affected is along the I-4 corridor, in Central and South Florida.
Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our area is likely to be more susceptible to severe flooding. Please take the necessary precautions this weekend in order to prepare as best you can. Further local resources can be found on the Sarasota County and Manatee County websites.
We will continue to monitor the situation and if the storm’s trajectory changes in a way that might impact our campus, we will notify members of our College community. We encourage you to share these updates with concerned families and friends.
Please monitor your emails for updated messaging and consider preparations you should make in the event the storm strengthens.
For more information, visit the National Hurricane Center National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Please Report any emergencies to Public Safety at 941-359-7500 (ext. 7500 from a campus phone) or call 911.